Australian Zone Championships Moonyoonooka Polocrosse Club - WA 29th & 30th September 2001
The Zone has received an invitation from the Moonyoonooka Polocrosse Club, Western Australia, for the above championships. A copy of the invitation has been forwarded to all Club Secretaries.
The host club is keen to attract players to this event and are attempting to organise fuel and financial backing for interstate teams.
Zone nominations are being sought in the following grades:
Open Mens - Open Womens - Open Mixed - Open Intermediates - Mixed Intermediates - Open Juniors - Mixed Juniors - Masters
Nominations close with the Zone Secretary on Friday 30th August. If you would like to know more about these championships, please contact your club secretary.
ZONE NEWS
SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS POLOCROSSE ANNUAL PRESENTATION AND END OF SEASON CARNIVAL
This year, players again opted to celebrate the end of season with a competition combining players from all clubs. It was obvious to everyone that this format was enjoyed by players and spectators alike.
Although all clubs assisted in the running of the carnival, for which the Zone thanks you, I must single out a few people for special mention.
A huge thankyou to Alina and Allan Gilpin who did a fantastic job on the draw. Not only were they able to successfully blend players and abilities, but the creative team names made for some very entertaining commentating.
A warm thank you to Mick de Britt, obviously a "closet chef", along with Ted Lamb and his small band of helpers served up a wonderful 3 course meal to over 170 people on the Saturday night.
Thanks also to Lorraine and Chris Coulton together with Lenny, Ross and Gary who were kept busy all weekend with bar duties.
The Yass duo of Helen Willoughby and Maree O'Brien held fort at the canteen over the whole weekend - thanks girls!
I know there are several others who worked tirelessly all weekend at their allotted tasks, but I felt the above few deserved special recognition.
Now to the formal part of the weekend, the announcement and presentation of the annual awards. Congratulations to all of the following:
Male Player of the Year Jason Smith
Female Player of the Year Kylie Goatham
Intermediate Male Player of the Year Aaron Clarke
Intermediate Female Player of the Year Alison Mathie
Junior Boy Player of the Year Heath Mathie
Junior Girl Player of the Year Sarah Piper
Sub-Junior Player of the Year Patrick Clarke
Jacko Sillis Award For outstanding dedication and achievement in horsemanship Joy Madden
Hal O'Donnell Memorial Best Horse & Rider Combination Jason Smith and "Future"
Mick Blenkinsopp Memorial Best No. 2 Player Wade Mathie
UMPIRE'S AWARD Anthony Yeo
ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD Sarah O'Brien
WINNER OF HAMPER RAFFLE Joy Madden
After the formalities everyone continued on in the party mood and danced, sang, drank and partied even harder until the wee small hours.
The following morning a leisurely starting time of 9.00 was welcomed by everyone. The finals were completed by about 2.30 and certificates awarded to the winners.
SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS POLOCROSSE ANNUAL PRESENTATION AND END OF SEASON CARNIVAL (cont)
ZONE CARNIVAL RESULTS
X POOL
Winners
"The X-tras"
Allan Gilpin Russell Chapman Belinda Anderson
Susie Harrison Lauren Sibley Mark McCoy
Runners-up
"The X-ellerators"
Aaron Clarke Mark Gee Louise Campbell
Kristie Darmody Janet Jones Bob Moore
Z POOL
Winners
"The Zoomers"
Matthew Yeo Ainslie Corbie Liz Woods
Heath Mathie Michael Gorman Sarah O'Brien
Runners-up
"The Zombies"
David Sillis Taneale Murray Will Van Weerdenburg
Jillian Sibley Donna Clarke Paul Frean
Y POOL (sectional comp)
Winners
"The Yahoos"
James Darmody Greg Glasgow Shane Chapman
Runners-up
"The Yetties"
John Tunks Shelly Bolton Kyle Martin
BEST MENS HORSE OF CARNIVAL Neville Gilpin
BEST WOMENS HORSE OF CARNIVAL Alarna Hall
BEST JUNIORS HORSE OF CARNIVAL Heath Mathie
BEST SUB-JUNIORS HORSE OF CARNIVAL Kyle Martin
2001 Rookie ASH Awards
Mens - "Haydon Beam" - Ross Cockburn
Ladies - "Glenluck Radi" - Elke Neumann
Junior - "Sweet Peace" - Lauren Sibley
CAREFUL WHERE YOU MOUNT!
A near tragedy was averted on Saturday afternoon at the Zone Carnival. A player was attempting to mount his horse near the rear of the spectators vehicles. The horse reared up and when it came down to earth, it collided with a car. The horse ended up with all four legs under the rear of the vehicle, but thanks to the quick-thinking of a few people the horse was safely pulled away. The horse and rider were OK but the vehicle was battered and bruised.
