A thrilling Test was witnessed today as old rivals Australia and New Zealand were not more than one goal difference for the duration of the game.

At the start of the 3rd chukka Australia led narrowly 4-3 but had lost this lead by one goal by the start of the 4th. They started the 5th chukka 6 goals apiece but New Zealand edged into the lead during this chukka. In the 6th chukka Ruki Baillieu equalised to bring the score to 7 all. However Craig Wilson quickly answered to put New Zealand back in the lead, 8-7. After a penalty, Australia scored to equalise yet again but within minutues, at the northern end of the ground, Australia lost a vital chance to take the lead missing a penalty opportunity.

So with the score at 8-8, the 7th chukka commenced. The crowd were on their feet by this stage. New Zealand were awarded a penalty and Sam Hopkinson scored. Final Score New Zealand 9 - Australia 8.

Progressive chukka score in the Test:
New Zealand 1-1, 3-4, 5-4, 6-6, 7-6, 8-8 and 9-8

The Sinclair Hill Trophy
At the conclusion on the match, Sinclair Hill presented the Sinclair Hill Trophy - the first time it has been presented. He purchased the trophy, a delicate Argentine silver jub that sits on a Chinese plinth, on a trip to Argentina at the end of 2009. He donated it to the NSW Polo Association and Australian Polo Council on the agreement that the trophy should be played for in annual Test Matches 'off the stick'.

Champion Pony in the Test was "Irish" played by New Zealand captain Craig Wilson and lent by John Fitzgerald. The pony judge was former 5 goaler John Gilder, a former President of the NSWPA 1979-80.

Zambia vs NSW Ambassadors
NSW Ambassadors built up a comfortable lead during the first 3 chukkas but Zambia came back strongly in the 4th chukka but not enough to clinch victory. It was a good open game. Final Score NSW Ambassadors 7 – Zambia 4.5.

Colts Match
The first match of the day was won by the Country Colts over the City Colts team, 7-1. Country team member Alec White, the strongest player on 1 goal, had been awarded most valuable player at Ellerston the previous day and this had a bearing on the final result. Congratulations to all who took part.
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SPECTATOR INFORMATION

Gates open at 9.00am; play starts at 10am with Colts Match.
1.30-3pm The Jaguar Australia v New Zealand International Polo Test
3pm Official Presentation
3.15pm Zambia v NSW Development Team

General Admission: Adults $20, Senior Card holders $10 (includes free parking), Children under 16 free.
Car boot parking spaces for all can be booked by contacting Helen Thom on email helen.thom@ruralpress.com or phone 02 4570 4611. Spaces are $100 which includes entry for vehicle and 2 adults. Additional adults $20. Children under 16 free of charge.
Bus Travel & Lunch package: The (Sydney) Magazine is selling tickets for the polo which includes bus travel to Richmond and a fully catered lunch in their marquee. Tickets are $150. If you would like to make a booking, please contact Lucinda Gardiner on 02 9282 2707.

NSWPA Members: An area will be set aside for Annual, Life & Kyeemagh members at the southern end of the western boundary. Please ensure you wear your members badge at all times.

AMAZING SAFARI RAFFLE - buy tickets at the Test Match

As part of the International Polo Test Match, South African Airways and The Classic Safari Company have kindly donated a Raffle Prize of a Luxury Flying Safari for 2 to Zambia, valued at $23,000 – see attached flyer.

The Safari will be drawn on the 28th March at the Test. Specific information about the safari appears on each raffle ticket. Your friends/family/community members will have the opportunity to win a luxury flying safari visiting 3 of Zambia’s premier safari camps on an all inclusive basis. The raffle also includes return flights ex Sydney.

READ ABOUT THE PLAYERS HERE!

AUSTRALIA:
1. Jack Archibald 3; Younger brother of Robert Archibald, Jack was a member of the Young Australia team in 2008 and the Australian team in the 2009 Kurland International Test. He was also a part of the winning team in the Melbourne Cup polo and the Ellerston Spring Trophy in 2009 and has just finished playing the 14 goal Australian Polo Summer Series here in the Hawkesbury. 20 years old, single.

