DJ's MOVEMBER

Hi Again,
Well here is an update of the Mo! Thanks to those who have donated so far.
To donate to my Mo you can either:
Click this link
Hi Again,
Well here is an update of the Mo! Thanks to those who have donated so far.
To donate to my Mo you can either:
Click this link https://www.movember.com/au/donate/donate-details.php?action=sponsorlink&rego=2030136&country=au and donate online using your credit card or PayPal account, or
Write a cheque payable to ‘Movember Foundation', referencing my Registration Number 2030136 and mailing it to:
Movember Foundation PO Box 292 Prahran VIC 3181
Remember, all donations over $2 are tax deductible.
and donate online using your credit card or PayPal account, or
Write a cheque payable to ‘Movember Foundation', referencing my Registration Number 2030136 and mailing it to: Movember Foundation. PO Box 292, Prahran. VIC. 3181.
Remember, all donations over $2 are tax deductible.

COLDSTREAM CUP vICTORIA

Thanks to Judi once again for her coverage of the Vic tournaments for us. This past weekend saw the Coldstream Cup B Grade played between , Lavazza 2 goals, Hexham 3 goals, AYC 5 goals, Mt Elephant 5 goals, Simpsons Confectionery 3 goals and Coramba Downs 5 goals. The weather closed in and the Sunday Final between AYC and Coramba Downs was abandoned. However today, Wednesday, at 6.30pm the final was played with a strongish wind (not an icy southerly) under a slightly threatening heavy sky with glorious silver lining on the clouds from the setting sun. Coramba Downs: 5 goals, Beau Karolos, Craig Taylor, Lanto Sheridan and Corin Gibbs( patron) AYV: 5 goals Inge Burke, Eric Asker, Sam Gairdner and Arthur Yencken (patron). The game was a bit "push me pull you" to begin with but settled to a really tight contest over the 4 chukkas. Ch.1 The No 3 for Coramba Downs scored a field goal and the No 4 scored from a penalty. The chukka ended 2-0 to CD. Ch2 Inge Burke scored a field goal for AYC and then not to be out done by the lady Arthur Yencken scored to tie the game at the end of the 2nd at 2 all. Ch3, Sam Gairdner scored for AYC and the CD No4 scored off a penalty. 3 all.
The spectacular shot of the match saw Sam Gairdner of AYC stopping a penalty to CD by reaching high overhead, only to be shot down when it went over the backline and a 'force' awarded to CD, however the next penalty shot from their No4 was stopped. Ch4, AYC scored from a field shot by Sam Gairdner bringing the scores level at 4 all. In the last 30 seconds a penalty was awarded by umpire Will Gilmore to AYC but they could not score and the game ended a 4 all draw..

GARANGULA

I am still waiting for the Garangula stort but i can let you know that Ellerston defeated Garangula in the final.

GARANGULA TOURNAMENT

I am sorry that it has taken so long to get any Garangula news up but i was unable to get anyone to send the draw or results. Thanks to Steph for forwarding them to me and giving me the results from DJ. There are 5 twelve goal teams competing. Here they are. ELLERSTON: Richard Curran -2, James Harper 6, Sam Hopkinson 6 and Jeff Fisher 2. GARANGULA: James Shepherd 0, Ed Hitchman 4, Simon Keyte 7 and Guy Schwarzenbach 1. PITCHFORK: Tim Clarke 1,Greg Keyte 6, Jack Archibald 1 and Jared McHardy 4. The team that was previously HALKEAS James Burkett ?. Dirk Gould 4, Damien Johnston 6 and Michael King 2. GOULBURN: Stirling McGregor 3, Sinclair Bell 1, Simon Walker 4 and Gil McLachlan 4. The results so far after 3 days play are on Friday: Garangula defeated Pitchfork. Ellerston defeated Goulbourn. Sunday: Garangula defeated Halkeas. Pitchfork defeated Goulbourn. Monday: Ellerston defeated Garangula. Pitchfork defeated Halkeas. The draw from here on is Wednesday 19th Field 2 1.00 pm Garangula V Goulburn. 3.00 pm Ellerston V Halkeas. Friday 21 Field 1 1.00 pm Pitchfork V Ellerston. 3.00 pm Garangula V Halkeas Saturday 22 Field 1 Runner-Up Final for 3rd, 4th & 5th 1.00 pm F I N A L 3.00 pm. For those who are thinking of going to watch the polo please note that the final is on Saturday and not Sunday.

