Southern Highlands Polocrosse
Sub Association Inc

NOVEMBER 2001 NEWSLETTER

Issue No 7/2001

PRESIDENT'S REPORT TO THE 2001 ZONE AGM

Friday 28th September 2001

It gives me great pleasure to present my report for 2001. The polocrosse year started with the Canberra Show in which we ran an intermediate competition. I believe it was a good move to try this competition - perhaps we could alternate this with a Senior Mixed competition each year. The four zones competing for the Max Walters Trophy were:
Southern Highlands, South West Slopes, Central West and North West Plains.

It was pleasing to see all teams attired to a high standard at all times, both on and off the field. Congratulations to South West Slopes on winning the final against Southern Highlands. It was an honour to have Peter Crauford, our Australian President, and Max Walters, our International President, in attendance for the presentation and our dinner on Saturday night.

Next to the coaching clinic to be held at the Canberra grounds, it was disappointing that there weren't enough numbers to successfully run it. I think all these opportunities should be taken advantage of.

I think all carnivals were run very well this year. I believe we are gradually getting our grading and teams matched up to a better degree. This is a big job and I know we still have a way to go. I thank all clubs for putting a mighty effort into their carnivals.

We had a number of players representing our State this year at the Muswellbrook, Royal Easter and Toowoomba Shows. Congratulations and well done.

The Junior Coaching Clinic at the AIS this year is an event the PAA relies heavily on Southern Highlands for support in supply both horses and grounds. I know it is hard to round up twenty odd horses but I feel it is an important event for our young junior players all over Australia.

Although our Zone only fielded two intermediate sides and a junior side at Glen Valley we were in three finals finishing runners up in two and winning the intermediate mixed. A good effort by all the players, parents, coaches and supporters.

Representatives from Burradoo, Braidwood, Bungendore and Lake George travelled to the north coast and some also to Bunnan. Lake George travelled to Warwick for the Queensland State Championships, each and everyone of you did our Zone proud. Winning your share of finals and presenting yourselves and horses to a high standard which says a lot for your clubs and our Zone.

Our end of year carnival this year was very successful. To all the clubs which took part in making this a success - thank you. This is what Zone events are all about.

We must congratulate Steve Stuart and Neville Gilpin for gaining recognition receiving the Australian Sports Medal to commemorate Sporting Achievement within the Australian Honours. Others in our State to receive such Honours were Sue Armstrong, Max Walters, Terry Blake and Tom Clear. We must be grateful for these people for the effort they have put into Polocrosse.

Tom Clear is retiring as Public Officer for the PAA and has been replaced by Sue Sullivan (nee Stuart).

In conclusion I would like to congratulate those juniors who have been selected into the Darwin Squads. Also best of luck to all the intermediates, seniors and veterans in their selections for the Nationals at Darwin next July.

Also all the best to those Masters teams going to Maitland next week - hope you have a safe trip up and back.

On ending I thank Odette and Dinah for their support over the last 12 months making the job of President a pleasure to do.

Also this year our Chief State Umpire, David Sillis, has had a big job enforcing our new and existing rules - it has not been an easy time for him. I think we should show our support for David in the future and hope he continues the good work.

I wish you all a very happy Christmas and New Year.

Gill Mathie
President

CHIEF UMPIRE'S REPORT TO THE 2001 ZONE AGM

I would like to thank the players and umpires who have helped to "trial the revised rules". They were not easy to play at first, let alone have to enforce a consistent interpretation. However, getting around to all but three zones in NSW and to Northern Territory this year, I know that Southern Highlands has had the best success at implementing them. Even the spectators played an important role in this trial. If they had questioned umpires from the sideline, umpires may have become a dying tool in our sport. We all know, no good umpires means our game and enjoyment would be sadly lacking. Congratulations everyone.

A pat on the back to umpires who followed Southern Highlands recommendation of wearing a helmet while umpiring. Although umpires are capable riders, accidents do happen. Helmet wearing provides a very good message and role model to our younger or inexperienced riders. It's also sending a message to our Insurers saying that we are trying to minimise our claims.

Recommendations for next year are:
 
Enforce the rules that certain swings, ie the last desperate swing taken, are stopped.
 
More experienced umpires to umpire "B" and "C" grade games.
 
Thank you for your support.

David Sillis
Chief Umpire

ZONE NEWS

REVISED TOURNAMENT DATES 2002 SEASON

A SPECIAL MATE IS LOST TO US ALL

A young mate, a team mate and true friend was lost on the 22nd of September 2001.
 
James Laurie was tragically killed in a car accident in the early morning of his eighteenth birthday while travelling home from Canberra.
 
