England snatches victory in polo international
by Brett O'Callaghan
Chris Hyde, one of England's stars, carried the ball from the clubhouse side of the field towards NZ's goal to be ridden off the ball by Simon Keyte close to the goal, but the momentum of the ball saw it through the posts.
The test was played on handicap, meaning England received a 3-goal start on NZ. NZ played a good first chukker, scoring 3 goals to close in on England's start. From then until the fifth chukker England had full control of the test. The combination of the Tomlinson brothers was outstanding. This play, along with back Chris Hyde converting two massive penalty 4s, put England ahead 11-5 after the fourth chukker.
NZ rallied in the fifth to fight back with Tommy Wilson scoring 2 goals and John Paul Clarkin scoring 4 goals to Chris Hyde's penalty 3 to make 12-11 to England with the sixth chukker to come.
At the start of the sixth NZ's Tommy Wilson got one home to even the score, which brought the crowd to the edge of their seats. Hyde and Clarkin each converted penalties to even the score, until Hyde's winning play ended the game.
Results:
posted: February 13, 2006
NZ v England test match, 11.2.06
England snatched victory in the test match against New Zealand at Kihikihi on Saturday, just seconds after the 7-minute bell sounded in the 6th chukker. Play continued after the bell as the scores were deadlocked at 13-all.
Mark Tomlinson in action for England
England 14-13
New Zealand- Simon Keyte 7, Tommy Wilson 7, John Paul Clarkin 7, Cody Forsyth 7 =28 goals
England-James Biem 6, Mark Tomlinson 6, Luke Tomlinson 7, Chris Hyde 6 =25 goals
Mark Tomlinson (England)
(left) Mark Tomlinson and Simon Keyte; (right) John Paul Clarkin.
John Paul Clarkin and Luke Tomlinson.
James Biem (England)
James Biem (England)
Tommy Wilson in action for NZ.
New Zealand team (L-R): Simon Keyte, Tommy Wilson, John Paul Clarkin, Cody Forsyth.
England team (L-R): James Biem, Mark Tomlinson, Luke Tomlinson, Chris Hyde.
Central Districts Colts (L-R): Lachie Hunter, Glen Sherriff, Glen Armstrong, Cody Clark.
Northern Provincial Colts (L-R): Matt Bayley, Mike Henderson, Kit Brooks, Tom Hunt.