GET BEHIND MOBEMBER. DONATE

Hey Everyone, Damien Johnston has decided to grow a Mo for Movember! Can't say am that pleased but hey it is for a good cause. I have attached a recent photo and will get another one in a couple of weeks. If you could get on board and donate a little to the cause that would be great.
To donate to my Mo you can either:Click this link ]https://www.movember.com/au/donate/donate-details.php?action=sponsorlink&rego=2030136&country=au and donate online using your credit card or PayPal account, or Write a cheque payable to ‘Movember Foundation', referencing my Registration Number 2030136 and mailing it to: Movember Foundation, PO Box 292, Prahran VIC 318. Remember, all donations over $2 are tax deductible.The money raised by Movember is used to raise awareness of men's health issues and donated to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and beyondblue - the national depression initiative. The PCFA and beyondblue will use the funds to fund research and increase support networks for those men who suffer from prostate cancer and depression. Did you know: Depression affects 1 in 6 men....most don't seek help. Untreated depression is a leading risk factor for suicide. Last year in Australia 18,700 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer and more than 2,900 died of prostate cancer - equivalent to the number of women who will die from breast cancer annually. Thanks Steph and DJ

MILLAMOLONG

The Millamolong Polo Club will hold their tournament this weekend the 15th and 16th of November. There will be 8 teams playing in the low goal carnival and a specialhe Twilight Game between Australasia & The Rest of the World will commence at 5pm Saturday evening. Following will be a BBQ and drinks – all are welcome. The team representing Australasia will be: J Archibald, K Johnson, S Keyte and D Johnston. The team representing The Rest of the World will be: G Lee (Peru), "Drew" (India), James Harper (England) and Sam Hopkinson (New Zealand).

AUSTRALIAN HANDICAP CHANGES

Please click on the blog title to go to the document with the latest APC handicaps. Some of the upward changes are Andrew Williams 4 to 5. Ric McCarthy 3 to 4. Ed Archibald, Adam Buchert, Neil Craig and Sam Hunt from 2 to 3. Jack Archibald and Marty Ingham 1 to 2. Zac Haggadorn 0 to 1 and Sadie Michelle -1 to 0. The downward moves were Earl Herbert and Hamish McGregor 4 to 3. Ed Mathies 2 to 1.

PICTURES FROM MELBOURNE CUP

Stella Artois Melbourne Cup Winners. Sandalford. Peter Prendiville, Glen Gilmore, Tex Webster and Ollie Cudmore. Thanks to Judi Weate for taking these photos and allowing us to use them.

Winner of the Garry White Best Playing Pony. Salabre owned by The Fitz-Henry's and played by Glen Gilmore.

The Garry White Champion String of Ponies played by Glen Gilmore.

Runners Up for the Stella Artois Melbourne Cup. Garangula. Simon Keyte. Ed Hitchman, Ed Mathies and Jack Archibald.

AMERICAN HANDICAPS

This report is from the Polo Times news letter.
Gonzalito goes under the spotlight in the US.

There were a number of handicap changes made during the annual handicap meeting in Aiken, South Carolina, recently, but none more controversial than that affecting Gonzalito Pieres. Rated at the ultimate 10 goals in both Argentina and the UK, Gonzalito remained at nine goals after the spring handicap meeting held after the Florida high-goal season this spring. However, Gonzalito's ensuing trip to Santa Barbara with the Audi team encouraged USPA officials, once again, to give closer scrutiny to his handicap, after his side swept all before them, winning three major 20-goal tournaments on the West Coast. In the initial handicap vote, according to one insider, the handicap committee voted 11 to 4 to move the talented Argentine to the 10-goal rating once held by his father and currently held by his brother, Facundo. However, the change would have killed off the winter Audi entry, in which Gonzalito plays alongside one-goaler Marc Ganzi and his brothers, Nicholas (6) and Facundo (10). Another vote was taken a few days later and his nine-goal rating was upheld. Hence, the Pieres brothers will be allowed to compete with Audi for the 2009 Florida winter season.
Another regular Audi team member also saw his handicap change: Joseph Stuart went up from three to four goals. Fred Mannix Jr went down from seven to six goals, Jason Crowder and Mariano Uranga both went from six goals to five.
Indicative of renewed interest in arena polo, Shane Rice had his arena handicap raised from six to eight goals and Jason Crowder's arena rating went from six to seven goals.

