POLO

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 386, 22 November 1932, Page 6

POLO

flfth match INTERESTING GAME HELDI AT NGONGOTAHA DURING WEEK-END STANDARD IMPROVES Much improved play was witnessed when two full polo teams took the field for the fifth week-end game, played on Mr. C. Managh's farm "Riversdale," during the week-end. For the first time, the ground was thoroughly d(ry and this, together with' the fact that the field -had been mown, made it possible to get the ball clearly away'where hitherto, the shots had been comparatively smothered. Consequently, onlookers, as well as players enjoyed a much faster and infinitely more scientific game than has been previously played, and the afternoon's sport was regarded an excellent on'e. Mr. T. McConnell who has been refereeing the games and coaching the players, was unable to be present, and the game was very ably controlled by Mrs. I. MacKenzie. The personnel of the teams was: — J. Philson, No. 1; F. W. Smith, No. 3; G. Martin, No. 3; and C. Steele No. 4; against C. Giesen, No. 1; C. Managh, No. 2; R. Martin, No. 3-; and J. Headley, No. 4. At the throw in, Giesen secured and took the ball to his 25 line where he over-rode, Smith sending across to G. Martin who sent on to his 25 line. Here the ball remained for some time, until Managh secured and took it down his wing and centred to Giesen who goaled. Shortly afterwards the whistle sounded ending the first chukka. Upon resuming play went up and down the field until Giesen again goaled. The match at this stage was most exciting, G. Martin on an exeeptionally well-trained pony being outstanding and with Smith and Philson in support he made three consecutive attacks until Giesen cleared with a long back hander. This turn'ed the attack, Steele saving 10 yards from his goal. Smith cleared to Managh who centred and Giesen missed a snectacular shot.

At the next change over, a prolonged attack was set up by G. Martin, Philson and Smith, the first named sending a beautiful shot to within 2 feet of his goal. The ball was cleared to the wing where Philson with a great shot from an acute angle, missed by 12 incbeS. At the hit ofi: from the goal line, Philson returned another unsuccessful shot, the ball again going behind. The second hit off went across to Managh who carried on down his line until intercepted by G. Martin who lost possession to Giesen. The ball crossed the field to R. Martin who centred back to Managh but Steele saved. Giesen shot and missed the ball going behind. Philson, in hitting off, skied the ball over his opponents' heads and by fast following up, took it on and Headley inmporarily checked, but Philson again secured and carried on to within four feet of his goal where he over-rode, but Smith by closely following up goaled. At the change over, Managh, with Giesen in support, took the ball with him, the latter having an unsuccessfui shot. Philson hit off from the line, the ball going to Giesen who goaled with a good shot. Give and take play now followed, Smith doing some good defensive work, while G. Martin was good on attack. However, their opponents were gradually working toward their end of the field and Managh goaled with a good shot. Shortly afterwards Smith from a melee goaled for his side and R. Martin after a lot of rugged play goaled for the opposition. The final score was 5-2. Amongst those present were: Messrs T. Jackson, R. S. Humphries, Sister Smith, Misses E. Hinton, A. Brackebush, H. and B. Ford and McAdams. Messrs J. E.| Martin, J. H. Greenhead, Sherriff and C. McAdams.