Country Road, the 2019 Flinders Polo Champions!
© Flinders Polo
By Equestrian Life
The third annual Flinders Polo took place on the Mornington Peninsula on Sunday, 3 March – and what an action-packed day it was!
Guests who attended enjoyed a thrilling day of fast-paced polo and relaxed, country-style hospitality. Set on a sprawling 60-acre private property just out of Flinders township, the event has an intimate, rural feel combined with the glamour we all associate with the sport!
MC Hamish McLachlan.
© Flinders Polo
Throughout the afternoon guests watched leading polo players compete in a round robin format, three aside competition that saw six teams battle it out for the Flinders Polo Cup. The polo itself was 20/20 style, which is played on a smaller field – bringing spectators closer to the action.
Hot weather saw the games shortened to ensure horse and rider welfare, however it remained overcast throughout the course of the event. Both competitors and spectators were spared the worst of the heat, and horses certainly left the field with a spring still in their step.
Polo players jostle for the ball.
© Flinders Polo
The round robin competition saw some fierce battles between teams, however at the end of the day the 2019 Flinders Polo champions were the Country Road team (comprised of Will Gilmore, Ed Mandie and Tom Blakeley), who defeated Microflite 4.5 to 4 goals in the final (Note that as it was a handicap event, teams started on a certain number of goals according to the sum of the players’ handicaps. As the games were shortened with the heat, team handicaps were adjusted accordingly with the reduced time on field – hence the half goals!)
Country Road were the winners!
© Flinders Polo
The Subsidiary Final saw St Andrews Brewery defeat Levantine Hill Estate, 7.5 goals to 4, while the Consolation Final went to Gurner, who beat Pommery 6 goals to 4.
The best playing pony went to the lovely bay mare Esprit, who was ridden by Will Gilmore for Country Road in the final chukka of the afternoon. The pair scored three goals during the six-minute chukka to secure the win!
A distinct lack of rainfall across the region this summer has left the Peninsula looking uncharacteristically dry, however the polo fields still looked immaculate. While they weren’t lush and green following the extreme heat in the days leading up to the event, there was excellent grass coverage and players were reportedly very happy with how it rode – a credit to turf manager Tony!
Throughout the day, guests enjoyed the stunning Paul Bangay gardens the surround the homestead. Jazz-inspired acoustic covers by The Mac Project kept guests entertained, as did beautiful food by the talented team at Tommy Collins by The Atlantic Group. Drinks were not hard to come by, with beverage packages featuring Levantine Hill Estate, St Andrew Beach Brewery and Champagne Pommery.
The stunning Paul Bangay garden.
© Flinders Polo
Just as the presentations were set to begin, the sun came through in all its burning glory; perfect timing as Flinders Polo 2019 came to end. A big thank you must go to the property owners, Jenny and Andrew Goulopoulos, who are very generous in allowing guests to explore their stunning property.
If you’re yet to experience this wonderful action-packed day of competition, be sure to register your interest for the 2020 event!
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