The committee were fortunate to run a very successful event in June after facing cancellation in 2020 due to the global pandemic. Once again, the overall event attracted over 500 high school students from right across NSW.

The polocrosse was once again very popular. Two divisions were organised. Division 1 is fundamentally for students who regularly play polocrosse, or who have had previous experience playing. This division was split into 2 grades and attracted a total of 14 sections. The competition was fierce throughout, with many students playing against their own usual club team mates, representing their particular schools. The “chukka style” polocrosse lead to some very close match ups through the competition. Congratulations to the section from Kinross Wolaroi (Jock Stuart, Zoe Stephenson and Ryan Weston), who eventually took out the highest honour in the A Grade – in what was a very close competition. Congratulations to the section from Calrossy Anglican School who were the runners up (Jack Hamilton, Danni Dwyer and Nicole Martin). Well done to the combination of Alice Murray, Molly Michelle- Smith (NEGS) and Phillipa Webb (Scots – All Saints College) for taking home the award for the B – Grade, with Molly Cullen, Pippa Cullen and Ella Hunt from Calrossy Anglican School runners up.

Congratulations to all the students who played in the Division 1 – once again the competition was very high, and could have gone any way, particularly in view of it being “chukka polocrosse”. Once again, all these players did themselves proud in the way they conducted themselves and the sportsmanship displayed in a great exhibition of polocrosse.

Division 2 of the polocrosse is always so exciting – especially for the kids, but also for the spectators. This year, 120 students presented to “give polocrosse a go”, with many returning from previous years, having spent some time honing their racquet skills. It is always such a pleasure watching them all have so much fun. This competition was held over the 2 days, and they all receive a few tips before going on the field, where the very patient umpires look after them. Many accomplished riders and their horses from other equine disciplines enjoy this competition.

The second division is run as a knock-out competition, and the eventual winners were from Calrossy Anglican School (Lara de Jong, Annabel Dalzell and Isabelle Burke). Other schools in the placings were Ascham, The Kings School and Gundagai High School.

There is always so much interest in the polocrosse at EXPO, and it was once again supported by Graeme and Jen Elford, who manned the NSW polocrosse tent, and assisted many with racquet repairs and advice on Saturday. Christie Hunt, NSW coaching director, also supported the event with running a raffle- style draw, spending a lot of time getting particulars of potential players. Thanks to NSW polocrosse and Christie for organising and supporting the “raffle” of the polocrosse racquet, which was won by Charlie Hall.

It’s always good to get so much support in the form of sponsorship, particularly in a small town. The local Carlos IGA was the major sponsor of the polocrosse discipline and NSW polocrosse sponsored the second division, which is so important, as that is where the sport might gain some more players from. As long time supporter, Laughlin Ross, says “there are so many riders, with horses and gear – most just need a racquet and some encouragement”  - and hopefully they might decide to play someday.

Such a successful event would not be possible without the support and help of a myriad of people – a lot of polocrosse community minded people who come to assist. A special thanks must always go the umpires, who sit on their horses for many hours at a time. A huge thankyou to “Ex Coona EXPO” riders who returned once again – Sam Hanlon, Sam Finlayson, Tim Finlayson and Jessie Ross – what a grand gesture to return and give back to not only the sport, but EXPO in general. Thanks also to other umpires – Gary Stevenson, Sandra Weston, Gareth Garnsey, Rebecca Cullen – many hours in the saddle looking patiently after a lot of kids.

Apart from parents of current riders, there are also a lot of “ex-parents”  and community members who just keep turning up to assist – thanks so much – Marg Garnsey, Darren Devenish, Chris Cormie, Jo Finlayson, Nick Knowles, Sal Deshon, Leanne Hall, Deb Stuart, Maxyne Prothero, Jamie Ross, Laughlin Ross, Christie Hunt, Ella Elks, Tanya Mulligan, and Doug Webb. A special thanks to Angus Stuart for taking on the role of Technical Delegate. Also, all those other supporters and parents who manned score tables, helped pilot the line marker and performed goal waving duties.

In hindsight, the committee was lucky to be able to run the event in 2021, and they look forward to hosting the event in 2022.

Kylie Deshon

Head Steward, Polocrosse.