FINAL OF STELLA ARTOIS MELBOURNE CUP

The final sunday was a glorious sunny day, everything perfect for the Stella Artois Melbourne Cup Polo Final. Marquees large and small were brimming with happy people, looking forward to a great game, good food and wine and they were not disappointed. The subsidiary final for the Sofitel Cup was between Turtle Island v West Side Umpires Greg Keyte and Corrin Gibbs. Chukka 1. This was an open and running chukka with both teams scoring all their goals from the field. The nd score was 3-2 Turtle Island. Chukka 2. A penalty, on the Shadowfax side, was taken by the No2 Turtle Island but it went wide. They got another penalty just after that and it was saved in goal by Westside. They then went on the attack and scored of the mallet of Hoppy at the mansion end. 3 all. Turtle Island replied straight away to be 4-3. Hoppy then took the ball from the throw in and scored before the bell. 4 all. Chukka 3. Simon Walker scored for Turtle Island and Stirling took control and scored also. 6-4 TI. With 24 secs left in the chukka Sam Hopkinson hit a very high shot at goal but it missed. Still 6-4 TI. Chukka 4. Play very messy across goal with all players attacking and defending but Hoppy got stick to ball and scored. 6-5 TI. The teams were very fired up at this point and a penalty 2 went Turtle Island way but was wide. They attacked the goal 3 more times with no joy. They opened the play up with long fast galloping end to end and across goals polo but Sam Hopkinson always seems to be there to deny Turtle Island the goals. Still they attacked and had 2 more goals blocked but went went through. 7-5 TI. Chukka 5. Hoppy came out and scored a quick goal. 7-6 TI. Turtle Island replied just as quickly, then scored a penalty and Stirling also scored from the field to take Turtle Islands lead to 10-6 at chukkas end. Chukka 6. West side scored through James Harper from the field, Hoppy off a penalty and then Harper off a penalty. They had draw closer. 10-9TI. The ball was thrown in on Shadowfax side and it was all a bit frantic untill a 60yd penalty was awarded to Turtle Island. Gillon took the hit and after the 3rd one ho scored the goal. 11-9 TI. Back at the line up at centre field there appeared to be some discussion going on regarding the third hit in the sequence and whether it was a full swing or not. The final bell went and the Sofitel Cup had been won by Turtle Island 11-9 over Westside. The Final was on next between Sandalford v Garangula Chukka 1. The first chukka saw a very fast end to end chukka with the teams sorting each other out. Gilmore scored for Sandalford, Ed and Simon for Garangula and Glen again for sandalford to end the chukka at 2 all. Chukka 2. A penalty resulted in a goal for Garangula and then a field goal from the throw in. 4-2 G. Some fine stick work in a melee by Ed Hitchman saw the ball saved by Sandalford and run the lenght of the field to score the goal by their Ollie Cudmore. 4-3 G. Chukka 3. A huge hit from Tex Webster in first minute resulted in a goal for sandalford to tie the scores at 4 all. There were a lot of penalties awarded and pony changes laking place but the score did not change. 4 all at half time. At divot stomping time there was a "run for the goody bags" in the middle of the field with young healthy people charging madly from all sides. Chukka 4. Simon Keyte scored first for Garangula and immediately an equalizer from Glen Gilmore. Another goal to Simon Keyte and that ended the 4th 6-5 G. Chukka 5. Glen Gilmore was the scorer off a penalty then a hit by Simon Keyte from a penalty kept the 1 goal buffer between the teams. A long fast run the full length of the field by Jack Archibald for Garangula after the first bell gave them a 2 goal lead 8-6at the start of the 6th. Chukka 6. An early whistle in favour of Garangula but Ed Mathies took an 'air swing' then the Sandalford No4 ran the ball to goal and was successful. 8-7 G. Glen was riding Salabre in this chukka and scored twice on her to put Sandalford in front and win the match 9 goals to 8. Everyone agreed it was terrific polo to watch. Both Sandalford and Garangula played fast skillful polo with team work of the highest order. After six full chukkas it came down to the wire, and Jack Archibald was very unlucky right in the goal mouth when his shot just scooted across and narrowly missed scoring just before the bell to tie the game and go into extra time. The Sella Artois Melbourne Cup Trophy for 2008 was presented to the winning team Sandalford and The Gary White Award for the BPP and The Gary White Award for the Best String of Ponies was made by Peter White, the brother of Gary White, who passed away last September. He was a wonderful patron and player here in Victoria and he had won the cup in 1991. It was an emotional moment for everyone. "Salabre" who is owned by Robyn Fitz-Henry and played by Glen Gilmore was Best Playing Pony and Glen also won the Best String of Ponies . He gave the crowd an interesting insight into the history of his involvement with each one of his horses. To top it all off Glen received the MVP award. Not a bad day at the office!!!!! Peter Prendiville, in accepting the trophy, congratulated the VPC on the organisation of the tournament, the spirit in which it was played and thanked his 'whole team' which included everyone helping Sandalford to victory. We would all love to see them come back next season to defend the title .

