England is probably home to some of the excellent polo players on earth; however, once they take the sphere at Windsor Polo Club the following month, they better carry their A-Game.
Aussie captain Glen Gilmore and famous person Alec White say they may be holding nothing again when vying for the Mountbatten Memorial Trophy at the 111th Polo International on April 6. The 24 aim match may be fought enamel and nail.
Unlike most Australian rep groups that need to show up their Commonwealth brothers out of a real sense of oneupsmanship, our pinnacle polo gamers have an even bigger score to settle.
The last time the English had been right here, they gave our boys a serve and went home positive. These 12 months, the Aussies are hellbent on sending them domestic empty-handed.
“We need to push it as hard as we will…” Gilmore said.
“When you are representing your u. S. There’s no question approximately it. You have to truly throw the entirety at it and win at all charges… we’re no longer there to play around.”
“The English have not been out for a few years, but they beat us pretty properly last time, so there may be a piece of revenge available, for sure,” White delivered.
“This goes to be a huge contest. It’s always a massive rivalry against the English, so it will likely be a big spotlight for the year for polo in Australia.”
Both Gilmore and White realize all too properly what they’re up towards. Both are extraordinarily kind after, world-elegance athletes who have spent many satisfactory summer season days belting it out on a number of the maximum hallowed grounds in England.
Gilmore has played extra than 25 summers within the UK and has even shared the field with Prince Charles, Prince Philip, Prince William, and Prince Harry. In addition, he’s met the Queen on some of the events. He even ran the Guard’s Polo Club at Windsor Park.
White has additionally spent the last ten years traveling the globe and competing at the maximum elite degree, inclusive of inside the English High Goal, and was part of two Queen’s Cup triumphing groups. However, none of a good way to count numbers after they don the inexperienced and gold.
Aside from White and Gilmore, the Aussie squad will consist of Matt Grimes 6g, Jack Archibald 6g, Dirk Gould 5g, and Jake Daniels 5g. Then again, the Flannels English Team will consist of Jack Richardson 7g, James Harper 7g, Jimbo Fewster 3g, and Tommy Beresford 6g.
Promoters are already plugging the matchup as “The Wallabies of Polo.” Gilmore and White agree it’ll be a spectacle. Australia’s quality polo ponies can be assembled to carry the players into war.
Both Gilmore and White have loads in not unusual. Both are big horse fanatics, each had been sports activities mad teenagers, and each comes from large polo households. In reality, Gilmore’s father and son have also represented Australia.
However, the pair also have something a ways greater fundamental in not unusual, which demanding situations loads of misconceptions about the sport.
While many ordinary human beings think of polo as a cuff and collar game for rich folk, nothing can also be to reality. Both men grew up in rural homes and got here from humble beginnings. Yet, it was their expertise and passion that, in the end, propelled them to the best stage in their game.
They’re enthusiastic about polo. They spend a lot of time selling it and assisting in getting more young human beings concerned. They need to see their fellow countrymen reach the sport’s pinnacle and pursue every possibility to be had to them.
“There are masses of humans in Australia which might be more than satisfied to assist new gamers in getting into it,” White stated.
“You can take lessons and compete in suits, regardless of where you are at, whether or not you are a beginner or a professional. So it’s all right there.”
Ultimately, though, they know the handiest way the game will continue to grow if greater people interact with it. It is an outstanding spectator sport, they are saying, and the 111th International will be a display stopper.
“You’ve were given to be there to experience it,” White said.
“You’ve were given to peer the horses fly past and hear the guys yelling at each different to get to a pass or mark the competition. And, you may see the touch that is made is as huge as any rugby tackle,” he endured.
“You’ll see the athleticism it takes to manipulate the horses and hit the ball concurrently; it takes plenty of talent… (and) being a take a look at in shape, it’ll be fast and furious.”
The event will run from 11 am to 6 pm with three games of polo. Showcasing Australia’s young up-and-coming talent with the Under 21 Colts suit from eleven., 30 am, accompanied via a Ladies International fit at 1 pm. The first occasion will take area at three.30pm.
General Admission starts at $forty per individual; VIP Garden Party Marquee begins at $200pp; Car Boot Picnic Bookings start at $500 for 20 guests, and teach switch from CBD costs $50 return.