His death that Saturday shocked his family, his friends and the whole township of Braidwood. The town was certainly solemn; the stunned residents stated that Braidwood was not the noisy and busy place it usually is on a Saturday morning. His best friends gathered together at the Clarke's place to celebrate his eighteenth and mourn his loss - it helped the young ones get together and talk about their grief.
 
James began his polocrosse career with Lake George some 7 years ago and soon displayed his talents. He was a member of a junior side that travelled to Queensland several years ago to play at the Queensland Championships and was one of the instigators in winning that competition. James was a talented team player.
 
After a couple of seasons break, he became an inaugural member of the reformed Braidwood Club and he was thrilled to play for his hometown. He played several tournaments this year including Braidwood's tournament where he played on a young horse in D grade where he, along with two of his mates, enjoyed the weekend. He was proud to play with the two lads as they hadn't played before and he coached them along and together they won the competition.
 
James was also looking forward to travelling to New Zealand in February 2002 with the Braidwood under 21 Team to play the New Zealand colts. His team members will miss him terribly.
 
However, James's love was bull riding and rodeos. He excelled at this sport and was a talented bull rider. He was proud to represent his country and be a member of the Australian High Schools team that travelled to the US in July this year. His success in the rodeo ring was just beginning and he was looking forward to a very successful career. Indeed, James was a natural rider, who had an easy style and 'he was going places'. James rodeo mates will certainly miss his easy going style and his support. He was always helping a mate; his smile was partnered with a helping hand.
 
James's short life was also touched with tragedy as he had lost his mother Gayle to cancer six years ago and this caused him much grief.
 
He and his father Ian, brother Michael and sisters Olivia and Victoria were left to get on with life. James certainly lived life to the fullest over the last 2 years since he left school and began an electrical apprenticeship.
 
The Laurie family and Ian's partner Melanie, now have to deal with another loss and it will be difficult. However, with the strong support of friends and family the Laurie family will endure this extra loss with a strength that comes with strength of character that James had himself - determination.
 
We will miss you James.

James Laurie
22/9/83 - 22/9/01

SHPSA COMMITTEE - 2002

President: Gill Mathie
Vice Presidents: Steve Stuart, John Darmody
Secretary: Odette Neumann
Treasurer: Dinah Haynes
NSW PA Delegates: Gill Mathie, Steve Stuart, Greg Davidge
Alternate Delegates: Toni Davidge, Odette Neumann, Janet Sillis, David Sillis, Louise Campbell
Zone Chief Umpire: David Sillis
Deputy Chief Umpire: Michael Gorman
Zone Captain: Greg Davidge
Deputy Zone Captains: Alison Mathie, Wayne Yeo
Horse Welfare Officers: Helen Mathie, Wayne Yeo, Mick Woods
Public Officer: Will van Weerdenburg
Publicity Officer: Odette Neumann
Judiciary: Steve Stuart, Gill Mathie, Toni Davidge, Odette Neumann, Nils Blyth
Patrons: Tom Clear, Brian Luton
Grading Officer: Greg Davidge
Coaching Director: Janet Sillis
Equipment Officer: Toni Davidge
Zone Selectors - Open: Jim Davidge, Gary Lidgard, Aaron Clarke
Zone Selectors - Juniors: Ken Goatham, Alarna Hall, John Darmody
Selector Co-ordinator: John Darmody
Senior State Selector: Richard Clarke
Junior State Selector: Gill Mathie

US JUNIOR TOUR - 2001
BEN BLORE
BUNGENDORE CLUB

It was mid February and Libby and Sarah mentioned to Mum about the opportunity to go to America on the Youth Exchange Program playing Polocrosse representing NSW. Mum rang me at school and asked if I would be keen to apply -- "Absolutely!" was my response "What do I have to do?" Fill in an application form pronto and send it away. This we did and put it to the back of our minds.
 
Mum and Michael got a phone call from Odette about 9:30 pm on Sunday night after the State meeting to tell me I had been selected. Mum rang me at school "No way - Bull **** - How Cool!" After three long months - polocrossing, fundraising, organising passport, uniform etc, Oh - and school, the day had come - Friday June 22 we were to meet at the Sydney Central Youth Hostel at 5 pm.
 
Team meeting - for me it was to meet for the first time the rest of the team I would be travelling and living with for the next four weeks. It was announced that I was to be vice captain for the tour, a surprise and great honour. A great group of people, 4 boys and 3 girls from all over NSW. Jean Still was the manager and Wendy Barlow was the coach. To these two ladies I give a huge thanks for the time they spent organising the trip and travelling with us, the experience we all gained was huge - the friends, the horses, the people and their country.
 
