Queensland Polocrosse Association June Newsletter
President's Report
Dear Members,
2023 finally is delivering a great season of polocrosse after many disjointed and interrupted years.
We started with our junior teams competing strongly at Albury and Lara French representing Australia and winning in the Junior test match against South Africa.
The Albury Carnival provided a great showcase of high level polocrosse with teams and players from around the world competing in a highly competitive tournament.
The Barastoc competition at Warwick was a highlight for QLD winning 6 of the nine divisions. In the Test series, Trent Collins and Matt Davison played for Australia in the Men’s and Beth Hafey, Sam Allen and Lindsay Doolan played in the women’s competition against the Rest of the World.
A Presidents 8 junior team has been chosen to play NZ at Narrabri and can I congratulate Beth Shepherd, Dakota Collins and McCormack Finlayson on their selection and wish them well for the competition.
We are looking forward to the rejuvenation of the inter zone competition which began back in 1979 at Tambo. The Tara cub will host 48 teams from all over QLD in what is shaping to be a weekend of great polocrosse, with opportunity for players to not only showcase their abilities to the selectors but also play with new team mates creating camaraderie in the polocrosse community.
This year the management committee conceded to a request from Eulo to be allowed to play a carnival on the same weekend as the Zone carnival. While this is not normally allowed, the exception was made as the Outback zone relies heavily on the Boarding school contingent for numbers. In my time on the management committee I have learned that it is important to support Polocrosse in its many forms that suit the local players and conditions.
This year the QPA have adopted the Schoolzine app as our preferred communication platform to keep the playing community informed of news as it happens. I encourage all players and supporters to download the app and register with the Qld Polocrosse page. This platform will also allow us to record incidents in real time for umpiring and horse welfare. Currently NSW and WA use this app and it is anticipated that it will be adopted Australia wide.
The Toowoomba club hosted a QLD women’s competition at its recent carnival. Can I thank the Toowoomba club for supporting this event and congratulate Sydney Johnston and her team for co-ordinating a great weekend of polocrosse. The evening function was well received and players enjoyed the support from the coaches and close competition.
The decision to make the competition compulsory in the last week was difficult and I understand that some do not agree with it. On balance the decision was made to ensure the success of the weekend after a number of clubs had indicated that their members had chosen not to participate.
The selection process for the 2024 Nationals is under way with nominations called for Barastoc to close shortly. Selectors will be watching players and announcing Barastoc teams after the State championships in September. Nationals teams will be announced in 2024.
Good luck to all players for the rest of the season and I hope to see you at a carnival soon.
Mike Williams
Director of Manager's Report
Queensland Polocrosse had a very successful campaign at both the Albury Junior Challenge and the Barastoc interstate series. We had some new manager’s at both of these events and I thank all involved for their efforts. It’s one of the most important roles within a team and like all volunteers in our sport we thank them all for their time and effort. We will be looking for manager’s for next year’s Barastoc and of course the Nationals at Chinchilla – by blooding some new manager’s we don’t have to use the same people over and over again and I am sure most of you agree it’s quite a fun role to be part of the team environment!
Trish Shepherd
State Director of Umpiring
All Clubs and Club Members
Re: Umpiring/Rule Update
Over the past few weeks I have noticed that there are a few things that are creeping back into our game. We seem to be umpiring personalities and not the rules. This is having a roll-on effect. What is happening in the top grades is filtering through all grades. Be aware of how we are umpiring, we need to umpire how we want to be umpired as players.
These are just a few points I have observed:
- Penalty throws are not going the required distance and there is interference if it does go the required distance.
- Far too many people are back chatting umpires. This makes everyone uncomfortable when umpiring!
- All Players need to show respect to the umpires!
- All Umpires need to show respect to the people they are umpiring!
Also, too many people are leaving the grounds after their last game without seeing the Chief Umpire of the weekend or one of their committee members which leaves us short of umpires for the last few rounds. We all play this sport so we should all support the clubs running the carnivals and the officials who are helping organise the weekends.
Without us umpiring ourselves we have no sport for future generations!
If you have any questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me on 0408 061 050.
