Sport
20 July, 2023
Polo-packed July starts off a hit
Last weekend, the Downs Polo Club hosted the first of three weekends of polo taking place throughout July.
The first, the Cooke O’Leary Cup, welcomed twelve teams to the Clifton Recreation Grounds, ready to battle it out across three grades of polo.
The Darling Downs supplied glorious weather for the occasion which attracted many spectators to the sidelines, eager to catch some polo action. By Sunday morning, the scene was set for three big finals games on field one at the Downs Polo Club.
Making it to the Webster Cavanagh Rural C Grade final were two visiting teams to the Downs in the Elegant Thoroughbreds.
The Elegant Thoroughbreds took off to a flying lead which was maintained throughout the match.
They stormed through the ensuing four chukkas to claim the top spot.
The day quickly progressed onto the Bentley’s Finance B Grade final, showcasing two local teams battling it out for the B Grade champion title.
Downs Hooper Accountants took to the field, facing fellow local team, Downs Webster Cavanagh.
A hard-fought game ensued with both teams putting on a great display of skill and horsemanship.
Ultimately, Downs Hooper Accountants clinched the win upon the final whistle.
The winning team was made up of local Downs Polo players Cameron Byrne, Richard Marchant, Anthony O’Leary and Stuart Hoey.
Before the A grade final got underway, the Downs Polo Club took a moment of silence, in memory of Queensland polo great, Pat MacGinley, who passed away earlier this month.
Pat was a supporter of the Downs Polo Club for many years and was particularly encouraging of young players in the sport.
Remembered as one of the greatest polo players Queensland has ever produced, Pat had an illustrious polo career playing all over the world and representing Australia on many occasions.
The final match of the day saw two visiting teams play off for the top spot in the A Grade Competition and the Cooke O’Leary Cup.
Those teams were Colliers Blue and Rosewood.
Rosewood got off to a flying start, taking a commanding lead over Colliers Blue in the first chukka.
Over the remaining three chukkas, the Colliers Blue side battled their way back, pulling the score within two goals of level.
However, the Rosewood side proved relentless in their attack and took the win when full time was called.
Prizes were awarded to the best playing ponies of the weekend.
The champion off the track pony prize, sponsored by Edwards Saddleworld Toowoomba, was awarded to Nelkie, owned and played by Cambooya polo player, Dan O’Leary.
Champion A Grade pony was awarded to homebred mare Ada, by stallion Eclipse, owned and played by visiting player George Hill.
The Downs Polo Club would like to thank all sponsors who make the running of each tournament possible, and to all spectators who come out each week to support the club.
A thank you goes to the Nobby State School P&C for catering over the weekend.
A further two weekends of polo are set to be hosted at the Downs Polo Club, with the Sapphire Shield running over two days on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd July.
This is followed by the Downs Shield on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th July.
Also hosted on Sunday 30th July is the Picnic at the Polo Event, part of the Downs Shield polo Tournament.
Follow the ‘Downs Polo Club’ Facebook page for full details on all events hosted at the Clifton-based club.
- Jessica Rea
