POLO CUP TEAM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23042, 20 May 1938, Page 13

POLO CUP TEAM

DINNER AT CAMBRIDGE SUCCESS IN AUSTRALIA CONGRATULATIONS EXTENDED [BY TELEGRAPH —OWN' correspondent] CAMBRIDGE, Thursday Between 200 and 300 polo players, supporters and friends assembled in the Cambridge Town Hall to-niglit for a complimentary dinner tendered to the New Zealand team by the Auckland Provincial Polo Association to celebrate the team's success in winning the Gold Cup at Sydney. Following the dinner a dance was held. Mr. H. W. Wilson, who congratulated tho team on its success, said it was first suggested in Christchurch after Cambridge won the Savile Cup that a team should be sent to Australia. Tho players had left with the polo honour of New Zealand at stake and on and off the field had acquitted themselves well. The main success was bringing back the Gold Cup (which adorned the official table), tangible evidence of their supremacy. Fine Standard of Play

Applause greeted Mr. It. G. McKenzie, captain of the team, as he rose to reply. He thanked all those who had assisted to make the trip possible. It was a trip of a life-time and the greatest pleasure was to return with the cup. Praise was accorded Mr. K. Peake by the captain, who considered that he would hold his place anywhere in international polo as a back. Mr. R. Nolan and Mr. G. Peake also played outstandingly well.

Mr. K. Peake said it was the wonderful team spirit that was responsible for the success. 'He mentioned the ability of the ponies and the way in which the players personally looked after their mounts. Messrs. R. Nolan and G. Peake also spoke.

Mr. L. Kay, first emergency, said Australians now realised what would be required if they hoped to win back the cup. "Mr. Chitty, the manager of our team, can be considered the father of polo to-day," said Mr. R. Nolan. Mr. Chitty and Mr. Meredith had been invaluable and always had the welfare of the players and ponies as a first consideration. Manager's Remarks Mr. Chitty said that anything he had done for polo had been amply repaid by the trip to Australia. It was a proud position to be in charge of the team. Mr. K. Peake had set new standards of polo as a fullback and was probably one of the best players ever seen in Australia. Mr. McKenzie was also deserving of great praise. He adapted himself to the stylo of play of the remainder of the team and he fully deserved his inclusion. Mr. Nolan had surprised the Australians with his brilliancy as No. 1 and completely outpla3 r ed Australia's best: Mr. G. Peake also provided many thrills for the spectators with his outstanding riding and hitting. Mr. Wilson paid a tribute to the grooms and supporters, who materially assisted the team to success.

Mr. C. Meredith, assistant-manager, gave most of the credit to Mr. Chitty. He detailed the difficulties that were encountered 011 landing, owing to the New Zealanders being the last to arrive for the tournament. The horses were stabled in unsuitable buildings, but matters were eventually made right as a result of the efforts of Mr. Chitty. .