Yours sincerely,
Matt Gleeson
Chinchilla Stud Cup Carnival
Our Stud Cup Carnival opened up the Queensland Polocrosse season with players from as far as Victoria and everywhere in between attending. It was a strong start to the season with 50 club teams in attendance, alongside 11 Stud Cup teams. The weekend was packed, with 7 grades of competition from A-G grade, along with 2 grades of juniors as well as subbies. In the A Grade, Warwick 1 took the win over Tansey 1, but the main attraction was our under 30’s Stud Cup Competition.
The competition showcased our 22-30 year old players from across the country- from Victoria through to New South Wales and Queensland as well as two New Zealand players. We hosted 2 divisions with 12 stallion service fees available for the winning teams. The concept of the Stud Cup is to provide an opportunity for players out of U21’s but under 30 years old to shine. The teams are created individually, but must be represented by players from a minimum of 3 different clubs. The competition was fierce with multiple close games and unexpected victories! Division 1 was taken out by the Berrajay team, and Division 2 by Blood, Sweat & Beers. The club is extremely grateful for every team who competed in our Stud Cup for 2023, and hope our competition continues to grow into the future!
The 12 stallion service fees were all kindly donated and are as below:
- Doolanpartnership Espresso (Doolan Family)
- Berragoon Conspiracy (Grant Carroll)
- Choice of Berragoon Stallion (Berragoon ASH Stud)
- Brookview Pin Up (Brookview Sport Horses)
- Billabillacoolah Pros and Cons (Joe & Rosie Marh)
- Jaylyn Downs Sir Walter (Jaylyn Downs ASH Stud)
- Hylux Bollinger (Chris and Lauren Sillitoe)
- Hooked (Crinkles Stock Horse)
- Choice of Step2Victory Whistler or Step2Victory One Last Star (Stephanie Thorsby)
- Instyle Klink (Craig Doyle)
- Stoneage Comment (Brad Knight)
- Bawnduggie Condet (Robert & Kristina Plant)
We are extremely thankful for the support that the polocrosse community continuously puts into our carnival. Thank you to everyone who attended and made it a cracking start to the year!
My New Gallery
Albury Autumn Classic
Wow, what a week Albury was, Queensland had 18 juniors and 6 sub juniors participate in the coaching that was held before the carnival. I'm sure each and everyone of those kids would tell you how beneficial those coaching days were.
Queenlsand fielded 2 junior teams and 1 sub junior team to compete in the Junior Classic and those teams were:
1st Junior Team
- Beth Shepherd
- Peg Thornton
- Molly Austin
- Maddison Russell
- McCormack Finlayson
- Haydon Fisher
- Ethan McAlister
- Thomas Bredhauer
2nd Junior Team
- Hallie Thompson
- Olivia Grundy
- Ellie O'Leary
- Hannah Cook
- Hugh O'Leary
- Dallas Cook
- Henry Ellison
- Drew Sturgess
Sub Junior Team
- Heath Johnson
- Michael McMaster
- Jonty Frear
- Darcy Ellison
- Brooke Hunter
- Leo Ellison
- Monty Finlayson
All of these kids played their hearts out and made Queenlsand proud. Then to top it all off we got to watch Lara French play for Australia against South Africa!!
Albury
Triple Crown at Warwick Polocrosse
“Morgan Park” Warwick was the place to be on the weekend on 5/6/7th May – International, State and Club Polocrosse !!
The hosting of the Adina “Rest of the World Series” (ROW) after a 35 year break was a highlight and also a large boost for International Polocrosse. A Mens and a Ladies team competed against a very strong experienced Australian contingent of men and women- Australian running out winners in both categories.
This was a great competition to create interest in the next World Cup – 15th to 28th July 2024 – in South Africa.
A quote from Allan Molloy( ROW Manager) - “ a wonderful week at Morgan Park- thanks to all the helpers/members for making it a successful event – this venue gets better and better every time I visit – Warwick has the best facilities that I have ever come across throughout my 60 years of Polocrosse.”