A bit of common sense could have avoided this mishap, however it looks as if the Zone may have to wear the Public Liability excess of $1,000.00.
Southern Highlands Womens Teams for Maitland Masters Games
During the course of the weekend, nominations were called for the Maitland Masters Games. To date the following womens teams have been selected:
"THE SOUTHERN BELLES"
Anne Anderson (c) Janet Jones Joy Madden
Cathy Bennett Janet Sillis Helen Mathie
"THE HIGHLAND HUSSIES"
Sue Harrison Donna Hughes Jenny Edwards
Cathy Blyth Louise Campbell (c) Karen Mackie
"THE SOUTHERN CROSS"
Lorraine Crowe Dinah Haynes (c) Karen Brown
Letti Hallam Janet Perkins Karen Pirotta
SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS BACK ON THE MAP - by Toni Davidge
A strong contingency of players from various clubs in the Zone made the trip to Coffs Harbour in the school holidays for two weekends of Polocrosse and 2 days in between for a coaching clinic for players involved in National selections.
Lake George Club travelled to Bunnan and then on to Coffs Harbour. Their mixed team comprising Jillian Sibley, Lauren Sibley, Sarah Piper, Daniel Jones, Helen Mathie and Quentin Mathie won the C Grade Mixed competition with Lauren winning the Best No 2 at Bunnan. Robert Sibley, Wade Mathie, Greg Davidge, Heath Mathie, Jason Smith and Ashley Mathie played in the final of the B Grade against Bunnan after Quirindi defeated them in the first round. Bunnan however defeated them in the final by a goal in a great display of Polocrosse. Heath's horse "Dee" took out the Stock Horse award in this division.
Meanwhile, at Coffs Harbour, the Braidwood Club were victorious in the Mens Competition. The team comprised Aaron Clarke, Garth Ritchie, Luke Clarke, Richard Clarke, Steven Darmody and Ian Laurie. Aaron took the best player on Rose. Burradoo Club were also represented as was Bungendore.
From all accounts, although the Clarke family have all boys, Tom and Luke could well have put some doubts in everyone's minds with Tom winning Saturday nights entertainment as "Miss Polocrosse" - congratulations Tom.
Everyone at Coffs enjoyed their week, whether fishing, good on you Al!! or race-going - with all clubs having supporters on the bus, the trip home from the races was most entertaining thanks to Davey!!! The kids enjoyed their coaching tips and Ice Skating and Go-cart Racing and Shopping and and…..!!! Mums and Dads the relaxed sunny weather.
The second weekends Polocrosse saw some of the best of the season. The Lake George Mixed side of Lauren Sibley, Cameron Jones, Sarah Piper, Jillian Sibley, Quentin Mathie and Alison Mathie were absolutely superb playing way above their best to defeat all in front of them. With four juniors and two intermediate girls playing as men, no one could deny their play was not great. They defeated Burradoo, Mendooran, Gulgong and on Sunday Macksville who boasted NSW and Australian Rep players. Jillian Sibley was named the best No 1 and the best Lady Player. Congratulations to Lake George's Mens team of Robert Sibley, Greg Davidge, Ashley Mathie, Heath Mathie, Wade Mathie and Jason Smith who also played superb Polocrosse taking out the A Mens division defeating Guyra, Braidwood, Macksville and finally the Mexicans. Congratulations to Heath and Wade two Juniors playing top A Grade Mens level.
Also congratulations to Aaron Clarke and Rose who won the Best No 2 and Best Horse Overall. Daniel Jones played with Inverell in C Grade who were the Runners-Up in that division. All players and supporters enjoyed their time away.
** Good on you SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS **
HOT 'GOSS CORNER
And another Van Weerdenburg hits the ground…. Congratulations to Gerard and Sonia on the birth of their second baby boy - Clay Casey on 11th July. Well Gerard, one more to go to make a section, or are you trying for a team??!!
Also, countdown for Louise and Jason with only about 6 weeks to go on the birth of their first baby. We would like to wish you all the best for a safe and happy delivery. Louise, you're allowed to punch Jason during labour if it will help!
The Restaurant & Catering Assoc of NSW & ACT held their "Awards for Excellence" evening at the National Museum of Australia on Monday 30th July. Kurt Neumann was a finalist in the 2nd Year Chef's Apprentices category and to the HUGE delight of myself, Peter and Gemma Darmody - Kurt was announced WINNER!! Congratulations to both Kurt and "The Green Herring Restaurant" of Gungahlin where Kurt works, which was awarded best BYO Canberra restaurant.
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