STELLA ARTOIS MELBOURNE CUP

To days games were played at Eynesbury Polo Club Field 2. There we were in the midst of one of Victoria's most significant Grey Box forests and GREY it was!! A gale was blowing towards the road end and at one stage the goal post blew down and the bucket and balls were off to "'Tassie". By the second match the poor bedraggled goal umpires, timekeeper and scorer were blitzed. Absolutely horrible conditions. Nevertheless it was "press on to the fort" for all concerned. Sandalford v West Side Once again i only arrived in the 3 chukka and the score was Sandalford 3 Westside 4 so here we go. Chukka 4. At the 1.12 mark Glen Glimore set up his No 2 for a Sandalford goal to make it 4 all. Neil Craig rescued the ball out of a 'squabbling pack' and ran to goal, and hit it through to take Westside to the lead again 5-4. Glen Gilmore had his hands full keeping Sam Hopkinson off the ball and finally ran away but without sufficient team back up. as a result Westside scored again to end the chukka 6-4. Chukka 5. Sandalford only took 34 seconds to pull one goal back scored by Glen into the wind. 6-5 WS and then Glen defended a penalty from Hoppy. Sandalford were awarded a penalty and Glen hit another wonderful shot into the gale to score. 6 all. Another penalty to Sandalford from the corner was hit by Glen to Tex and then Ollie gathered it from the melee to score. 7-6 S. Westside scored again to end the 5th at 7 all. Chukka 6. It rook half a chukka of to and froing before Westside before Hoppy put all his mihht behind a penalty shot to hit it through. 8-7 WS. Then 30 seconds later a 30yd penalty to Sandalford and tied again 8 all.
Glen then met a Westside player head on and stole the ball. He and Neil battled all the way down the field before the pass to Tex was put through the posts to see Sandalford defeat Westside 9-8. Garangula v Turtle Island Umpires Glen Gilmore Tex Webster 3rd Man Sam Baillieu. Chukka 1. For the first 3 minutes the two teams were up and down the field several times. At the 3.26 mark a penalty went in favour of Garangula taken by Simon Keyte, He hit it up to his No4 and score. 1-0 G. There was an imediate score to Turtle Islands Stirling. 1 all Then again Turtle Island scored through Simon Walker. 2-1 TI. Chukka 2. Penalties were awarded to either team but they both missed. Then following a long, exceptionally fast run down the field and an exhibition of smooth team work, resulted in a goal. to Garangula. 2 all. Fom the lineout Hamish took the ball and scored. 3-2 TI. Simon Keyte was awarded a penalty from half way and after a massive hit and it was picked up by his No1. Goal. 3 all. Garangula were on a roll and and another was scored by their No4. Chukka end 4-3 G. Chukka 3. There were 3 grey ponies playing this chukka No1 and 3 for Garangula and No3 Turtle Island. Garangulka were awarded a penalty 30 seconds in which was scored but Simon Keyte, 5-3 G Then Gillion scored and not to be out done by his brother Hamish also scored to tie it up at 5 all. At this stage umpire Glen Gilmore chased the MacGregor family dachsund from the field, (nearly sausagemeat!). Garangula was awarded a penalty and in the play on the attack the whistle went in favour of Turtle Island. Both the teams used the entire field in the insuing play before Garangula scored. 6-5 G. Garangula wenton to the attack in the remaining 30 seconds and Simon eventually picked up a bouncing ball and scored. 7-5 G. Chukka 4. The birds can barely stay aloft, the weather has 'spat the dummy' big time! Turtle Island were given a penalty before the time got going but they hit it wide. Garangula hit a massive hit in with the wind and Turtle Islnd stopped it on the half way and carried it to the goal but wide again. This was the way it went for TI again then in the 5th minute Garangula took a penalty from halfway and Simon opted for a worm burner to keep it out of the wind and after 4 hits it went through. 8-5 G. Chukka 5. By this time it is absolutely pelting down with rain and you can't see a thing, my car was being buffetted by wind, Filthy weather. There was plenty of running up and down the field but neither team making any scoring progress. 3 and a half minutes in Garangula penalty but it was wide. Then to running up and down was on again before the whistle for Turtle Island. The hit was taken and a great melee saw all the Turtl Island time ry to put the ball through before Gillion scored. 8-6 G. Chukka 6. Ed Hitchman came out on a fast pony and caught the opposition off guard to score. 9-6G. The play was fast and running and a penalty to Turtle Island went wide. The rain was now easing and Garangula scored again. 10-6. Garangula then had another penalty but it went wide. The final score was 10-7 to Garangula. The rather forlorn figure of Sam Baillieu was seen treading divots as we all packed up and gotr out of there as quick as we could. Oh for a bex and a lie down, (or as we say in Victoria one or two "Lunas" wouldn't go astray!).

