The Polo Tournament.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4901, 16 March 1894, Page 1

The Polo Tournament.

♦ [Peb Pbesb Association.] WANGANUI, March 15. For the third day of the New Zealand Polo Association tournament there waa lovely weather and a good attendance. The first heat was Bangitikei No. 2 team (Messrs W. A. Kieller, J. Eieller, W. B. Saunders and N. Gorton) v. Manawatu No. 1 team (Messrs Baker, Williams, Sewell and Lloyd). It was won by Manawatu by five goals to two. The following heat was Christchurch (Messrs A. Rhodes, R. H. Rhodes, Buckley and Lance) v. Rangitikei No. 1 team (Messrs D. Riddiford, Bell, J. G. Wilson and Blundell). Great interest centred in this match, the first-named team having won the cup twice running. Both teams were well mounted, but when the men were in the field it was. generally noticed that the Rangitikeis were a lighter and swifter team. The opening of the play showed Rangitikei on the aggressive, their combination being very much better than that of their adversaries. After some very smart play, Wilson gave a clever back drive at an angle and scored a goal for Rangitikei. Changing ends, Rangitikei defended the north goal. Riddiford got possession of the ball at once, and by some splendid driving, and being backed up by Wildon and Bell, got it close to the Christ- ! church goal, but missed scoring, the ball going out of bounds. Starting again from the centre of the field, R. H. Rhodes got away with the ball, and made a grand attempt at goal, but missed it. After thia play waa confined to the corner of the field, where, a foul occurring, the ball was called in favour of Rangitikei. Wilson put it into play, and Riddiford, taking possession,, passed to Bell, who, aided by Blundell, played it on to goal and scored another goal for Rangitikei. Score — Rangitikei two, Chriatchurch nil. Christchurch then took the play into itß opponent's ground, but the score was not altered. In the second bout Rangitikei again kept the ball in Christchurch territory, and a free hit having been given, managed to get another goal. Rangitikei three, Chriatchurch nil. Play was resumed, and Christchurch made some great efforts, R. H. Rhodes and Lance especially showing good play. Their opponents were, however, too strong for them, and secured a fourth and fifth goal just before the call of time. Rangitikei five, Christchurch nil. In the third bout the play was more even, though Rangitikei added four goals to its Bcore. Chriatchuich, however, managed to get one also. At the end of the spell the score was Rangitikei nine, Chrißtchurch one. In the fourth bout Christchurch played a very fine game,' but though it sometimes looked as if they would score, fate was againet them, Rangitikei adding yet another to their score. At the end of the game the score was Rangitikei ten, Christchurch one. The final heat will be played to-morrow between Manawatu No» 1 team and Rangitikei.