2. Dirk Gould 5; Aged 25, from Canungra, Queensland, Dirk comes hot foot from playing in the 16 goal Ellerston tournament. One of the brightest young talents in Australian polo, he has already represented Australia several times. Outside polo Dirk enjoys surfing & music.

3. Jack (Ruki) Baillieu 7; from Victoria, equal highest rated player in Australia, Ruki is regarded as one of Australia’s most successful polo professionals and at 45th position is the highest Australian player on the world polo rankings. Ruki has played at the Argentine Open, represented Australia at the prestigious Coronation Cup at the Guards’ Polo Club in England and at the Kurland International playing South Africa. Ruki is also a co-founder of the Polo in the City series played in capital cities across Australia. 33 years old, single.

4. Matt Grimes 5; originally from Queensland, Matt now works as a professional polo player at Ellerston. He is an excellent horseman and striker of the ball. He represented Australia in the 2007 Polo World Cup in New Zealand.

NEW ZEALAND:1. Kit Brooks 4; relatively new to polo, Kit has worked for 8 goal player JP Clarkin since 2006 for 3 seasons. This year he played his horses from his family property in Cambridge. Kit represented New Zealand in the 2008 FIP World Cup in Mexico and was runner-up in this year’s New Zealand Open. Kit spends his winters playing professionally in the UK based in Cirencester.

2. Craig Wilson 6; playing polo since age 14, Craig represented the New Zealand Colts in 1992 and first represented his country in 1997 against England. He has competed in and won many major New Zealand tournaments including the New Zealand Open four times and the Savile Cup three times and captained the ‘Runner Up’ FIP team in the Zone Finals of the World Cup in 2007. He has played all over the world. Father to Jack; 36 years old.

3. Guy Kirkpatrick 4; in his mid 30s and newly married Guy currently works as a polo manager in Queensland. Last year he was in the winning teams of Queensland’s most prestigious tournaments the BMW and Mercedes. He has also played in all major tournaments in New Zealand and is on the Handicapping Committee for the NZ Polo Association.

4. Sam Hopkinson 6; Growing up on the South Island of New Zealand, Sam Hopkinson started his sporting career playing rugby, before his rugby coach, who also happened to play polo, introduced him to the sport. After becoming New Zealand’s most promising junior, his talent quickly launched him into the international polo circuit and spotlight, when he earned the esteemed honour of playing for Prince Charles, alongside Prince Harry and William. His unparalleled horsemanship and movie star looks also landed him a role in Lord of the Rings, as riding double for Viggo Mortensen, which he reflects upon as being one of the most enjoyable experiences to date. Known as the pin-up boy of New Zealand polo, the 27 year old was also part of the winning NZ team against England in February. Sam was in the NZ team narrowly beaten by the Australians here in 2008.

NSW AMBASSADOR’S TEAM (playing ZAMBIA):
1. Lachlan Graham 1; from a polo playing family near Harden, Lachlan started playing polo as a child and is an integral part of the Gundalong Polo Club. He has recently joined the NSW Polo Board and is focusing on bringing new players into the game and well as developing existing talent. Lachlan’s achievements include playing in the 14 goal at Garangula and taking part in Colts matches as a kid. He is engaged to Andrina.

2. Will White 2; aged 21, Will has been playing polo for 5 years. His career highlight is representing Australia against England, at the Test Match here last Easter. He has several horses in work and aims to become a professional polo player.

3. Adam Buchert 2; from the Hawkesbury, Adam works in the City, and recently initiated kids polo in the area in conjuction with tournament weekends.

4. Eugene Marais 1; Eugene was born in Zimbabwe and grew up in South Africa. He started playing polo in Malaysia in 20 years ago and continued in Singapore and now Australia. He is married with two daughters.

ZAMBIA
1. Iain Dunn 1; Iain is from Lusaka and owns a roofing and construction company. He is married with two children.

2. Grant Collett 2; Grant is currently studying for a business degree at university in Queensland. From a polo playing family, his father Chris is a 3 goal player and the Chairman of the Zambian Polo Association.

3. Eric Stubbs 2; one of 3 polo playing brothers introduced to the game by their father, Eric works in the food industry.

4. Kevin Puffett 1; from Lusaka, Kevin is a farmer into cattle, cropping and irrigation. He has come over with his wife and son.
Reserve: Ruth Puffett 1.

