UK Vs Australia 2008

The Australian Team

Results

12 July 2008 @ Kent: Australia Defeated the United Kingdom 29 to 15

13 July 2008 @ Kent: Australia Defeated the United Kingdom 23 to 19

19 July @ Essex: Australia Defeated the United Kingdom 23 to 19

20 July @ Essex: Australia Defeated the United Kingdom 37 to 16

Ross Shepherd, Coach of the Australian Test Team that travelled to the UK during the year, was guest speaker at the South Zone Annual Dinner held in Toowoomba in November 2008.

Ross spoke of the Australian teams’ experiences on the tour, the great hospitality afforded them and his thoughts on both the Australian and UK teams and players.

The test matches were played in Kent on 12 & 13 July and then in Essex on 19 & 20 July. The Australian team had a wonderful stay for some of the time with the Webb family at ‘Risebridge Farm’ in Kent. The house here was reported to have been built in 1580! Ross said the history of the country was mind boggling.

The UK has some very good horses - they have imported a lot from New Zealand and a few from Australia. Their Primary Juniors must play on ponies that are 14.2hh or under and their stick work is excellent! While on players, Ross believes UK player Sophie Lotter to be the best lady player in the world.

One of the most interesting parts of the tour in Ross’s opinion was the European Challenge that was played over two days concurrently with the Test in Kent. The Challenge was between the Netherlands, Germany, France, Ireland, Wales and England. The latter four countries played their own horses.

Ross believes the English players will be more competitive at the Australian Quadrangular Series at Burradoo in April 2009, but is confident in the fact that the Australian team selected is excellent and said “Australians can ride any horse”!

Photo – The Australian Test Team – UK Tour