The Poms may have regained the Ashes but their ability to snatch the 2007 world cup in Polocrosse will be under the microscope when their emerging talent visits Queensland this month.
Polocrosse is considered by some as “rugby on horseback” and the two great sporting rivals have old scores to settle ahead of the Ridley Polocrosse World Cup in April 2007.
Firstly, the sport was invented in Australia in 1938 by a Mrs Marjory Hirst, creating a game from a training activity she had actually seen while on holiday in England. Then there is the fact that Australia is the current world cup holder.
The visitors will participate in the UK v Queensland Under-21 Mixed Test Series. The first two tests will be played on the Gold Coast on 8 & 9 July then the visitors will cross the Great Dividing Range for the remaining two tests at Chinchilla on 15 & 16 July. (Full details below)
World Cup Deputy Chair Charlie Brook said, “International competition is always great for developing talent and the tests will enable the visitors to hone their skills on Australian stock horses which will loaned by the local polocrosse communities.”
Stock horses will dominate the pool of 200 horses to be sourced for the Ridley Polocrosse World Cup to be held in Warwick on Queensland’s Southern Downs 23:29 April 2007. Under international rules the visitors will have access to their horses five days prior to competition. Gold Coast photo opportunity: players will ride their horses on Thursday 6 and Friday 7 July between 2.30pm & 4.30pm (see over for location details and contact details).
Amongst those keeping a sharp eye on the visitors’ performance will be two members of the 2007 Australian World Cup team: Coach Ross Shepherd who led Australia to victory in 2003; and Cameron Shepherd the only Queenslander on the Australian squad. Both are members of the Warwick Polocrosse Club, home now to two world cup competitions.
The visitors include: Female players Imogen Johnson (20), Beth Peaker (17), Lucy Shell (20), Osha Williams (20) plus Alex Bull (20, James Davidson (18), Dan Duhig (20) and Sam Sics (20). Tour manager is Dave King and Assistant Manager is Margaret Bradley. Coach Andrew Schaefer captained the UK’s 2003 World Cup team. Biographies available on request to
The Queenslanders include: Liam Capewell (Charleville), Trent Collins, Sara Owens and Captain Matt Johnson (all Tansey), Jess Norman (Wandoan), Jess Osborne (Warwick), Russell Owens (Longreach) and Kayleigh Pengelly (Calliope). Team coach is Andrew Phillips (Tansey).
Also keeping a close eye on the first Test match will be International Polocrosse Council President, and President of the Polocrosse Association of Australia, Mr Peter Crauford.
1st & 2ndTests: GOLD COAST
3rd & 4th Tests - CHINCHILLA
WHAT:
2006 Gold Racquet Carnival. 45 teams expected to compete in sub-junior, junior, mixed and open competitions. Canteen & bar operate all weekend, Saturday night three course dinner and entertainment.
2006 Chinchilla Annual Carnival Incorporating Qld Senior Selection Trials, Junior, Mixed and Open Competition. Canteen & bar operate all weekend. Saturday night meal and entertainment.
WHEN:
Saturday 8 July Test 1@ 12.30pm. Sunday 9 July Test 2 @ 1.30pm. General games from 8am both days.
Saturday 15 July Test 3 @ 1.30pm Sunday 16 July Test 4 @ 1.30pm. General games from 8.30 both days.
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