J D MACLEOD CUP FINAL

There were 3 games played today on the Home Field. The 11am game was between Wastecorp and a made up team called Ellerston Black.

Will Gilmore and Mike King

This game was played to give James Harper a run before he went to Windsor tomorrow to play in the Australia v England Test Match. His team mates were Jarrod McHardy, Will White and Will Gilmore. The 2 Wills also played before heading to Windsor for The Colts match and Test respectively.

Harold Link

The Subsidiary Final was won by Thailand 9-8 over Ellerston White.

Thailand

The Finals was between Eynesbury and Garangula. The chukka scores were 1st 3-2 E, 2nd 6-5 E, 3rd 6-5 E, 4th 10-5 E, 5th 6-11 E and the 6th 12-10 Eynesbury.

J P Clarkin

The Champion Pony was “Locket” owned and played by Ed Goold and he was also awarded the MVP after a great game. The teams for the Test in Windsor tomorrow are England, James Harper, Jamie LeHardy, Ollie Cudmore and Sam Gardiner. The Australian Team is Will Gilmore, Rob Archibald, Glen Gilmore and Ed Goold

Ruki Baillieu and Simon Hill

MVP Ed Goold and Champion Pony "Locket"

J D MACLEOD CUP DAY 5

Ollie Cudmore

The first game was between Wastecorp and Thailand. Both teams were very even throughout the game until the last chukka when Thailand completely dominated.

Andrew Hine

The final score was 14-9 to Thailand. The second game was between Eynesbury and Garangula. If Garangula won this game it meant these 2 teams would play each other in the final on Saturday.

Damien Johnston

The game played out much the same as the previous one with the scores even at 10 all in the beginning of the 6th and then Garangula attacked the goals and scored twice to take the match 12-10. The finals will be between Eynesbury and Garangula and the subsidiary final will be between Ellerston White and Thailand.

Rob Archibald

J D MACLEOD CUP DAY 4

Neil Gilmore

Game 1 was between Thailand and Eynesbury. It was a very even game with the scores at the end of the 1st 2all, 2nd 4-5 Thailand and 3rd 5 all. In the 4th Thailand attacked and Eynesbury could not get a handle on them at all and at the end of the chukka the score was 10-5. The 5th was the same but the attack this time was from Eynesbury and they scored 4 to Thailand’s 1 to take the score to 11-9 Thailand. The 6th was a fast chukka with many attacks on goal but Thailand were not able to score. Eynesbury on the other hand scored 1 and looked like they were going into overtime when a penalty was awarded to them and with the conversion they were the winners 12-11.

Mike King and Neil Craig

Game 2 was between Ellerston, who had to win to stay in the tournament, and Wastecorp. Ellerston went on the attck straight up and scored 2 goal to Wastecorp’s 0. The was the same at the end of the 2nd and it was not till the later half of the 3rd that Wastecorp scored their first and 2nd goals but Ellerston also scored 2 so the half time score was 4-2 Ellerston. Wastecorp came out and scored 2 quick goals to take it to 4 all but another to Ellerston ended the chukka 5-4. After that it was as tho Wastecorp had no reply to the Ellerston attack in the 5th with the white team scoring 5 unanswered goals to end 10-5. Some pride was regained in the 6th for Wastecorp as the got 2 more back but that was close as they could get before the last bell. Ellerston won 10-6.

Mark Field and Neil Craig

J D MACLEOD CUP DAY 4

J P Clarkin Garangula

No game report today only chukka scores and pictures. Sorry.
Game 1. Thailand v Garangula 1st ------, 2nd 2-4 T, 3rd 2-5 T, 4th 4-6 T, 5th 10-11 T 6th 10-12 Thailand.

J P Clarkin

Ollie Cudmore Thailand

Guy Schwarzenbach Garangula

Game 2. Ellerston v Eynesbury. 1st 0-2 E, 2nd 3 all, 3rd 5 all, 4th 6-7 E, 5th 9 all, 6th 12-11 Eynesbury.

Glen Gilmore and Ruki Baillieu

Neil Craig and Ruki Baillieu

Ed Goold on Africa

THE J D MACLEOD CUP DAY 2

Mat Grimes Ellerston

The 1pm game was between Ellerston White and Thailand. Ellerston were coming off the loss to Garangula in there 1st game so they were out to regain their form. There was only 1 goal scored in the 1st chukka by Ellerston. 1-0. The 2nd had the white team on attack and scoring 3 more goals to Thailand’s 1. 4-1 Z. There was only 1 goal scored again in the 3rd but this 1 was to Thailand. 4-2 Z. After the half time break and team talks the white team were once again on the attack and they scored another 3 unanswered goal to end the 4th 7-2 Z. Thailand hit the field running in the 5th and Ellerston did not see which way they went as they scored 4 goals to Ellerston’s 1. 8-6 Z. The 6th was the last chance for Thailand and they through everything at the opposition to try to get the win but only managed to score 1 more goal and the final score was 8-7 Ellerston.

