Junior Polocrosse Test Series - Australian v’s South Africa
11th & 12th April 2009
Queensland was fortunate to have John Franklin (Gold Coast Club) as the sole representative in this inspiring team. John was committed 110% to doing his job on and off the field and was a fine ambassador for Queensland and Australia.
The team was selected from a squad after a boot camp held at Sale in late February. It was a great success and showed once again that Queensland has all the tools to be successful. Jodie Hall was a Coach at this camp and 5 of the 6 members of her team were selected in the Australian team. This is without question a testament to her high level of dedication and professionalism.
It was obvious that the team would need to fundraise to ensure there were sufficient dollars – no problem – Charlie & Sara Grills donated a live foal and Stephanie Thorsby a service. Their generosity was greatly appreciated and the kids sold in excess of $6,000 worth of tickets in 4 weeks. The team received sponsorship from Hanna’s, Fastlane, IGA, Greenridge Press, RHET, Bennett Polocrosse, Milner Polocrosse – in kind and in excess of $7,000. This enabled the team to have team clothing, racket bags, spare gear bags, printed booklet. The value of sponsorship and fundraising can not be underestimated.
Arch Anderson (NSW) was the appointed Coach, Jodie Hall (Qld) and Matt Deveraux (NT) were the Assistant Coaches. The players were given personal fitness programs as soon as they were selected and the coaches monitored their progress. I have no doubt the kids didn’t stop eating chocolate, however they did all arrive fit and well!
Alex Hall (Qld) and Peter Tait (Vic) were the Horse Coordinators. Australia was very fortunate to have drawn Alex as the Australian Horse Coordinator. This series was extremely fortunate to have been supplied horses for the pool that were of an exceptional standard – well bred and well presented.
The team met in the first Friday of April, the week before the test to play at Moorooduc in Victoria. Alex and Peter spent 3 full days assessing and evaluating horses with an end result of 2 even pools. The team used this weekend as time to get to know each other and the coaches to work out sections. It was very beneficial and well worth any inconvenience (it was also very cold and rained).
On Sunday afternoon we moved from Moorooduc to Sale. The horses were bedded down for the night and we waited for the South African team to arrive the next morning. Australia drew the “B” pool and we were underway. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday we camped at the Sale grounds. The team was catered for which allowed everyone to get on with their jobs. The kids mixed well with the South African team and trained very well. They enjoyed outings and generally did “kid” things. On Tuesday we collected the team bus and there was much to do in the decorating of the bus …. all participated and the final result was a masterpiece. The Meet & Greet was held on Wednesday night and was a great social occasion for the players, staff and their families.
Thursday morning both teams moved from the grounds to the local Motor Inn. The kids once again were well behaved and cooperative. They trained well and laughed a lot off the field … the team was in good spirits.
The 1st Test was on Friday night at 8pm …… under lights. It stormed during the game and then rained all night. The team played well, however lost the game. The ladies section adapted well to the South African style of play, the South African male section was of a very high standard and the Aussie boys played well.
The 2nd Test on Saturday saw the Australian players determined and very motivated. They played very well. Unfortunately during the game the Australian umpire was very badly injured when his horse reared over on top of him and he had to be replaced. Although Australia did not win this game they played their hearts out and realized that they could beat the South Africans by playing their own game. They were disappointed, but on the other hand they made a pact with each other that the South African’s would not win the 3rd Test.
True to their word Australia won the 3rd Test! Lucy Grills won Best Lady Player of the Series and this was well deserved. The Aussie kids played for their country, their clubs, their families and did themselves proud. The South Africans were determined to make a clean sweep of the series and our kids just kept to their game plan and it worked.
All in all it was an experience that marvels anything I have been a part of …… it was hard work from the word go, however the rewards were great. There were no grumbles, no back biting, no whinging from anyone. The parents were supportive and cooperative and we could not have asked for better behaved kids. Their commitment to their obligations including their horses was far in excess of their years. They followed directions, were always beautifully presented (on and off the field) and took part in all activities including training with great enthusiasm (the boys are now old hands at making rosettes and brow bands). John Franklin did us proud ………..
Sue Fraser
Manager Australian Junior Polocrosse Team 2009.