Thanks for that Judi. I have recieved an email fron VPA sec Ali Gardnier to tell me that the finals will be between Garangula and Sandalford and the subsidiary final will between Turtle Island and Westside.

STELLA ARTOIS TEAM STANDING

TEAM WIN LOSS BYE
PITCHFORK 1 3 NOT YET
GARANGULA 2 1 YES
WESTSIDE 2 1 YES
TURTLE ISLAND 1 2 YES
SANDALFORD 2 1 YES

STELLA ARTOIS MELBOURNE CUP

Wednesday 5th November. It was a glorious summer day at Werribee, with a light northerly so we were enjoying the sun and warmth. There was a picnic atmosphere, families sitting on the grass together, the clubhouse hosting the day most generously. Really it could not have been better, everything you imagine the perfect polo day to be. Turtle Island v Sandalford (umpires Simon Keyte, Sam Gairdner). Chukka 1. 4 min 50seconds into the 1st chukka a goal towas scored by Turtle Island and then a penalty hit was taken by Glen Gilmore from the 30 yd, Goal. 1 all. Chukka2. In the 2nd min Hamish Mclachlan, for Turtle Island, scored a goal from a long run down the clubhouse side of the field. 2-1 . A quick equalizer from Glen Gilmore evened it again at 2 all. Stirling took a spectacular tumble but he and pony were ok. 2 all at the end of chukka 2. Chukka 3 started on the boards by the clubhouse from were Hamish hit a goal in the first 30 secs. Again Turtle Island scored a goal from Stirling's mallet 30 secs later. 4-2 Turtle Island. A 30yd penalty in favour of Sandalford was taken by Glen Gilmore and scored and then another goal from Glen tied it up at 4 all. Turtle Island then scored from the field and then Sandalford replied. Turtle Island had a hit from a penalty at the throw in centre field. Stirling had a fantastic run towards goal but alas the head of his mallet broke. Sandalford no 2 Tex Webster scored a masterful goal on the bell to tie the scores at 5 all. Chukka 4 commenced with a penalty centrefield taken by Turtle Island but it was picked off by Glen and a very smooth three hit run gave him the goal 6-5 Sandalford. We had a lengthy delay with the ambo attending Glen Gilmore, however he played on. This spurred on Peter Prendiville for Sandalford as he made an excellent run to the road end and scored. 7-5. Terrific team work between Stirling and Hamish gave Turtle Island the next goal. This ended the chukka 706 Sandalford. Chukka 5. At the 13 sec mark Stirling managed his 2nd 'decking' of the match. Olly Cudmore No1 Sandalford scored to take his team 8-6 up. Hamish McLachlan made a sustained run after pinching the ball from Glen and hit a goal. 8-7. Sandalford scored again by their No4. 9-7. Gillon then took a slow motion dive over the head of his nice black pony and Olly came out in sympathy, both on their feet and ok. Goal to Glen Gilmore of Sandalford after a run from an enormous strike. 10-7 Sandalford. Chukka 6. Turtle Island scored a goal from a penalty then had stopped. 10-8. Sandalford took a penalty 40yd, and Glen Gilmore on a grey pony hit a fabulous goal into the unprotected goal. 11-8. Glen scored another goal (after a 'hit and hope' in the melee, bounced off a horse and bounced back and Gen hit it again successfully). 12-8. A penalty in goal was taken by Turtle Island and Stirling scored 12-9 to end the game. We had a long delay due to the 'yips' with Pitchfork's truck!! Instead of 2pm we started at 3.50pm. I think the delay allowed everyone to relax a little as this week with polo and racing and work as well for some has been pretty full on. Pitchfork v West Side umpires Time Keyte and Ed Hitchman. Chukka 1. in the first minute a 30rd penalty already!, was taken by Greg Keyte but missed. A very fast run by Angus Karroll resulted in a goal for West Side. 1-0 Westside. Greg Keyte then scored a goal off a pass from Sam Gairdner. 1 all. Chukka 2. Neil Craig then scored agoal and then Sam Hopkinson got into the act as well. 3-1 WS. Just as the bell rang Sam Gairdner replied with a goal for Pitchfork. 3-2 WS.
Chukka 3. 2 minutes in Westside scored again through James Harper and again by Sam Hopkinson. 5-2 WS. After a few very "hairy", rush of blood, minutes the umpires declared ZERO TOLERANCE, last warning! Another penalty taken by Greg Keyte but converted this time. 5-3 WS. This opened the gate for Pitchfork and they scored 2 more unanswered goals from Sam and Greg to tie the scores 5 all. Chukka 4. A horse race ensued between Greg and James and Jame won and slotted the goal. 6-5WS. A 30yd unprotected goal penalty taken for Pitchfork by Greg Keyte, goal. 6 all. Neil then scored another goal and James too with magnificent ball control. 8-6 WS. A penalty was converted to take Westside out to a 3 goal lead at the end of the 4th 9-6. Chukka 5. Hoppy put another one through and then Grg Keyte scores for Pitchfork to take the score to 10-7 WS. Pitchfork scored 2 more before Hoppy put one through to end the chukka 11-9 WS. 35 seconds into the 6th Sam Gairdner scored for Pitchfork and a missed penalty by Greg was saved and put back thtough to be 11 all. Greg then scored a field goal and then Neil Craig replied to keep the scores even at 12 all. A penalty was awared to Pitchfork after the first bell of the last chukka and it was converted by Sam Gardiner to give his team victory over Westside 13-12.