All 8 players L to R Mark Field, Guy Schwartzenbach, Mike King, Glen Gilmore(umpire), Simon Hill, Jack Archibald, Earl Herbert, J P Clarkin and Damien Johnston.

The 3pm game was between Garangula, who had beaten White their last game, and Wastecorp, who wanted a win after a loss to Eynesbury in their first game. The 1st chukka had a lot of running up and down the field with both teams scoring 1 goal each. The 2nd chukka was the same with 1 goal each scored again. The 3rd was more tactical and as a result 2 goals were scored by Wastecorp and 3 to Garangula. 5-4 Garangula.

Mark Field in full flight

Wastecorp had a talk amongst themselves at half time, as Ronnie was not here to tell them were they were going wrong, and it seemed to gee them up as they come out in the 4th and scored 5 goals to Garangula’s 1 to end the chukka 9-6 Wastecorp. The 5th was a stalemate with no goals scored and the 6th there were 2 goals awarded to each team. Final score 11-8 Wastecorp.

Jack Archibald, JP Clarkin, Mark Field and Mike King

NOMINATIONS CALLED FOR FOR THE ROYAL SHOW POLO

Attention all players. Joe Curran has sent a letter to the NSWPA requesting nominations from those interested in playing in the Royal Show polo matches. INDICATION OF INTEREST IN PLAYING IN THE ROYAL SHOW POLO - 2009. The Sydney Show Polo has been a feature on the Australian Polo Calendar for many years. The event remains the highest in relation to spectators who watch the polo, and the RAS is now consciously looking to build on the opportunity. After the success of last years “State of Origin Show Polo Series”, the RAS is once again looking for polo to play a major part in the arena entertainment at this year’s Royal Easter Show. Details – State of Origin Show Polo Series Competing Teams: To be badged as Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland. Format: Two round games for each team. Two top teams on point’s progress to final. Two bottom teams on points progress to the runners up final. State of Origin teams fully responsible for mounting the visiting team in test match v Australia

Dates: Thursday 9th April 5.00 - 6.00pm - Match 1

Friday 10th April 5.00 - 6.00pm - Match 2

Saturday 11th April 4.40pm - 5.40pm - International Match

Monday 13th April 5.00pm - 6.00pm - Match 3

Tuesday 14th April 4.35pm - 5.35pm - Match 4

Wednesday 15th April 5.00pm - 6.00pm - Match 5

Thursday 16th April 6.20pm - 7.20pm - Match 6

Friday 17th April 6.20pm - 7.20pm - Match 7

Saturday 18th April 6.20pm - 7.20pm – State of Origin Final

Handicap: The Show Series will cater for teams around the 10-12 goal aggregate

Team Structure: 3 aside. A minimum of 2 players are to be from the State that they are representing. A minimum handicap of 2 goals per player is required. No players under 2 goals will be accepted into the competition. In the current environment it might be necessary to mix the teams so as to minimise the commitment of a player for one or two nights and to give exposure to more players . The organisers reserve the right to waive the State representation structure should this be necessary.

Modified Rules: The games will be 4 chukkas with modified ‘Show Polo” rules. Player Fee’s: Players will be paid $100 per their handicap rating for each game they play. Eg A 4 goal player would be paid $400 per game.Sponsor Rights: The Management reserves the rights to sell the team shirts to a sponsor, and all teams will play under the sponsors brand for their state. Tournament Management Rights: The Tournament Management reserves all rights in relation to the scheduling of matches during the Tournament and acceptance of players and teams The RAS is implementing initiatives which are being put in place – light shows, big screen replays, audio visual packages, electronic player biographies and scoreboards, sponsored teams and an interactive commentary show – all elements making for an exciting spectator sport. I look forward to receiving any indication of interest to participate,either as a team or as individuals. Meanwhile please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Regards Joe Curran Director New South Wales Polo Association.

COLTS MATCH INTERNATIONAL DAY 29TH MARCH AT WINDSOR POLO CLUB

The following two teams have been selected to play in the curtain raiser in the Colts Match International Day on Sunday 29th March 2009 at Windsor Polo Club.
Junior NSW South
Miles Curran -2
Jasper White 0
Alec White 0
Edward Bradley0 Total: -2
Junior NSW North
Harry Bennetto -1
William Lee-Warner -1
William White 1
Jack Bennetto -1 Total: -2
Reserve: Winston Bradley -1

Congratulations to the players upon selection.

