Polo PRACTICE GAMES

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30041, 28 January 1963, Page 6

Polo PRACTICE GAMES

“Future Looks Bright”

The revival of polo in Canterbury got away to a good start when the North Canterbury club held an open day before a large crowd on the property of Mr D. Thomas, Glasnevin, on Saturday. Thirty-two players from as far away as Hanmer Springs, Darfield and Little River, took part in some of the first games to be played in Canterbury since 1938. The day was arranged more for coaching than for serious playing. Mr R. M. D. Johnson, a patron of the club and former New Zealand representative, talked to the players before the games started.

The players were then divided into teams of four representing different areas and played one-chukka games with Mr Johnson acting as referee and coach.

Most of the players had not played before, except for practices in their own areas recently, but some showed surprising promise. Another patron of the club and former New Zealand representative, Mr D. W. J. Gould, said the play on Saiturday was extremely good considering both the ponies and riders were green. The future of polo in Canterbury looked bright. Several particularly good games were played between an Oxford team comprising A. Anderson, R. Blackader, D. Lundy and L. McVicar and the Amuri team of D. Wells, E. G. O. Rutherford, G. Gould, and A. C. Deans. Somewhat slower than the men, the six women players showed that they were very kqen to learn and will also make good players. Training of Ponies

“The players have to learn the A.B.C. of the game,” said Mr Johnson at the end of the day. “However, there is so much enthusiasm that the future looks good.” Mr Johnson said polo playing took years of practice and polo ponies needed a lot of training. However, the pony club training most players and mounts had had would be very useful. After their first games the players were even more enthusiastic and determined to put in the necessary practice.

At a meeting after the play it was decided to hold games at Glasnevin every third Sunday. On the other weekends teams will play in other areas.

The officers of the club are: patrons, Messrs R. M. D. Johnson, and D. W. J. Gould; president, Mr A. C. Deans; secretary, Miss F. Esler; committee, Messrs L. L. Bevins, A. McDonald, L. McVicar, P. Brophy, E. G. O. Rutherford, C. C. Wells, F. Pavelka, B. H. Black, N. C. Mahon, R. Brydon, H. Spark.