STELLE ARTOIS DAY 3

Played on Monday 3rd at Eynesbury Polo Club No 1 Ground. For those who may not know, the fields are situated at the new town of Eynesbury, being built on the Western fringe of Melbourne, just off the M8 Western highway. Also only about 20 kms from Werribee. I arrived during the 2nd chukka of the Sandalford v Garangula match so at the start of chukka 3 the score was Garangula 5 Sandalford 4. Umpires Sam Hopkinson and Corin Gibbs. Chukka 3. Imediatly the Garangula no 4 scored to level things at 5 all. There was a stoppage for injury time after the Garangula No 1 sustained an injury but he was able to play on. The next goal was to No3 for Garangula on a lovely grey pony and betweeen the chukka bells some spectacular ball manoeuvering the lenght of the field resulted in another goal to Garangula which finished the chukka at 7-5 to Garangula. Chukka 4. Sandalford went on the defence in front of their goals and made 2 great saves but Garangula were awarded a penalty and another goal was given to Garangula. The game then opened up and was flowing and on the move. Glen Gilmore was next to score for Sandalford. Penalties were awarded to both teams but the score was not changes and at the end of the 4th it was 8-6 to Garangula. Chukka 5. Just after the start Simon Keyte scored of a pass from a long run down the field by Ed Hitcman. After a huge 'NO WAY" appeal from SK to a foul the umpires went to the 3rd man and no foul was called. The umpires almost played the national anthem to tidy up the line up as the natives were getting very restless. A penalty in Sandalfords's favour was given right in front of goal and was scored. 9-8 Garangula. Chukka 6. SimonKeyte converted a penalty from 40yds to make it 10-8. Glen Gilmore had an uncharacteristic "air shot" but was well supported by his team mates over 3 more hits and a goal resulted. 10-9. Everyone was getting VERY busy now with 3 attacks up and down the field in record time with wides the end result. A great pass along the 'mound' side of the field to Simon Keyte who took it all the way to a crowed goal mouth was eventually pu through. 11-9 Garangula. The lineout was won by Garangula and a long, solitary, easy run for Simon Keyte resulted in another goal. This was absolutely stunning to watch. The final score Garangula 12 Sandalford 9. Match 2. Pitchfork v Turtle Island. Between matches the wind became absolutely freezing, the sky black as and very threatening, but rain stayed away. Huge gusts blowing top soil from barren paddocks on the far side of the Werribee river. Really quite difficult playing conditions. Chukka 1. Pitchfork no4 scored the first goal and then at the later part of the chukka Turtle Island were awarded 2 penalties which resulted in 1 scored and 1 wide. The score 1 all. Chukka 2. This was a very difficult chukka with both teams throwing their toys out of the cot and the umpires taking quite a long time to regather them. One of Turtle Island players hit the ball after the whistle was blown and the kids lost it. After that a Turtle Island penalty into the wind was missed and Pitchfork also missed 2 attacks at goal. Greg Keyte eventually scored for Pitchfork off a 'swing and a miss' from Turtle Island. End result 2-1 to Pitchfork. Things were flowing a bit better now. A foul was blown against Pitchfork (Gillon and Greg had HEAPS to say) after a bit of appealing and gesturing. The umpire once again laid the law down. 2-1 Pitchfork. Chukka 3. Turtle Island took the hit in to start the chukka and took the ball to goal only to have the ball twice stopped dangerously in the goal mouth. Then they had some fabulous back up out of some scrappy play and eventually it was goal to Turtle island. 2 all. Chukka 4 started with a penalty in favour of Turtle Island which went wide. A Pitchfork goal from Tim Clarke after two terrific hits from a throw in with such good team work. It was wonderful stuff. 3-2 Pitchfork. A 60yd penalty taken by Turtle Islands Stirling McGregor, on a lovley, fast, black pony, was put through to level score 3 all. This was immediately followed by another penalty again taken by Stirling, back again into the wind, a home run,and Turtle Island take the lead 4-3. They went further into the lead from a long accurate shot by their no 2 allowed their No1 Hamish McLachlan on a grey pony to score right in the goal mouth. 5-3 Turtle Island. Chukka 5. 2 Goals earliy in the chukka bought the score to 5 all. Then Turtle Island scores a field goal and Pitchfork another penalty. 6 all. In the last 30 secs Stirling scored to take Turtle Island up 7-6. Chukka 6. The No3 for Turtle Island, on a nice grey pony, scored a goal in first minute. Unfortunately the pony sustained an injury to it's face and was retired from the game. Pitchfork scored again. Turtle Isand replied with a goal again from Stirling. 9-7 Turtle Island. An immediate Pitchfork reply 9-8. Play was fast and furious at this stage and at the 5min 35seconds Pitchfork's Greg Keyte took a 30yd penalty to score the goal. 9 all. Within seconds an on spot penalty taken by Greg Keyte for Pitchfork, the hit was then pinched by Turtle Island No3 and they scored the final goal. 10-9 Turtle Island.