INTERNATIONAL TEST MATCH

INTERNATIONAL TEST MATCH: AUSTRALIA V ENGLAND AT WINDSOR POLO CLUB SUNDAY MARCH 29 2009. On Sunday March 29 2009 Windsor Polo Club will again host the International Test Match between Australia & England. England currently hold the Mountbatten Memorial Trophy. The Australian team is hoping to overpower the English team in oder to win the trophy. Please come & join us. Everyone is welcome. Gates open at 9.30am. General Admission $15 (Includes free parking) Children under 15 are free NSWPA Life & Annual Members free To book a car boot space or a private marquee please contact: Helen Thom on (02) 4570 4611 or email helen.thom@ruralpress.com

The Australian Selectors have selected the following squad of players to form the Australian Team to play against England in a Test Match on the 29th March 2009 at Windsor Polo Club.Please note that a condition of selection is that all Australian players must provide their own horses.Selectors have considered every player in Australia of 2 goals and above. On selection of the final team, the selectors will also consider players outside of the squad, based on form, availability and horses.The team will be finalized on or around 20th March 2009.

AUSTRALIAN TEST SQUAD

Jack Archibald – 2 goals

Rob Archibald – 6 goals

Jack Baillieu – 7 goals

Glen Gilmore – 7 goals

Ed Goold – 4 goals

Kelvin Johnson – 5 goals

J D MACLEOD CUP

The first game of the day pitted Eynesbury against Wastecorp. Eynesbury got away to a flying start and at the start of the 3rd chukka they were up by 4-2. There was only1 goal scored in the 3rd to take the score at the start of the 4th to 5-2. Wastecorp combined to score 2 goals and Eynesbury 1 to start the 5th 6-4.

Ruki Baillieu watched by Earl Herbert

Wastecorp leveled the score at 6 all in the 5th and both teams scored more goals to start the 6th 8-7. That was the last Wastecorp saw of Eynesbury as they dominated the next 3 lineouts and scored off each one. To be 11-7 up and then they scored again with no answer from The Wastecorp team so the final score was 12-7.

Damien Johnston and Ruki Baillieu

The next game was between Ellerston White and Garangula. Garangula came out strong from start and by the end of the 2nd they were 4-1 up. As the game continued Ellerston got to within 2 goals of Garangula but they could not close this gap.

Jamie LeHardy

Jack Archibald marked Glen Gilmore exceedingly well and so Ellerston struggled to go to goal and this resulted in a lot of behinds. Simon Hill was steady at the back and this allowed JP to monopolize the middle and cut off any attack mounted by Ellerston and Guy scored some very good goals up the front. The final score was 12-8 Garangula.

J D MACLEOD CUP TEAMS AND DRAW

TEAMS
WASTECORP: Michael King, Mark Field, Damien Johnston and Earl Herbert
EYNESBURY: Will Goold, Ed Goold, Ruki Baillieu and Jamie LeHardy
THAILAND: Harold Loin, Rob Archibald, Andrew Hine and Ollie Cudmore
ELLERSTON WHITE: Neil Craig, Mat Grimes, Glen Gilmore and Neil Gilmore
GARANGULA: Guy Schwarzenbach, Jack Archibald, JP Clarkin and Simon Hill

DRAW
WED 18TH MARCH
1pm Ellerston White v Garangula
3pm Wastecorp v Eynesbury
FRIDAY 20TH MARCH
1pm Ellerston White v Thailand
3pm Wastecorp v Garangula
SUNDAY 22ND MARCH
1pm Thailand v Garangula
3pm Ellerston White v Eynesbury
TUESDAY 24TH MARCH
1pm Thailand v Eynesbury
3pm Wastecorp v Wastecorp
THURSDAY 26TH MARCH
1pm Thailand v Wastecorp
3pm Garangula v Eynesbury
SATURDAY 28TH MARCH
1pm J D MACLEOD Subsidiary Final
3rd placed team v 4th placed team
3pm J D MACLEOD Finals
1st placed team v 2nd placed team

FINALS OF THE KERRY PACKER CHALLENGE CUP

SUBSIDIARY FINAL Wastecorp and Eynesbury both decided to give there 14 goal teams for the next tournament a run in this final. The Eynesbury team was Will and Ed Goold, Ruki Baillieu and Jamie Le Hardy and the Wastecorp team was Mike King, Mark Field, Damien Johnston and Earl Herbert. Over night the heavens had opened and dumped 35mm of rain, along with the 11mm from Friday night, so this game was played on the North Field so as to give the Home Field a bit more time to dry for the final and also so the field would not be chopped up. The end score after the 6 chukkas was 8 all and rather than play an extra chukka Ron Wanless tossed a coin and it was Eynesbury that officially won the Subsidiary Final.

Ellerston: Jeff Fisher, Jarrod McHardy, Mat Grimes and Niel Craig. Umpire Ruki Baillieu

Pitchfork: Umpire Mark Field, Tim Clarke, Rob Archibald, Andrew Hinw and Rick Mitchell.