The 16th Barastoc Interstate Series was the best ever – 25 teams from Qld, NSW, Vic & WA.- this year the programme consisted of 9 different competitions- 2 new age groups added being 21/26 in both Mens & Womens. Competitions were all closely contested with several games going to extra time. Qld winning 6 divisions, 2 to NSW and 1 to Vic.
Champion Player – John Franklin (Qld) - Champion Horse – Tom O’Neill’s “RK”(Qld)
54 Club Teams competed in the Annual Shell Cup Club Carnival with Warwick running out winners over Tansey in the final 20 goals to 14. Best Horse & Rider – Grant Carroll on” Berragoon Bells”.
A quote from Christine Franklin(Qld) - “ An outstanding event at every level- was a top class showcase of our wonderful sport. Enjoyable to watch the best Polocrosse in the world”
A total of 533 players played over the weekend across 3 competitions – a great POLOCROSSE spectacle !
Photo's by The Wife Creative
Killarney Carnival
The 2023 Killarney Polocrosse Club Annual Carnival made a triumphant comeback and marked a significant milestone for the club. With the participation of over 30 teams, the carnival surpassed all expectations, showcasing the exceptional teamwork of club members who worked together to create an exceptional carnival.
The decision to incorporate a multi-horse competition at the 2023 Killarney Polocrosse Club Annual Carnival was driven by the awareness of other notable events like Albury and Warwick Barastoc/Shell cup. The club recognized the need to provide a unique and enticing experience that would attract participants and spectators, despite the competition from these other well-established events.
The revival of the annual carnival generated significant interest within the polocrosse community, attracting teams from most zones. The club's commitment to ensuring the grounds were in top condition contributed to the success of the carnival and the overall quality of the games played.
The Killarney Yabbie Races added an element of excitement and fundraising to the event. This engaging activity brought together participants and spectators, who eagerly placed bets on racing yabbies. The funds raised from the races contributed to the club's financial stability and supports its future endeavours.
In summary, the 2023 Killarney Polocrosse Club Annual Carnival was an outstanding accomplishment. The revival of the event after many years, along with the participation of over 30 teams, showcased the club members' dedication and enthusiasm. The well-catered canteen, Yabbie Races, draft horse serving beverages, well-maintained fields, and thrilling polocrosse games contributed to the carnival's success.
As the carnival concluded, it left a lasting impression on all involved, setting the stage for future growth and success. The club is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and looks forward to building upon this year's achievements in the coming years.
Bollon Carnival Results
Cunningham Results
Gold Coast Carnival
The Gold Coast Polocrosse Club hosted their annual polocrosse carnival on May 27th & 28th, 2023 drawing in many supporters and welcoming 44 nominated teams from far and wide. From a strong and growing Mini Juniors competition all the way to the battle of an A Grade comp – players and supporters alike had a feast of action. Onlookers and patrons were treated to home-made goods from a humming canteen or found themselves wandering to Jo Lawrence’s much loved coffee van in-between chukkas. Despite some frosty morning temps, conditions were perfect for playing and made even better with an assortment of donated prizes from Embrook Stables, BROWN and HURLEY, Horse Gym, Scenic Rim Veterinary Services, Tuff Rock, Franklin Plumbing & Gas, Walshpool Lodge and the Queensland Government just to name a few supporting the Gold Coast Club. A big shout out to ‘Pluto’ for his awesome efforts on commentating for most of the weekend and to the young lads with their wise cracks had us in fits of giggles at times! Thank you!!
Players across a range of grades demonstrated a keen eye for the game, great horsemanship and were invited to heart-warming meals offered by the Club or a cool drink at the bar. Jojo’s Brewhouse was a good winter warmer offering cappuccino’s or hot chocolate on beautiful chilly mornings. Saturday evening shenanigans started with a hearty three course meal and a surprise birthday shout out for Stoff’s 60th birthday which went down a treat (although, a little birdy says there may be more celebrations come!). With all hands-on deck, a huge thank you goes to our Club Members and supporters in helping the Carnival run as smoothly as it did!
Our Mini Juniors Ivy Donald and Avalen Eton stood out while our B grade juniors Monty Finlayson, Michael McMaster and Evita Eton won their division! Runners up were our Gold Coast 2 s section who were Charlie Donald, Abbey Ward and spare Jonty from the Tansey club played their little hearts out. Best Horse and Rider went to Michael McMaster. What a way to spend their weekends, learning about sportsmanship, mate ship and horsemanship. Watch this space!
