POLO

Waikato Independent, Volume XXX, Issue 2313, 20 March 1930, Page 5

POLO

YESTERDAY’S MATCHES. SOMERS CUP MATCH. At “Gwynnelands” yesterday a series of polo games w-ere played between teams who had been competing at the tournament at To Aroha last week. Teams were present from Waimai, Whangarci, Matangi, Cambridge, while a representative of the Tc Awamutu team also competed. A Somers Cup match was played in the morning between Matangi C (the holders) and Waimai B. However, Matangi’s team was too experienced for the visitors. The most interesting game of the day was that between Waimai A (provincial champions) and the Cambridge A team. At Tc Aroha Waimai lowered the locals’ colours, -but yesterday the tables were turned and Cambridge went on to win comfortably. The attendance in the morning was rather small,, but as the afternoon drew on fully 200 spectators were on the grounds. The grass on the playing area was somewhat long, and impeded the play and progress of the ball to a certain extent. Somers Cup. Waimai B (L. Picot, K. Henry, J. Broughton, J. Upton) v. Matangi C (T., R. and W. Ranstead and F. Clemett). During the opening chukkas close play was mainly the order. Matangi easily- had the better of the first spell and compiled 4 goals to Waimai’s 1. Play became more open, and at the end of the chukka the scores read 7 —l in favour of Matangi. Both teams were mis-judging their hits. Play remained fairly even till the final bell when Matangi led by 9 goals to 4.

Mr R. G. Blennerhassett acted ,as referee.

Whangarei 4 v. Cambridge C 1.

Whangarei (T. Otway, D. Kidd, C. Finlayson and W. Sloane) v. Cambridge C (G. Rose, B. Nolan, K. Butler and G. Peake). This game provided some fair polo, although at times it was very dull. Peake was the outstanding player, his hitting and riding being good on the whole. The visitors did their scoring in the first half and held their position till the end, without being pressed to any extent. The final scores read— Whangarei 4, Cambridge 1.

Mr G. Ranstead refereed. Cambridge B T v. Matangi B 3

Cambridge (C. Bryant, G. Vosper, R. Speake and N. Garland). Matangi (N. Brown, L. Chitty, W. Phillips and B. Townsend). Better polo was witnessed in this game, both teams at times making the pace fast. The locals drew first blood and held the lead till the fourth spell, when Matangi evened things. After this the visitors had the best of the game and scared twice in the final chukka, winning by 3 to**!.

Mr N. Banks was referee. Waimai A 2 v. Cambridge A 6,

Waimai (A. Wilson, D. Snodgrass, K. Henry and H. Upton). Cambridge (A. Fisher, M. Garland, J. Butler, R. G. Blennerhassett). This was the gest game of the day and from the start the locals were out to down their victors of last week. Fast open play characterised the greater part of the match. The locals scored steadily throughout till the final bell when their tally read 6 against the visitors’ 2. Several good efforts* on the part of the home players just missed adding further points. For the most part of the game the play was in the visitors’ territory. Towards the end it looked as though Waimai might still .score but the defence was too strong for penetration. Mr N. Banks was referee. Final Game. The final game was played between the team that is going to Fcilding to a tournament and a Matangi and Whangarei team. Neither side seemed to bo very enthusiastic and play was fairly even, with a little advantage to the scratch team. Towards the end the touring team rallied and notched 3 goals, thus playing a drawn game. Mr N. Banks again refereed.