Andrew Williams from the Millamolong Club taking a tumble
Well, the skies darkened and darkened on Saturday, the opening day of the Millamolong John Davis Volvo Polo Carnival, but it must have been the enthusiasm and excitement on and around the pitch drove the rain away and allowed a memorable fast-action two-day event.
Teams from all over NSW were there to compete in a continuous schedule of clashes, topped by the John Davis Volvo event and the prestigious Hector King Trophy.
And the crowds gathered with the clouds, with several hundred spectators watching the events from corporate tents and special sheltered Giant and Family Giant Sofas, with the Trough and Fodder Cafe and Beer & Gear Bar close by providing meals and drinks.
It was, as the organisers promised, an event “with the feel of picnic races [alongside] the fastest and most aggressive polo available in Australia.”
And it was an exciting weekend for kids too, with family events that included bicycle polo, a Volvo versus horse race, pony rides, bouncing castle, face painting, vintage cars and a lolly drop from a helicopter.
That’s apart from the 10 polo teams what battled it out on both days for the John Davis and Hector King trophies.
Channel Seven’s James Tobin was there too, broadcasting live inserts from the tournament to the morning show Sunrise.
It was Goulburn Polo Club that won the John Davis Volvo classic, a triumph the club says it’ll be celebrating for weeks.
As for the car verus horse challenge, the Volvo won “by a nostril.”
The weekend also meant a big boost for the Millamolong Charity Fund which supports a range of charities including CARE Australia and Riding For the Disabled in Orange, adding to the $290,000 raised since the annual carnival started.
By Derek Maitland