Sport
4 May, 2023
Back to back polo action in Clifton
Polo returned to Clifton for the second week in a row this weekend, teams taking to the field for the historic Eagers Shield Trophy.
Forecast rain held off on Saturday night paving the way for a glorious weekend of polo hosted at the Clifton Recreation Grounds, by the Downs Polo Club.
Local and visiting players gathered at the grounds over the weekend, battling it out on the field over two grades of polo.
The sidelines we scattered with spectators engrossed in the sporting action on the field.
The Bentleys Finance B Grade was taken out by the Downs Black Toyota Team consisting of Sam Kenny, PJ Metcalf, Graham Mann and Beau Skerrett.
Teams in the AEW Horse Walkers A Grade were fighting it out for the historic Eagers Shield trophy.
Who would prevail as the 65th team named on the shield?
After a series hard ridden chukkas, the Downs Silvershop team prevailed number one, winning the AEW Horse Walkers A Grade competition and lifting the Eagers Shield trophy.
The team was made up of Justin Rous, Hamish McIntosh, Max O’Leary and Will Gilmore.
Prizes were also awarded to the best playing ponies of the weekend.
Champion Off the Track Thoroughbred, sponsored by Edwards Saddleworld, was awarded to Izzy (by sire Jet Spur), owned and played by James Hoey.
Champion B Grade pony was awarded to Impala (by sire Hazlewood Conman) owned by Hamish McIntosh and played by Will Gilmore.
Champion A Grade pony was awarded to Ticklish (out of mare Tickly by sire Sanchez) owned by W3g Polo and played by Will Gilmore.
The Downs Polo Club will bring polo back to Clifton in June for the
much-anticipated Silvershop Bracelet tournament, hosted at the Clifton Recreation Grounds on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th June.
This is followed by a trio of tournaments scheduled for July including the Cooke O’Leary Cup on the 15th and 16th July, the Sapphire Shield on 22nd.
- Jessica Rea
