POLO SEASON OPENED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 13028, 20 November 1905, Page 6

POLO SEASON OPENED.

A SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION

The polo season was opened at the polo grounds, Remuera, on Saturday afternoon, and the -weather being fine and the ground dry the function was a most successful one. Among''tho guests were His Excellency tho Governor (Lord Plunket), Lady Plunket, the Hon. Kathleen Plunket, and Captain Braithwaite, A.D.C.

The proceedings of the day commenced shortly after three o'clock, when the players, consisting of members of the Auckland and Remuera Polo Clubs, took. the field and played a match, married versus single, in three spells. The keenest interest was manifested in the play by the spectators, which .goes to show that polo has by no means lost its popularity, and it is pleasing to note that while the membership of tho clubs is increasing most of the players coming forward are young men. Such being the case the success of polo as a popular pastime is assured. A fine,stamp of pony is also being secured by the players. The teams were as follows: —Married: J. Jackson, A. S. Baker, M. Clung, and H. 0. Clarke. Single: H. Meredith, D. Gorrie, C. Crowther, and H. Cotter. - Shortly after the game commenced, Baikor, in a pretty run, notched the first goal for the married men, but. this was equalised soon afterwards by Cotter scoring for the single men. The second spell proved to be the fastest of the day, some good runs being indulged in "by both teams. ■'■• The ;. single men, however, had the best of the game, scoring another three goals to their opponents' one. Tho third spell, in which the single men added another two goals, thus winning the match by six goals to two, was somewhat slow, as the ponies were somewhat tired and were considerably affected by the heat, but at times, when the game opened out, better polo was played. Taken upon the whole the display given during the day was not exactly of a high order, which is accounted for by the fact that the ponies were not in condition at so early a stage in the season, and the players were out of practice. The grass also was rather long and hindered good hitting. Mr. W. R. Bloomfield and Dr. Sharman officiated as referees, in which capacity they gave the utmost satisfaction. The visitors, for whom suitable seating accommodation was provided, were provided by the two clubs with afternoon tea during the, course of the play, and this courtesy was most heartily appreciated. The thanks of the clubs are due to the lady friends who assisted. Altogether a most enjoyable afternoon was spent.