STELLE ARTOIS MELBOURNE CUP

An overcast, but warm day, were the conditions for the 1st Sunday games of the Stella Artois Melbourne Cup Polo held on the Chirnside Ground. A good crowd in attendance. The first game was Garangula v West Side: Chukka 1. Five seconds into the game Simon Keyte was almost on the money for Garangula but unluckily the ball hit the post. The play was up and down the field at a rate of knots, Sam Hopkinson hit a massive shot for West Side but it went wide. Penalty followed penalty as the teams played great 'cat and mouse' tactics finishing with a penalty favouring Garangula. . Chukka 2. Simons Keyte's penalty shot for Garangula was wide, however followed by a successful goal, still in the first minute! West Side scored, put through by Neil Craig, from wonderful team work which included plenty of 'roaring and bellowing'. Garangula had a shot at goal by Ed Hitchman from a penalty but no joy. The teams used the whole field making it a pleasure to watch for the spectators. Chukka 3. Jack Archibald scored for Garangula immediately matched by one from the stick of Sam Hopkinson for West Side from a penalty. Following a melee or two a massive hit by Simon Keyte to half way and a fair bit of 'appealing' on a whistle, went to the 3rd man, throw in! The score at half time break was Garangula 3 West Side 4. Chukka 4. An instant goal to Garangula leveled the score. James Harper replied with a goal for West Side. The ambos were called onto the field to attend Hoppy for a wrist/hand injury. He played on and the chukka was a tad 'stop/start' not quite the flowing play as before. Each team went wide of the next two penalties but Sam Hopkinson scored for West Side. Chukka 5. There was a well timed charge by Simon Keyte but he hit the ball just wide. Everything got a bit 'tangled' resulting in a penalty in favour of West Side and a goal to Hoppy. A very fast run by West Side no 2 James Harper towards the golf course end resulted in a fantastic goal. Absolutely amazing stick work again by James Harper and another goal was added to their score. Westside ended the 5th ahead by 5 goals. 9 to 4. Chukka 6. Garangula were the first out of the blocks and scored (Gar5 W/S9) and then another from No 3, Simon Keyte (Gar6 W/S9). Garangula were coming home like a steam train! Simon Keyte did a repeat huge hit from a centre field penalty enabling Ed Mathies to score (Gar7 W/S9), and then Ed again scored from a run in by Simon Keyte but the bell went and the final score was Garangula 8 West Side 9. Game 2 Sandalford v Pitchfork: Chukka 1. Glen Gilmore scored first for the red team from a penalty at the golf course end. Corin Gibbs replied and then Greg Keyte scored from a penalty at the centre of field toward the Mansion end. The score at the end of the chukka was Pitchfork 2 Sandalford 1. Chukka 2. Sandalford were the first off the mark, followed by excellent team work from Pitchfork with an answering goal. Then followed by a penalty in favour of Pitchfork which Greg scored. Glen Gilmore then scored twice in quick succession. Another spectacular goal was scored by Glen under severe pressure from Sam Gairdner just on the bell. Score Pitchfork 4 Sandalford 5. Chukka 3 started with Greg Keyte's "signature loft "from a penalty which was perfectly apprehended by Glen Gilmore at full stretch then a fabulous goal by Sam Gairdner from a throw in. Not long after this was a 'whistle concerto' and a penalty taken again by Greg, another magnificent high ball straight through the middle. This was followed by another successful penalty shot to Pitchfork. On the chukka bell Glen took the ball and only needed 30 seconds and was relentless with a score for Sandalford. Score Pitchfork 7 Sandalford 6. Chukka 4. An immediate goal was scored by Sandalford which evened up the score to 7 each. Glen scored again from a 60 yd penalty to put Sandalford in front. Olly Cudmore put them even further in front after he scored too. A massive hit from the centre to a few metres from goal,it looked all the time a winner for Sandalford, but it was pinched at the death by Sam Gairdner for Pitchfork. Sandalford put through another goal at the close of the 4th chukka. Chukka 5. Pitchfork missed their chance in a melee across goal at the start of the chukka then Glen Gilmore took the penalty but was unsuccessful. An impressive run from the marquee side round to the Mansion goal resulted in a score by Olly Cudmore for red. Tex scored for them next and they were running away with the game. Fired up Pitchfork fought back and Sam Gairdner led the charge with a fabulous run, Greg Keyte scored the goal for green on the bell. Chukka 6. Glen scored for Sandalford in the first 15 seconds. He was then supported by Tex Webster and ran the ball 200 yards but unlucky for them the speed beat them and the ball ran over the backline at the Mansion end. Pitchfork took a centre field penalty and Sam Gairdner and Greg Keyte took it to goal successfully. Corin Gibbs took the next penaly for Pitchfork almost in the goal mouth , scored and then they scored again. A great if unsuccessful comeback. The final score was Pitchfork 11 Sandalford 13.

