In the first ever Ladies Polo Test Match played in NSW between New Zealand and Australia the final score came down to only half a goal.

The match was held in conjunction with the Riverlands Polo Club’s Annual Ladies Tournament at Richmond, north west of Sydney.

Riverlands has been instrumental in promoting the game for female players and their introductory programme has introduced dozens to the game.

The strength and standard of lady players in Australia has increased dramatically but they still went into this Test very much as underdogs with New Zealand sending over a team of internationally experienced professionals who work full time in polo.

With the NZ team rated 3 goals higher than the Australian girls, the Aussies received a 2.5 goal start over the 5 chukka match.

However, the Kiwis were slow to get going and the score after 2 chukkas showed Australia building on their handicap lead to be still 2.5 goals in front at 4.5 to 2.

This was partly due to a strong defensive game that shut down the NZ attack and by the start of the 5th and final chukka the score had gone out to 5.5 to 2 in favour of the Aussie girls.

New Zealand threw everything at the home team in the last and their strong play resulted in them being awarded a string of penalties, scoring from 3 of them.

But it was not enough and when the final whistle blew it was the Australians clinging to the lead by just half a goal to win a very exciting and free flowing game, which many said had seen the ladies version of the game come of age.

The growing popularity of ladies polo is a credit to Adam Meally and his Riverlands members, including Julie McIntosh, who played number One for Australia and won the most valuable player.

Winning captain Jacquie Hooper said that Australian coach Andrew Williams had stressed the importance of defence and this had proved a successful tactic with a disciplined display by the Australian mid-field.

With the growing interest from new players, both female and male, Riverlands is putting on two special polo introductory weekends on Dec 2nd and 3rd and a fortnight later on Dec 16th and 17th.

Participants get use of all the facilities at the Club, with horses and gear and lunch on both days and the weekends will cover all standards from raw beginners to capable riders. Adam Meally can be contacted on 0417-278-741 or at riverlandspolo.com.au.

Teams
New Zealand
1.Alex Jones 1
2. Amanda Harrison 1
3. Emma Calder © 1
4. Kirsty Watson 1

Australia
1.Julie McIntosh 0
2. Jacqueline Hooper © 0
3. Katie Edmeades 1
4. Tricia Hall 0

Champion Pony: Julie McIntosh’s “Tara”.




The Australian Polo Council is pleased to announce the selection of the Australian Ladies Polo Team to play New Zealand on November 12, 2006 at Windsor Polo Club.

They are:
Tricia Hall - 0
Jacqueline Hooper - 0
Kate Edmeades - 1
Julie McIntosh - 0
Reserve: Melissa McCarthy

The team will play against New Zealand who will be:

Kirsty Watson - 1
Emma Calder - 1
Amanda Harrison - 1
Alex Jones - 1

To find out more about these players & timings on Sunday 12 Nov, please see the attached programme.

The Test Match is part of the very successful Riverlands Ladies Polo International. This year is the inaugral ‘international’ and it is set to be a tough and competitive tournament.

The Breast Cancer Foundation are the charity associated with the event.

Details – Adam Meally – Riverlands Polo Club 0417-278-741 or info@riverlandspolo.com.au

More info below:
It's fun, it's fast, it's feverish, it's Chicks with Sticks

Teams: Riverlands Ladies Trophy
0-2 goal, 2 ladies, 2 men
Ladies are captains & Ladies take penalties.

Format:
Saturday 11th November: Elimination Rounds
Sunday 12th November: Losers Matches
Final: Riverlands Ladies Trophy
Test Match: Australia vs New Zealand

Venue: Windsor Polo Club, Old Kurrajong Road, Windsor (see 'Catalogue' page of website for directions.

Party Theme: "Dress as your Inner Woman"

Nominations: Teams & Individuals by 30th October. Please find Nomination form attached.

Adam Meally, Riverlands Polo Club.
Phone: 0417 279 741
Email: info@riverlandspolo.com.au
Web: www.riverlandspolo.com.au