Our Gold Coast 1 Junior A winners met up against Warwick in the final. Ella Donald was up front, Deni and Charlie Austin out back. Charli had a successful campaign where she picked up the Gold Coast Polocrosse Club Junior Encouragement Award and Champion Junior Player. Gold Coast second section, Molly Austin, Keira Burgermeister, and Mac Finlayson, who played out back won Champion Junior Horse – Dillons Rioja. Mac has also been named in the President’s VIII Junior Team that will play against New Zealand Juniors in July at Narrabri Polocrosse Club. A big congratulations to all!
The Embrook Stables Gold Racquet Carnival final saw Tansey 1 run away winners against Warwick 1. Beaten team winners were our own Gold Coast 2.
Reflecting the growth and new pace of Polocrosse, Gold Coast Polocrosse Club was proud to offer cash prizes for A/ B Grade and Mixed A/ B Grade Competition – with grand total of $8,000 cash prizes between these grades. In true Polocrosse fashion the Gold Coast present Best Horse and Rider across each grade – a recognition of true horsemanship, rider skill and teamwork ability.
Perpetual trophies were awarded to:
Carol & Allen Eames Best No. 1 - Elliott Avis
Rob Copeland memorial Best No. 2 - Stuart Shepherd
Carkazis Family Champion Player – Beth Hafey
Best Lady Player of the Carnival – Beth Hafey
Best OTT TB of the carnival – Swift
Ridden by Craig Cameron
Champion Junior Player
Charli Austin
Gold Coast Polocrosse Club Junior Encouragement Award Charli Austin
Champion Junior Horse – Dillons Rioja
Ridden by Mac Finlayson
Gold Racquet $2500 winners
Tansey 1
Runners Up Warwick 1
Beaten Team Winners Gold Coast 2
A Grade $1500 winners
Killarney 1
Runners Up Tansey 2
Best Horse & Rider Dan O’Leary
B Grade $1000 winners
Gold Coast 3
Runners Up Inverell 2
Best Horse & Rider Brendan Summers
A Grade Mixed $2000 winners
Winners Tara 1
Runners Up Warwick 1
Beaten Team Winners Gold Coast 1
Best Horse & Rider Chris Sillitoe
B Grade Mixed $1500 winners
Guyra 2
Runners up Gold Coast 1
Best Horse & Rider Zac Finlayson
C Grade Winners
Gold Coast 4
Runners Up Warwick 3
Beaten Team Winners Cunningham 3
Best Horse & Rider Annabelle Gleeson
D Grade Winners
Tansey 3
Runners Up Gold Coast 5
Beaten Team Winners Killarney 2
Best Horse & Rider Shaun O’Rourke
E Grade Winners
Barbarians
Runners Up Killarney 3
Beaten Team Winners Cunningham 4
Best Horse & Rider Darcy Ellison
A Grade Junior Winners
Gold Coast 1
Runners Up Warwick
Best Horse & Rider Charlie Austin
B Grade Junior Winners
Gold Coast 1 section s
Runners Up Gold Coast 2 section
Best Horse and Rider
Michael McMaster
My New Gallery
Wandoan Carnival Results
Wandoan Social News
There's been a lot happening for the Wandoan club off the field as well:
- Travis Hunter and Michelle Bryer got engaged in April 2023 (see photo's)
- Brad and Emily Hall welcomed Hayley May Hall, born 5th February 2023. A little sister for Lily.
- Amy Moloney and Sam Greenup were married on 31st March 2023 - Photo's attached - Amelia Wood Photography.
- Jasmine Bowden headed overseas in the second week of June. Playing for the Arden Polocrosse Club for the rest of the UK season - Photo's attached.
- Hunter Gould had his year 12 formal, Toowoomba Grammar School November 2022 - Photo Attached.
- Caitlyn Bowling attended her year 12 formal, Fairholme College March 2023 - Photo's attached, Catherine Trail Photography.