COLTS COUNTRY TEAM:
1. Billie Mascart -1; Billie is 15 years old and plays for Riverlands Polo Club. She started riding at 4 and while living in France played horseball. Billie’s polo career highlight is playing for Ellerston at the 14 goal Australian Polo Summer Series last month.

2. Bingham Fitz-Henry 0; aged 18, from Beaudesert in Queensland, started playing aged 13. He cites Anto White and Sam Gunn as particular influences. In 2009 Bingham was part of the team that won three 10 goal tournaments in Queensland and playing in a family team he won the Anzac Trophy at Elysian Fields.

3. Jasper White 0; Jasper’s ambition is to play polo professionally. He is currently 18 and working at Ellerston. He played in the Colts Match last year and in the 14 goal Australian Summer Series.

4. Alec White 1; Alec, 19 grew up surrounded by polo at his parent’s home “Belltrees” in the Hunter Valley, along with cousins Will and Jasper. He started playing at the Scone Junior Polo School. His career highlights include being awarded “Most Valuable Player” at both the 2009 19 goal Queensland Mercedes Benz tournament with winning team Wastecorp and at the 2009 14 goal Melbourne Cup Tournament with winning team Garangula.

COLTS CITY TEAM
1. Calum Mackay -1; 16, from Folly Lodge Polo Club in the Southern Highlands, Calum has been playing for 2 years. He has attended several Scone Junior Polo Schools and today rides his own horses from New Zealand. An all round sportsman, he is a representative skier and rugby player.

2. Winston Bradley 0; from the Southern Highlands, aged 16 and in year 12 at school, Winston was in the winning Colts team here last year. He has attended several Scone Junior Polo Schools and like his brother Ed, also played for the Jemalong team during two summer holidays.

3. Richard Curran 0; From a polo playing family and Millamolong Polo Club member, Richard, aged 16, is already an experienced tournament player. He has just played at Ellerston in a team with Australian representatives Glen Gilmore and Damien Johnston.

4. Edward Bradley 0; Ed has been playing polo for 6 years, is now 19 and studying at Charles Sturt University in Orange. In 2009 he worked at Jemalong Polo Club playing with their team. Highlights include winning the Mercer Hobbs Prize and two Ashton Cups at Goulburn Polo Club.

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PLAYER NOMINATIONS for TEST MATCH & SUPPORT MATCHES

SUPPORT MATCHES
PLAYER NOMINATIONS for NSW Development Team vs Zambia

The NSW Polo Association invites players to nominate for selection to play a 4 chukka match against a 6 goal Zambian side, to be played on the day of the Easter Test Match, 28th March 2010 at Windsor Polo Club, Richmond NSW. As the Zambians are sending a 6 goal team, nominations are invited from players of 0, 1 and 2 goals. Players are to be on a self mounted basis.

"Colts Match" NOMINATIONS

Players still at school or in up to their third year since leaving secondary school are invited to nominate for consideration to participate in a match on Sunday 28th March 2009 the day of the Australia v New Zealand test match at Windsor Polo Club. Players are to be on a self mounted basis.

NSW Polo Association is keen to assist with junior player development with this as a key objective.

It is likely that a Colts match will also be contained within the polo schedule at the Royal Easter Show during April with further details to be advised. If you fall within this category throw your hat into the ring!

PLEASE NOTE:
Individual nominations to the secretary by email to: nsw@australianpolo.com.au
Nominations close Friday 26th February 2010.
For further information please contact Lachie Graham on 0427 868 200 or EMAIL

Regards
Graham McGregor
President NSW Polo Association

PS The criteria for selection is subject to review should this be necessary.
NSW handicappers to select the team to play Zambia and the Colts participants

NOMINATIONS FOR TEST MATCH VS NEW ZEALAND

The Australian Polo Council invites players to nominate for selection to play for Australia against New Zealand at the Easter Test Match, to be played on 28th March 2010 at Windsor Polo Club, Richmond NSW. The team handicap is envisaged to be around 20 goals. Players are to be on a self mounted basis.

Nominations close Monday 1st March at 5pm.

To register your interest or for further information please contact Amanda Jansen APC Secretary 0418 697 874 or email to: apc@australianpolo.com.au