Orange and District Polocrosse Carnival 2019

Gooloogong put on its usual smile for the annual Polocrosse carnival hosted jointly by Orange and Oberon Clubs on Saturday 14 and 15 September.  With the prayers for a wet track not answered, the second-best option of beautiful sunny days had to be settled for.  The annual carnival attracted the usual teams and players from all over the state including Albury, Mendooran, Sydney, Bowral, Yass, Jugiong, Gulgong, Marra and a special mention the two Victorian players  on route to the Coffs Harbour Masters.

The decision to make the carnival a prize- less one and then auction the prizes to raise money for the Black dog Institute was warmly accepted, with great support from the polocrosse and local communities.  We would like to thank everyone for their generosity enabling $720 to be raised as part of the “Running for Tom” team to go directly to Black Dog Institute.

From the first ball thrown in on Saturday morning to the last on Sunday afternoon the games were played in a great spirit with willing competition, which belied the prize -less nature of the event. 

A Open  Winners-Albury Runner up-Jugiong

B Open  Winners-Mendooran Runner up-Billimari

C Open  Winners-Dunedoo Runner up-Orange

The blue bandage competition was run for the first time and was a resounding success, introducing new and young players to polocrosse in a safe and non-competitive environment.  Thank you to all the senior players who helped with this competition.

Many thankyous have to be passed on, for without these people and local business the carnival could not have been the success it was.

• Local Gooloogong community members Chris Maher, Scott Idiens, Ben Chadwick and Moxey Farms, who gave their time and machinery to make the playing surface both horse and rider friendly.
• Auctioneers Angus Stuart and Mick Jones
• Umpires in particular Wendy Barlow who filled in where needed, coached and instructed the blue bandage competition.
• Elizabeth Youman who capably operated the canteen, often on her own for extended periods of time.
• Charlie Grills for the session at the end of play on Saturday supporting women’s umpiring.
• Major sponsors Darra Pastoral Co, Lachlan fertilisers, Elders Cowra, JJ Dresser & Co and Willowdene Constructions.

Blue Bandage at Orange

Ladies Umpires meeting