POLO.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IX, Issue 664, 27 November 1902, Page 9

POLO.

I strolled down yesterday to Hunter and Nolan’s paddock to have a look at polo, and before I got on to the field I was rather disappointed at the stjyle of play, but when I saw the condition of the ground I altered my opinion ; for, on account of the unevenness of the ’ surface the ball seems, often, from a spectator’s point of view, completely lost. There was, I noticed, an absence of any hard-hitting, with one or two exceptions. Most of the men do not get enough swing into their sticks, and have a great tendency to strike at the ball before fully up to it. Again, I could "hot help remarking that very few men are able to place their hits, especially when entering from the side-lines.

From what I could see the following men played the better game of the afternoon Messrs A. Hanna, H. Tonks, H. Crowther, and W. Lloyd.' Most of the others, I .understand, are beginners at the game, and they have much to learn, as polo is l • one of those sports that require excellence of many parts, viz., riding, judgment in pace, a good eye, and last, but not least, a good pair of hands. In a few hints to the beginners I would like to remind them that ponies have to be . coached and handled carefully before asking them to play in hard spells. Why I. mention this is that I noticed sb maitf pomes had a tendency to slacken their speed when approaching to hit, and also to shy off. ’■ This is not - the natural instincts of a pony, and I am sorry to say the rider is to blame. Time and again on Saturday I saw men when approaching to hit the ball hang on to t their ponies’ mouths to raise themselves in the saddle. This is one of the gravest faults that can be committed on a pony new to the game. I give -this advice gratis—ride hard on the ball—if you miss it, trust to better r 'luck next time. - - ;

The Auckland Polo Club open their season officially next Saturday Alex-, andra -Park. All the clubs m the provHncefe have been invited, and il nne weather should favour them a very enjoyable afternoon Should be spent invitations are extended to the fnends and admirers of the game; . Afternoon tea .will be provided by the lady friends of tiie members. 1