Polocrosse carnival draws crowds to Witchy

The Margaret River Polocrosse Club hosted their annual carnival at the grounds in Witchcliffe, welcoming 21 teams from as far as Greenough/Geraldton, Kojonup, Capel, Foothills/Serpentine, Perth (Brigadoon/Swan Valley) and South Midlands (Muchea).

The two day event also saw a team of young men from NSW – many of whom are employed in various locations around regional WA – playing in the A grade competition on borrowed horses.

Club spokesperson Lisa Williamson said polocrosse was “a uniquely Australian horse sport”, played by both men and women.

“It’s a combination of lacrosse, rugby, netball and polo. Each rider uses a cane stick, made up of a polo-stick shaft with a squash racquet type head with a knotted thread net in which the ball is caught and carried.

“Players pick up the ball from the ground, pass the ball, bounce the ball and carry the ball endeavouring to take it into their scoring area to throw a goal.”

The fast, skilful game consists of two teams of six players, divided into two sections of three. Sections play alternate chukkas of six to eight minutes each.

“Each player only has one horse for the match, as opposed to polo, where one player may use 6 to 8 horses.”

The three players in each section are numbered: No.1 is the attack or goal scorer, No.2 is the centre, and No.3 sits in defence.

Replacement players for each position rotate with each chukka.

The Margaret River Polocrosse Club was formed in 1950 and boasts past and current members who have played at State, National and International level. Present at the most recent carnival was past Nations Cup representative Adele Martin, and past WA representative, Emily Walsh.

Polocrosse stalwart Paul Brennan, who has previously played and coached at an international level, showed his support with a donation for its fundraising raffle.

Demonstrating polocrosse’s reputation as the ultimate family equine sport, the visiting Foothills C Grade team featured mother and son combo Sally Galvin and her two sons, Seamus and Colm.

Teams were graded from A to E, with the E grade consisting of a mix of riders from all areas.

“Some E grade riders were as young as 5 to 8 years old,” Lisa said.

“An incredible feat considering they are controlling horse, racquet and ball whilst defending or attacking the opposition player.”