We flew out of Sydney after a teary farewell for some. Spent a few days in Los Angeles doing the tourist things. Flew from LA to Denver and were met by our host families who then drove us to Colorado Springs with an overnight stop at Fountain Valley School as they were blasting on the road and we couldn't get through. Next day drove to Durango. Spent fun time with our host families - celebrated Independence Day American style. Bought boots from "Boot City". Went to a rodeo. Flew over Indian ruins in New Mexico, ski resorts and an underground channel which appears above the surface from time to time.
 
Friday we went to the playing fields and rode a few horses. The Durango tournament was that weekend and we got split into different teams. We played in 40 degree heat which was a shock to the system after leaving a Bungendore winter. I played A grade with Kelly (from Aus) and 4 Americans, 2 who had travelled from New York, a trip of 36 hours. A great friendship was formed with these 2 guys as after the 2 carnivals they headed home and when we went to New York we stayed with their family. Over the weekend I played 4 games and played 4 different horses. Saturday night we relaxed at the grounds. Sunday we played one game each and then rested up for the test match. About an hour before the game we had a team meeting and found out which horses we were going to be riding. It was a tough game; we all played well but ended up loosing.
 
We were taken on a trail ride with Britt Lovelace (one of the fantastic host families) up into the mountains around Durango.
 
The next weekend the tournament was at Fountain Valley School. Again we were split up amongst other teams. Saturday night we were guests at a dinner at the school. On Sunday we all played at least one game. We had another test match coming up that afternoon. A team meeting to work out our horses. After a hard game that was well played by everyone we ended up winning 13-7. We were all presented with a magnificent crystal trophy on behalf of the American Polocrosse Association as a memento of our time spent in the States.
 
After a sad farewell to the wonderful families at Durango, we headed to New York. On arriving in New York we were driven out to Warwick. Did the touristy things during the week. We visited New York and were guests on CBS television -- Skye and I were interviewed about the game of polocrosse while the others were in the background throwing the ball around. Saw the Statue of Liberty and went to the top of the World Trade Centre.
 
Warwick Valley Tournament and once again we were put into different sections. I won Best Aussie player of the tournament and was awarded a set of reins. No accidents up till now - then my horse threw its head up, caught me on the chin and closed my mouth hard onto my tongue, splitting it in half, not a very nice feeling! Sunday night we were driven to the Murphy & Gosch families to spend time there. We attended a polocrosse camp at the Gosch's property early in the week and helped Wendy and Jean teach the basics of polocrosse to a wide range of ages and abilities. The editor from the local newspaper came and interviewed Wendy and took photos of us. While at the Gosch's home I had the opportunity to ride a mule and believe it or not they are used quite a bit for polocrosse as they can turn faster than the horses they ride (a cross between quarter horse and Arab).
 
One of my games I played an Arab, 14 hands high and grey. Someone in the team suggested that I take my feet from the stirrups, put them on the ground and run!!! Wednesday afternoon we drove to Philadelphia for a horse show. We all rode in the show. Gemma won the intermediate barrel race. I borrowed a horse and ended up beating the owner in the barrel race. I came third in the flag and bending races. Saturday morning up bright and early to drive to Timonium for the Keystone tournament. All in different teams again.
 
Sunday night we drove back to the Murphy's house and sorted out our gear. Monday we went to Long Island on our way to the airport and spent a few hours at Mrs Murphy's sisters house and all fell asleep in her lounge room. Sad farewells, talk of catching up next year and we were on board our flight to Sydney via Los Angeles, realising it was all over and what a wonderful time we had all had.
 
Polocrosse is big in the Pony Club movement, which means there are not a lot of adults playing the game. Their exercise regime is a lot different to ours - a workout to get them fit is a nice trail ride in the mountains once a week perhaps, not a daily ride like we do ours.
 
I would like to say thank you to the people that supported my fundraising:

• To the Zone for their monetary donation
• To local business houses for raffle prizes and for selling tickets
• To people who donated money
• To those that attended the golf day
• To those who came to the wine dinner

And thank you for the words of congratulations and encouragement and support over the season.

ADAM SPEED
A WINNER AT THE RDA AUSTRALIA 2001 NATIONAL DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS
WERRIBEE PARK 7-9 SEPTEMBER

Congratulations to eleven year old, Adam Speed, who competed at the RDA National Dressage Championships in September. Riding "Good as Gold" Adam came fourth in his individual dressage event and first in the teams event.
 
