Robertson/Seymour Memorial Tournament
27-28 December, 2004

posted: December 31, 2004

12 teams competed in 3 grades. The early section was won by Taupiri, the father and son combination of Peter and Logan Thomson making the difference.

The 4 goal Seymour section, played over 4 chukkas had six teams. Pah Flats, an invitation team with Englishmen Tim Ward and Harry Tucker, Mystery Creek player Scott Jolly and legend Ken Arnold, played the local team, Nick Keyte, Dexter Matthieson, Rob Saunders (another legend) and Bruce Watson, in the final. This game was a fine display of hard riding and big hitting from the two legends, Rob and Ken.

Bruce Watson had a strong game for the Morrinsville side and -1 rated Scott Jolly will certainly be watched by the Handicap committee. It took an extra chukka for the home team to win but the crowd was well entertained.

Morrinsville, Mystery Creek, Kihikihi and Waimai each had a team in the senior 12 goal Robertson competition. Monday saw an exciting game between Morrinsville and Mystery Creek, Sam Hunt playing at No.1 for Morrinsville was marking his father Paul, and won at least two good plays leaving Dad standing. Was it Tom Morley who had the air shot penalty? Morrinsville went through to the final. The second game between Waimai and Kihkihi was a scratchy affair but Kihikihi scored 3 goals in the last chukka to win 6-3.

Deteriorating field conditions did not suit the Morrinsville 7 goaler, Simon Keyte and the Kihikihi team had the game plan. Duncan Parrott did a great job marking the Morrinsville captain and Robert Watson's performance won him Player of the Tournament. Robert didn't miss a backhand shot all game and seemed to dig the ball out of the holes. Morrinsville started well with 2 goals in the first chukka, but Kihikihi levelled the score in the second and never gave up the lead, winning 6-4. Hamish Ormand scored twice for Kihikihi showing maturity in the No.4 position.

The consolation final was a high scoring match, Richard Seavill scoring the winning goal right on the bell to give Wamai victory, 9-8. Sahir scored for Mystery Creek otherwise all other goals were scored by someone named Thomas.

Rob Saunder's "Jill" won the Best Playing Pony and Duncan Parrott's "Libby" put in an amazing 6th chukka in the final to get a special mention and a tub of electrolytes.

A fun two days was had by all. Dexter and Harry got home a a more reasonable hour on Tuesday evening. Thanks to Les Poole and Terry Bourke for their efforts in keeping everything ship-shape. Thanks also to Diane Arnold who did the lion's share of the time-keeping.