POLO MATCH.

Waikato Argus, Volume VI, Issue 429, 2 May 1899, Page 3

POLO MATCH.

On Monday, the 24th April, a match between the Cambridge and Waingaro Polo Clubs was held in Mr S. Picken's paddock, at Waingaro. The Cambridge Club was represented by Messrs N. Banks (capt.), C. Buckland,;R. Hannon and M. Wells, and Waingaro, by Messrs B. Hewett (capt.), H. Bull, F. Bull and R. Seavill. It was arranged to p'ay four spells of 10 minutes each, with five minutes intervals. About 230 p.m., the ball was set rolling by Mr W. Seavill, who ably filled the office of referee, and within two minutes each side had changed ends, and scored a goal apiece. The first was scored by N Banks, for Cambridge, and the second by B. Hewett, for Waingaro. After some give and take play, N. Banks succeeded in again putting the sphere between the posts for Cambridge ; but matters were soon equalised by F. Bull scoring for Waingaro. and at the end of the first spell the game was two each. During the second spell Cambridge had the worst of the play, having three behinds registered against them, and H. Bull secured the goal for Waingaro about two minuites before the end of the spell. Mr R. SeavilPs horse collided with the horse ridden by Mr C. Buck land. Horse and rider both came to mother earth, with the result of Mr Buckland lying unconcious for about three minuites. Restora'ive measures were resorted to by willing hands, and he was soon on his feet going towards the clump of trees where the Waingaro club ladies were busy preparing afternoon tea, to whi"h full justice was done, and the game was not resumed for an hour, whi-n Mr Buckland, though shaken up considerably, pluckily mounted his horse and took his part in the third spell, which ended by Cambridge having two behinds scored against them and one goal got by H. Bull for Waingaro, the game then standing—Waingaro 4, Cambridge 2. After au interval of five minutes the ball was sent rolling by the referee, and Cambridge had a behind against them, while F. Bull scored another goal for Waingaro. Cambridge then got 6ome good rushes on ami put a behind against Waingaro, while just as time was called R. Hannon scored a goal for Cambridge, the game ending in a victory for Waingaro by 5 goals to 3 The game was a very fast one, and but for the accirieut was thoroughly enjoyed by all present. The line umpires were Messrs Ellgood and T. Wilson, and the goalkeepers Messrs A. and H. Wilson respectively. At the conc'usion three hearty cheers were given for the Cambridge Club by Wuingaro and spectators, and the same by Cambridge for Waingaro. RATA CLOD POLO SPORTS. Soon after breakfast on Tuesday, the 25th April, the members of the Rata Polo Club were at work in MrS. Picken's paddock, Waingaro, preparing the groun 1 for the various oventaon the programme, and tke ladies were not long after them, bb they had to prepure luncheon for allcomers, which was ready by 12 30 p.m., and enjoyed by all present. The officials of the club then took matters in hand and started the first item, the Hurdle Race, for which there were only three entries: H. Wilson's Lady C are, L. Allen's Kitty, and N. Banks' Kai Ora. Both first and fecond time round Kai Ora baulked at the hurdle nearest to the judge's box, causing Kitty to baulk also, and when she was brought on to the course again she rose too far from the hurdle, tipped her fore feet on it and fall, throwing her rider, who was fortunately unhurt, and quickly re-mounted. The rtce ended in Lady Clare coming first, by ten lengths from Kia Ora. the Buire distance reparoling her and Kitty. The second item was the Bending Competition, in which there were 15 contestants. The item was run in heats, which were hotly contested, and resulted in a win for H. Bull on Billington, L. Allen on Tiwa being second. The Polo Ball Race brought out a field of 15, and was played in heats, the final being won by N. B inks on Kai Oru, whose ball went pist the goal a few feet in front of that of H. Wilson on Otto. On the conclusion of this race it was decided to run the Cup, which brought out a field of seven, aud after a ding dong race from start to finish, F. Wilson on Millicent, first caught the judge's eye, two lengths in front of J. Burge3S, on Topsy, N. Banks on Kai Ora, a length behind Topsy. After the race was run a protest was entered by N. Banks against Millicent, which was not sustained. Considerable feeliug was manifested over this race, a matter to be regretted. An adjournment was now made for afternoon tea, and the tempt : ng eatables provided by the ladies were enjoyed thoroughly, and the sports resumed. The Ladies' Bracelet had seventeen entrants. This race was also run in heats, aud the wiuner, F. Wilson, who had been first in three heats, was loudly applauded on his winning the fourth and ftiij-1 from his cousin, A. Wilson, who \sh close behind him. The Tandem Race, which always affords considerable amusement, brought oit three competitors, and was no exception to the rule, the antics of some of the ponies in front of the ridden horses causing roars of laughter, and as the unexpected often happens, it did so in this cese, A Wilson coming in first to his great surprise, G. Bui! second, while F. Wilson, the favourite, was not able to finish, his leading pony having smashed all his harness. Old Sol had by this gone below the horizon, and the committee were unwillingly compelled to close without being able to run the Cigir aud Nightshirt Race, and it was boot and saddle for home. The ladies arc to be congratulated on their succeaslul efforts to provide lunch and afternoon tea, and the indefatigable secretary (Mr S. Picken) and stewards on the success of the meeting.—(Own Correspondent).