The crowd then moved their picnics to the home field and watched a fast game of open polo played between Ellerston White and Pitchfork. Pitchfork had to give Ellerston 1 goal start as they were a 13 goal side and that was the score at the end of the 1st chukka with neither team being able to get the ball through the posts. The 2nd chukka had the first goal scored by Pitchfork but they conceded 2 to Ellerston and the score at the end was 3-1 Z.

Andrew Hine and Mat Grimes

Ellerston maintained the momentum into the 3rd chukka and the end it was 5-1 Z. The 4th was a stop and start chukka and only 1 goal scored by each team to end 6-2 Z. The 5th saw a few whistles blown and penalties awarded but Pitchfork were having no luck in their penalty hitting with 3 missed opportunities, but not all in this chukka, and the end score was 7-4 Z

Jarrod McHardy and Tim Clarke

The 6th chukka was how, I am sure, the Pitchfork team wished the whole game had been with Rob Archibald and Andrew Hine making several charges at goal and scoring twice but Ellerston was up to the challenge and added 1 goal of there own and on the final bell Ellerston had taken out the 2009 Kerry Packer Challenge Cup 8-6.

Rob Archibald

What was so special about this win, and I am sure most of the Australian polo community agrees, is that this was won by home grown players on home grown horses. Well done to all concerned. The Champion Pony was awarded to “Crinkle”. She is a 6yo mare who is an embryo foal out of “Crackle” and by “Norman Pentaquad” and she was played by the MVP of the match Mat Grimes. As the presentations were finalized the rain started again and all eyes turned to preparations for the next tournament. Stay tuned for more results. Thanks for reading.

KERRY PACKER CHALLENGE CUP

SEMI FIANLS:

Jeff Fisher

WASTECORP V ELLERSTON WHITE
Ellerston started their semi final against Wastecorp in a blaze and it was not until half way through the 2nd chukka that Wastecorp got their first goal. At the end of the 1st chukka it was 3-0 to Z. At the end of the 2nd it was 5-2 Z.

Niel Craig

In the 3rd Wastecorp got there momentum going and got the score to 5-4 before Ellerston put there foot to the pedal again and ended the chukka 7-4 Z. In the 4th 2 more unanswered goals were scored. 9-4 Z. In the last 2 chukkas Wastecorp mounted an attack again but Ellerston wore the brunt and came out on top with the final score 13-7

Jarrod McHardy

PITCHFORK V EYNESBURY

Tim Clarke and Will Goold

Pitchfork had to give Eynesbury a goal start on handicap and that was the difference, give or take, with Pitchfork leading all the way till the last chukka. At the end of the 1st it was 3-2 P, 2nd 6-4 P, 3rd 8-7 P, 4th 10-9 P.

Andrew Hine and Ed Goold

At the beginning of the 5th was the first time the scores had been even with Earl Herbert scoring from the field to tie the score at 10 all. Eynesbury had seen the light and took the lead after Will Goold hit a goal and not to be out done his brother Ed scored also to take it to 10-12 E. Throughout the 6th Pitchfork ran to goal but could not get the ball through till Rob Archibald scored and then he scored a penalty to even it again at 12 all. From the next lineout Rob scored again and this time Eynesbury had run out of time and Pitchfork won through to the final 13-12.

Rob Archibald

The subsidiary final will be between Wastecorp and Eynesbury and the Final of the KERRY PACKER CHALLENGE CUP will be between Ellerston White and Pitchfork.

KERRY PACKER CHALLENGE CUP DAY 6

The 2 games today could have been deciders to see who went onto the semis from Group B. The 1st game was between Eynesbury and Wastecorp.

Damien Johnston and Ruki Ballieu

The 2 teams traded goals through out the game but Wastecorp had more on the board at the end of the 6th and were the winners 12-11. Eynesbury did not seem the same team today as we had seen playing earlier in the tournament.

Luke O'Leary and Earl Herbert

With Wastecorp winning it meant that the next game between Garangula and Hexham was a dead game. Garangula did win this game 9-6 over Hexham.

James Shepherd

So the semi finals at this stage are Eynesbury plays Pitchfork and Ellerston White plays Wastecorp.

Sam Gardiner. Ouch that has to hurt!!!!!!

KERRY PACKER CHALLENGE CUP DAY 5

Mat Grimes and Rob Archibald

I am sorry that i dont have any game reports from todays games only result so i will add more pics from the last few days. Game 1 today would see the winners progress to the semis and it was won by Pitchfork over Calatagan 9-7.

Jock MacKay

Jake Zobel

Game 2 was won by Ellerston White over Groeninghe 12-7. This puts Ellerston in No1 position in group A and Pitchfork in No2

James Shepherd

Sophie Kyriazi

Mark Field and Callum McLachlan

Mat Grimes and Rick Mitchel

Sam Hunt