There was no sign at Morgan Park, Warwick, yesterday (MONDAY) of the drought gripping south-east Queensland.

Fields of green greeted Governor-General Major General Michael Jeffery who flew in to officially open the Ridley Polocrosse World Cup 2007 and welcome international teams New Zealand, South Africa, Zimbabwe, the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland and Canada.

The Governor-General, who is also Patron of the Polocrosse Association of Australia, commended organisers on the presentation of playing fields in the midst of an Australia-wide drought. He said Warwick's reputation as a friendly and efficient host for World Cup Polocrosse was global, following the success of the inaugural World Cup of 2003.

"I welcome players and supporters to this fascinating and beautiful part of Queensland; a place where a love of horses and skill in riding them is renowned.

"The sourcing of 200 beautifully groomed and well trained animals to supply all nations for the Cup marks the second largest horse recruitment drive in Australia's peacetime history," he said.

"What a remarkable achievement and what a credit to Queensland, the Warwick Polocrosse Club, the army of individual volunteers and, importantly, the people of Warwick and the shire, whose community spirit and support has helped elevate Morgan Park to the number one Polocrosse playing facility in Australia," he said.

The spectacular opening ceremony involved marching bands, horse-drawn vehicles, a Guard of Honour of Queensland Mounted Police, a contingent of more than 800 schoolchildren and an estimated 1200 spectators.

2003 Cup- holders Australia captain Tanya Hollow officially returned the Cup to International Polocrosse Council and Polocrosse Association Of Australia President Peter Crauford before play commenced for 2007.

Ridley Polocrosse World Cup 2007 competition continues throughout the week with semi-finals on Friday and Saturday and the World Cup final on Sunday 29 April.

AUSTRALIA captain Tanya Hollow leads her team into competition for the Ridley Polocrosse World Cup 2007 at Morgan Park, Warwick.
Picture: Courtesy Sporting Images

Polocrosse Australia Patron, Governor-General Major General Michael Jeffery (right) with International Polocrosse president Peter Crauford and the Australian team defending the Polocrosse World Cup at Morgan Park, Warwick.
Picture: Courtesy Sporting Images