Southern Highlands Polocrosse
Sub Association Inc

JANUARY 2009 NEWSLETTER

Issue No 1/09

2009 OFFICE BEARERS

The Southern Highlands held their Annual General Meeting on 7 November 2008 in Goulburn.

President - Brian Luton
Vice Presidents - Michael Woods & Jason Smith
Secretary - Letty Hallam
Treasurer - Callum Hughes
Patrons - Carol Gilpin, Brian Luton & Steve Stuart
Chief Umpire - Pat Hallam
Deputy Chief Umpire - Michael Gorman
Zone Captain - Greg Davidge
Deputy Zone Captains - Daniel Tarlinton & Alison Mathie
Public Officer - Anthony Kirk
Publicity Officer - Rachel Hughes
NSWPA Delegates - Pat Hallam, Greg Davidge & Toni Davidge
NSWPA Delegates Alternates - Helen Mathie & Jim Davidge
Horse Welfare Officers - Jodie Mathie, Michael Gorman & Neville Gilpin
Open Selectors - Pat Hallam, Alison Mathie & Jim Davidge
Open Selector Co-ordinator - Alison Mathie
Junior Selectors - Rod Edwards, Katie O'Brien & Jason Smith
Junior Selector Co-ordinator - Katie O'Brien
Coaching Director - Michael Woods
Junior Development - Jodie Mathie
Judiciary - Michael Gorman, Toni Davidge, Stuart Mathie, Brian Luton, Pat Hallam
Equipment Officer - Hall
Grading Officer - Michael Green
Auditor - Canberra Assurance Specialist

HELP BURRADOO - HELP YOUR CLUB

The Burradoo Club is calling on all clubs within the zone to help "man" the canteen during the quadrangular series. Clubs who are able to help will be rewarded with a club donation from Burradoo.

INTERNATIONAL QUADRANGULAR SERIES

Burradoo is hosting an International Quadrangular Series between the United Kingdom, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia from the 16th to 19th April 2009 at our home grounds on Bong Bong Picnic Race Club in Bowral. This is a very exciting event for the club and we are looking forward to some fantastic polocrosse. In addition to the international polocrosse, a club carnival will also be run from the Friday through to Sunday.

Like the two World Cups, there will be pooled horses for all participating countries. If you would be interested in lending a horse or horses to be part of this pool, please contact Neville Gilpin on 0412 396 346. We are looking for A & B grade horses. People who lend horses will be rewarded financially and each horse will be insured. Please note any horses over 12 years of age will require a vet certificate prior to being insured. This is an excellent opportunity to watch your horse being played by some of the world's best players.

If anyone has a 1st Aid Certificate we require people to be in attendance at the grounds when the international players are practising. If you can assist, please contact Ann Anderson on (02) 48410 400. A big thank you to Dorothy Hughes from the Yass Club for her kind offer of assistance with this.

Finally, if anyone is interested in being a volunteer for a number of different tasks throughout the tournament, it would be greatly appreciated. Again, please contact Ann for further details on the tasks. Burradoo is looking forward to this event, and hope that everyone will come and share the experience at Bong Bong.

CHIEF UMPIRE'S REPORT 2008

I would firstly like to thank all the umpires in the zone that umpired all year. It is one of those things that without them we wouldn't be playing.

It was great to have so much interest in new umpires wanting to sit their exams to become probation umpires. 22 in total and 6 of which where juniors wanting to start umpiring. It was fantastic to see the enthusiasm and the reaction it had on other juniors wanting to become umpires of the future as well. I believe with the right guidance we will see these juniors trained and ready to become great umpires by the time they reach 16.

The 2008 season saw very few issues arise within our zone. I thank Mick Gorman for being at the carnivals that I was unable to attend and Pat Hallam for assisting as well. The overall objective coming from NSW and Australia is to have consistent umpiring across all zones and states. The umpire exchange program has been implemented to assist in the future development of this. It's a continual work in progress.

We have now seen the arrival of the new rule book, I would encourage every playing member to obtain one and that all clubs assist in seeing this happen. It is important that all players and umpires are aware of the rules.

I would encourage each club to incorporate an umpire school into a club practice prior to the start of the playing season, as it is easier for more members to attend. It is suggested that if you have played for longer than 5 years and/ or graded over 5 points that you attend an umpires school. I feel it is as important that all members attend. A reminder that by attending an umpire school doesn't mean you have to become an umpire.

I would like to help assist the new probation and junior umpires in the future to further develop the umpiring with in our zone and the sport as a whole.

Thank you for those who have supported me.

Regards,
Alison Mathie

COACHING DIRECTOR'S REPORT 2008

Due to the EI outbreak there was no polocrosse coaching possible prior to the season's commencement. The first coaching undertaken was at pony club level during the Easter school holidays. I would like to thank the following coaches and managers who gave their time and energy for the zone:

Zone 16 - Pony Club camp at Bungendore
Andrew Ellis, Dorothy Hughes, Fiona Butt, Claydon Butt and Garry Hallam.

