SPORT Polo
MiC/Manager : Monique Ellis-Martin Sunday 21 February 2021 With only three weeks of practice before the season opener, the boys had to quickly adjust to new horses and new team members. College entered two teams in two grades for the first tournament at Waireka Polo Farm. B Grade: Charlie Burdon, Ason Gu, Elliot Lee, Freddie Scott It was a very tough pool for these young riders, with the first matches against Christchurch Girls’ High Blue and Christchurch Girls’ High Red. Against faster riders and strong competition, College lost both matches, 0–2. In the last match, Rangi Ruru Girls’ School was quick to score at both ends, winning 5–0. Both Freddie Scott and Elliot Lee produced some great breakaway moments during the day. A Grade: Henry Bowmar, Edward Davidson, Matthew Geddes, Henry Lassen
For the first time in years, each school played its best team – meaning the teams had riders who usually played in the A, B, and C grades. It was great to see New Zealand representatives playing with more inexperienced riders. College played three matches, with the first against Medbury School. Edward Davidson made the most of an early penalty opportunity to score, with College securing the win with a second goal. Next up was St Andrew’s College, featuring a national player. While the opposition was faster, College took a tactical approach to slow the game. With the teams level at 1–1, College went into a ‘rundown’ – a race to get the ball from one end of the field to the other but, in the A Grade, on the more difficult near side. Edward did not miss once over his 275-metre ride to ensure the win. In the final match against a combined team, College dominated the field, winning 4–0.
Both Henry Bowmar and Henry Lassen impressed playing at the top level. The overall sportsmanship prize was awarded to Edward Davidson for his direction, leadership and willingness to share opportunities. Sunday 28 March 2021 The end-of-season tournament – held at Waireka Polo Farm on a perfect Canterbury day – featured 14 College players across three teams. A Grade: Henry Bowmar, Edward Davidson, Matthew Geddes, Freddie Scott In A Grade, each school again played its best team, with riders who usually played in the A, B, and C grades, and national representatives again mixing with the more inexperienced riders. In the first match against Medbury School, Freddie Scott and Edward Davidson quickly linked up, and with a great pass up the field from Edward, Freddie finished off with a
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Christ’s College Canterbury
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