2008 STELA ARTOIS MELBOURNE CUP

Thank you to our very passioate polo supporter Judi Weate for these game results from the Melbourne Cup Tournament. If it was not for her sending these, you, the readers would not have any news from Victoria.

Match 1 Pitchfork v Garangula: Garangula dominated this confrontation from the first throw in however Pitchfork rallied in the last 2 or 3 chukkas to finish 13 to 8 in favour of Garangula. Conditions were difficult with a terrible wind, a ripper southerly, blowing. To those of us who have been to Werribee you will know what the wind is like. Match 2: Turtle Island v West Side: In the first 30sec of the 1st chukka a huge 100 yd hit from James Harper for West Side score a goal straight from the lineout. There was a reply by Turtle Islands Simon Walker to even it up. Sam Hopkinson scored before Angus Karoll took a fall to end the 1st 2-1 Westside. The 2nd chukka saw 3 goals scored. 1 to Turtle Island from a penalty and 2 to Westside. 4-2 Westside. The 3rd chukka belonged to Turtle Island with Stirling McGregor scoring in the first minute.then a penalty missed before Haminsh tied the scores at 4 all. Another penalty conversion to Turtle Island before Hoppy scored for Westside. Another quick reply by Gillon and the 3rd ended 6-5 to Westside. Chukka 4 had another goal to Turtle Island to make it 6 all but then Hoppy score 3 goals to end the chukka 9-6 Westside. Turtle Island saved a goal and got 3 penalties before Stirling put 1 through. It was goal for goal after that to end the 5th 11-9 Westside. In the final chukka both teams scored 2 goals and the final score was 13-11 to Westside.nTurtle Island rallied, but maybe match readiness favoured West Side, having played so recently at Ellerston. Stirling MacGregor for Turtle Island made several long sustained runs, showing how fit his ponies are so early in the season.

STELA ARTOIS MELBOURNE CUP

TEAMS FOR THE 2008 STELA ARTOIS MELBOURNE CUP

Turtle Island: Hamish McLachlan 3, Stirling McGregor 3, Simon Walker 4 and Gillon McLachlan 4. Westside: Andus Karoll 0, James Harper 6, Sam Hopkinson 6 and Neil Craig 2. Pitchfork: Tim Clarke 1, Sam Gardiner 4, Greg Keyte 6 and Corin Gibbs 3. Garangula: Ed Mathies 2, Jack Archibald 1, Simon Keyte 7 and Ed Hitchman 4. Sandalford Wines: Oli Cudmore 2, Tex Webster 4, Glen Gilmore 7 and Peter Prendiville 1.

DRAW
Friday 31st October

12.00 Pitchfork v Garangula

2.00 Turtle Island v Westside

Sunday 2nd November

12.00 Westside v Garangula

2.00 Sandalford v Pitchfork

Monday 3rd November

1.00 Garangula v Sandalford

3.00 Turtle Island v Pitchfork

Wednesday 5th November

12.00 Turtle Island v Sandalford

2.00 Westside v Pitchfork

Friday 7th November

12.00 Westside v Sandalford

2.00 Turtle Island v Garangula

Sunday 9th November

Finals.