Cooma Pony Club
Doug Peadon

Bega Pony Club
Doug Peadon

Coaches and Managers for the Zone teams playing at Muswellbrook were as follows;
Jim Davidge, Daniel Tarlinton, Bruce Greenslade, Toni Davidge, Pat Hallam, Michael Gorman, Gary Hallam, Dorothy Hughes, Belinda Cosgrove, Callum Hughes and Dinah Hanes. Managers Jenny Edwards and Jodie Mathie.

Junior Tour Western Australia
Coach Jo Reid, Manager Jodi Mathie.

Hopefully all clubs have at their general meeting appointed a club coaching coordinator again this year, I would appreciate club secretaries passing these names on to me.

All coaches also should be aware that in order to maintain their accreditation their logbooks must be authenticated each year. The log books are due to be handed into me now so I can validate the hours and pass them on to the State coaching director. The hours of coaching performed can also be instrumental in gaining ongoing funding for polocrosse programs.

Thank you
Michael Woods

WA 2008 NATIONALS RESULTS

A TALE OF WA

On Saturday 27th September, 3 horses and 5 humans left Bungendore to start the long journey across Australia heading towards the State Equestrian Centre in Perth for the Australian National Polocrosse Championships. Our first night was spent at Balranald at the racecourse, and then we crossed the Victoria and South Australian borders to spend the night at a very dry and dusty Port Augusta. Our third and fourth nights we stopped at Ceduna at the racecourse across the road from the beach. Horses and humans alike welcomed the ride along the beach making a welcoming change to the dust they had experienced the last couple of days. Across the Western Australian border and our next night was spent at a little caravan park and service station along the Nullarbor called Madura Pass. We then arrived into Kalgoorlie where the horses had to be checked into quarantine and all the horse feed thrown out. The final 500 odd kilometres into Perth saw our first glimpse of green grass since we had left Balranald and we finally arrived at the equestrian centre 7 days since leaving home. Setting up camp and doing some exploring around the Swan Valley, which included wineries, the chocolate factory and lolly shop and sight-seeing in Perth city made sure we enjoyed our first week of not travelling.

The Australian National Polocrosse Championships began competition on Monday 13th October. I had been advised half way across the Nullarbor that due to injury to a horse, that I had now been moved from the NSW Senior Mixed team up to the NSW Senior Women's team which meant we started our competition games on Tuesday 14th October. Here we met Western Australia, whom NSW had played in the final and beaten at the Nationals held 2 years earlier. The game was close but unfortunately we were defeated 18-15. Wednesday we played QLD in a rough game which was also lost 16-12. This effectively put us out of the running for the Final. Thursday saw us play NT where our first win came, 28-10. That same day VIC played QLD and beat them in an upset which gave us a glimmer of hope of still making a Final. Friday we had no games so we were able to relax and enjoy watching games all day and also fit in a bit of shopping. Saturday saw a determined NSW women's team hit the field against VIC- this game we had to win by 10 goals, and after a long and hard-fought game we were victors 21-9, beating them by 11 goals. This then put us into the Final by 1 goal!

Sunday arrived and with nerves, but a lot of determination, we again faced WA in the Final on a hot 36 degrees Perth day. Every chukka was close in score, but after a long fight we were Runner's Up to WA 26-22. The State of NSW made it to 9 Finals out of 9 competitions, and was able to win 6 of these 9 Finals. A feat which is pretty impressive considering the long trip and expense to make it across to compete in Western Australia.

Monday was spent packing up and recovering, and then 5 days later we were glad to be finally home.

Belinda Tarlinto

UK JOB OPPORTUNITY

We are looking for a polocrosse player who has a lot of experience with young horses to come and work for us next year. We have 7 thoroughbreds ranging in age from 3 to 6 that are broken and in need of bringing on. Both my brother and I are at university, making it difficult to spend enough time on them. The job would predominantly involve the horses, there are a few older ones to be got fit as well, but work on the farm would also be available. It is 400 acres, producing organic beef cattle and some arable in the lovely county of Suffolk. A bed and three meals a day in the 16th century farmhouse would be provided as well as additional pay. There would be the opportunity to play A/B grade with Kent Target club on a more experienced horse.

Applications and any questions to or +441986784212 or +447786060203

JUNIOR WA TOUR

In July 2008 a Junior Southern Highland Team consisting of Shelli & Denny Reid, Kate Thompson, Steven Howes, Farann Mathie, Jo Reid as Coach and Jody Mathie as Team Manager travelled to Western Australia to tour the Midwest Zone of WA.

After arriving in WA riders were billeted out to two local clubs, Moonyanooka and Walkaway. The children all travelled to Murchison which is out in the middle of no where, it is station country and all the people of surrounding stations make up the club. It was fitting for that weekend that we ended up playing Murchison in the final, which the SH Zone Juniors won quite convincingly, Team Coach Jo Reid was awarded best horse in the grade. The children were all really lucky to be on very reasonable mounts and they rode the same horses for both weekends. Both clubs were very supportive and on the middle weekend a small coaching clinic and BBQ were held and the children watched some old Nationals games. Everyone was friendly and the children got on very well with the WA kids.