This is a great achievement for Adam, who is vision impaired. He certainly looks pleased as punch sporting his rosette which is almost as big as his smile. All Subbies in the Zone would have either played with or been on opposing teams as Adam and would no doubt admire the tenacity with which this young boy displays on the field.
 
Congratulations and well done Adam.

STATE NEWS

NSWPA 2001 AGM
AND YEARLY COUNCIL MEETING
MITTAGONG 27-28 OCTOBER

Congratulations to Gill Mathie who was elected as Senior Vice President of the NSWPA. Gill and Steve Stuart were also elected as delegates to the PAA. David Sillis' hard work as State Chief Umpire during the season was recognised and was unanimously returned to this position, congratulations David. Laughlin Ross was returned as President, Tony Burrell accepted his reappointment as Treasurer, much to the relief of the meeting and Bill Bleechmore was also returned as State Coaching Director.

With Jenny Jones vacating her long held position as Secretary, the meeting agreed to further break up the workload of this job and created a "Registrations" component for each of the three regions. The finer details will be worked out at a Planning & Development Meeting in November, but broadly speaking there will be one person appointed in each region to collect registrations before they are forwarded on to the State Treasurer. Helen Stapleton from the New England Zone was elected as General Secretary and Toni Davidge as Teams Liaison Administrator.

A testimonial dinner was held for Jenny on the Saturday evening. It was a very emotional time for both Jenny and many of the guests. In true polocrosse tradition a few stories surfaced, but the warmth towards Jenny was tangible. In recognition of her tremendous contribution to polocrosse, Steve Stuart presented Jenny with a lovely wrist watch.

An early start the next morning (thanks to the commencement of daylight saving) saw a lengthy debate on insurance with many zones voicing their dissatisfaction and concern. There was a very real threat that many polocrosse families will be unable to register next year due to the escalating costs.

Various insurance options were discussed but at this stage setting affiliation fees for 2002 have been put on hold until after the November Planning & Development Meeting. Zones will be notified as soon as there is an outcome.

Nationals Squads

The squads will trial in Sydney on 4-5 May when teams will be selected.

The Junior squad will practice at Albury on 25-27 April and at Singleton on 25-26 May.

NZ Junior Exchange
January 2002

Congratulations to Megan Sillis from Bungendore who, together with Sam Johnston from SWS slopes, was selected for this tour. Francis Hallam is the reserve.

Southern Highlands has applied to host the return visit of two NZ juniors.

Muswellbrook Show - 15-16 March (Int Open)

Steven Darmody, Russell Flanigan, Simon George, Josh Greenwood, Heath Mathie, Sean Neilsen, Anthony Yeo.

Sydney Show - 2-4 April (Senior Mixed)

Jane Moffatt, Jo Hamilton, Rebecca Webb, Jane Melbourne, Steve Davidge, Kevin Stevenson (c), Jason Smith, Jason Webb

Toowoomba Show - 10-13 April (Snr Mixed)

Melissa Hornery, Linda Bowen, Kylie Deshon, Annabell Crosby, Dwayne Brown, Ray Davies, Ben Turner, Jamie Ross (c)

2003 NSW Club Championships - Galloping Gully
 
2003 NSW Zone Championships - Macksville/Coffs Harbour
 
2003 Australian Zone Championships
Berrigan & Maitland are both applying to PAA

NATIONALS NSW 2006

The NSWPA Council endorsed that the 2006 Nationals, to be held in New South Wales, would be a state run and funded event. Regions were invited to apply to host the event, applications to provide details of facilities and financial involvement.

COACH OF THE YEAR

Bill Bleechmore presented Sue Johnson (Central West) with a certificate acknowledging her as "Coach of the Year". Congratulations Sue.

NEW WEBSITE FOR NSW POLOCROSSE

Sheila Stokes (Central Wests new Zone Secretary) addressed the meeting with ideas for establishing a website dedicated to New South Wales Polocrosse and the many benefits that would arise from owning a website. On a show of hands, well over 50% had access to the internet at this stage with more expecting to come "on line" in the near future.

It is anticipated that club contact details, carnival dates etc will be the first information posted on the site with more sophisticated data to follow allowing members access to their membership details.

HOT 'GOSS CORNER

Congratulations to Louise and Jason with the safe arrival of their son Andrew Michael. Andrew was born at the Queanbeyan Hospital on Monday 24th September and weighed in at a healthy 8lb. Louise tells me Andrew looks a bit like both of them and I've been racking my brain to think of Jason's "best bit" ………. Perhaps, maybe, his smile!

SHPSA PUBLICITY OFFICER: Odette Neumann
Email:
Ph/Fax: 02 6238 2300 (ah); 02 6280 7677 (bh)
Mobile: 0429 489 613