In the second week we were lucky to do a bit of sightseeing, we travelled to Kalbari which is a very popular tourist area. It had lots of interesting things for us to do and see. The second carnival was at Walkaway, we played in D grade and had great games, finally winning in a close fought game against Walkaway. Once again Jo Reid was awarded best horse of the grade. I had the privilege of picking best A grade horse, and was happy to be able to watch all the A grade games. Heavy rain fell before the final and the Perth team chose not to play, which was a shame, but didn't dampen the spirits of players and club members.

We would like to sincerely thank the Southern Highlands Zone along with our sponsors for giving us the opportunity to go on such a great tour. The Western Australia Polocrosse Association provided us with a bus and a driver to get back to Perth which enabled the children to look around Perth.

Everyone we met on this tour was helpful, extremely friendly and couldn't do enough for us. I encourage other Juniors from our zone to try and participate in future tours as it was a worthwhile experience.

Thanks to our SPONSORS;

Wade Mathie Breaking & Training
Kiers Group of Companies
Bodalla Bakery
Southern Meats
R & C Thompson
Goulburn Tiles
Bay Removals
Dial a Digger

Jody Mathie
Team Manager

AUSTRALIAN TEAM FOR QUAD SERIES

Congratulations to the below members who have been selected to play in the Quadrangular series in April 2009. Well done to Alison Mathie and former highlands player Robbie Sibley!

TEAM

RESERVES

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Kaaren Hassell and Steven Darmody were engaged just before Christmas - we wish them all the best!

Marnie Rawlings & Anthony Kirk were married on 6 September 2008. Congratulations to you both and all the best for the future.

Kellie Willoughby & Justin Darmody were married on 13 December 2008. They celebrated a beach ceremony in Bermagui with the night rounded off by fireworks over the golf course!

Max Walters passed away on 23 November 2008. Our thoughts and wishes to his family.

FOR SALE

'ROSEMARY'

Beautiful bay pony mare 11 1/2hh 12 year old forward & free going pony. Played five or six seasons of sub-junior polocrosse Broken in by Clarke Boys @ Braidwood Played by Shelli Reid (Eurocoast) and Michelle & Aimee Mehl (LG) used for pony club & gymkhanas during off season sadly now outgrown $2000 Ph 44744002 A/H

BITS 'N' PIECES

Australia has appointed a new Coaching Director. Gary Lawrence from NSW has taken on the position.

Claire Gee has been selected into the Australian Junior Squad for the 2009 boot camp. On behalf of the zone we wish Claire all the best!

The WA Nationals photos have been posted on the web. To take a sneak peak or to place an order visit the following web page:
www.aussiesinaction.com.au

Polocrosse Australia wish to advise that 1 January 2009 the rules regarding Anti-Doping and Drug Policies will be changing.
The new policy is available on the website www.polocrosse.org.au/policies.html

EDITORS PIECE

With the 2009 season due to commence in a few short months, I have made the decision to try and prepare myself (both physically and mentally) for the year ahead. With my old mare enjoying her off season break in the bottom paddock, I decided to risk life and limb and attempt to ride a young horse who has happily gained at least 100kg in green grass since her purchase in August.

A week later and with the help of five or so able bodies we eventually caught this horse who had now been renamed words that are nothing like the original "Mischief" and all of which I cannot relay here due to sensory issues.

Saddle on, throat lash buckled and girth tight around the barrel - I was ready to go. Foot in stirrup I swung my leg over for a millisecond before deciding to quickly retract it... at this stage my life was starting to flash before my eyes and I was wondering which bones I might break this time and if Granny would call an ambulance or would I have to endeavour a long car ride to the nearest hospital (like last time).

You see, my so called pony had decided to transform into an apprentice saddle bronc - tensing up like a jack in the box ready to explode. Rethinking my options (not many) and knowing that I was going to crash and burn into the chook shed or worse, a car (like last time) I called for backup by way of little brother Callum. Normally he is the crash test dummy when bringing the "fresh" horses in, however I had burnt this bridge previously when I proclaimed that this horse was mine and mine alone. BIG mistake...

By this stage the family was looking eagerly on and my little brother was standing close by offering moral support and words of wisdom... you're gonna fall off...she's really gonna buck on you...

Despite shaking like an Eskimo without an igloo, I decided it was time to take control of this steed. I put foot back in the stirrup, launched my leg over... and BAM!!!

The pony walks off without putting a foot out of place.

A few weeks later...

Saddle up to go for leisurely trail ride with Granny - foot in stirrup, bum in saddle - horse bucks like a trooper and Rachel hits the ground with an (obviously) loud thud. Remove self from ground, brush off dirt, catch horse and inform her that I am far too old to fall off... Get back on and ride off without any more dramas!

NB - for all you Farmer Wants a Wife fans be watching in early 2009 for a Yass member!

If you have any announcements or classifieds to place in the next newsletter please contact myself on the numbers or email below. All ads placed by zone members are charged at $10 per issue. The newsletter is circulated to all the NSW zone secretaries and an electronic copy is also posted on the NSW part of the following polocrosse website www.polocrosse.net

Publicity Officer - Rachel Hughes
Phone: 02 6299 1997 - 0404 942 710