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NZ 10 Chile 0
Team members were:
 Di Bethell |
 Cath Calder |
 Emma Calder |
 Kirsty Hawkins (Watson) |
Dairy of Kirsty Hawkins on the NZ Ladies Tour to Chile
Monday March 3
We flew out to Chile at 5pm.I must say we all looked very smart in our travel uniform, thank you very much to Mistral polo. Some of us were lucky enough to get upgrades and some of us not so lucky.We arrived all safely and to be greeted by Sofia Hamilton, a friend of Emma's and myself, of whom we met in Singapore.We arrived at 12:00 midday Monday yet again and a very hot heat, similar to NZ climate, a drought. We gathered all of our bags and piled into our Mitz ute, which has been kindly sponsed for our trip. We then headed on down to Curico, which is south of Santiago.To our amusement it was going to take 20mins,but roughly 3 hours later we arrived. On the way we stopped off at a beautiful winery for a look around and a little tasting, but by this stage jet-lage set in and we were all feeling a little tired. We arrived at Felix's place, it look great .It was just like we were home. Nice green grass polo fields and a swimming pool. A great place to un-wind and relax.
Tuesday
We are off to play some chukkars and a bar-b-que to follow,just like home,yet again. Great polo fields over here.
Wednesday
Headed back to Santaigo today.We are put up at the Hotel Kennedy for the rest of the week.Tonight we are off to NZ Embassy. What a fantastic place.It was so good to speak to some other kiwis.The Embassy had all our native plants there, which was nice to see. We were the first ever sporting team to be present at the Embassy, we were very honoured to be asked. Some of us were able to taste the local alcoholic beverage pessco sour.They told us that two would be enough and then its all over from then on. Seemed to take it all in our stride.We were able to met our sponsor Enesto Mosso. A fine jeweler and watch maker.
Thursday
Shopping- we are of to do some retail therapy at the local mall which I must add is walking distance away. Later that afternoon we are of to play some chukkars and try more ponies. Now this field was amazing,very fast, it was privately owned. Ponies are very good similar to our thoroughbred. Visited the main polo club today, wow,it was amazing unlucky for us we weren't going to play here.It was a country club,with tennis,squash and equestrian. Just wonderful.
Friday
Another winery. We are all wide awake today compared to the first day when we arrived. Their red wine is very good, but their whites are not as good as ours. Very interesting. Their land around where we were was used for grapes. cherries, apples and good ol kiwifruit. Going out tonight for dinner to meet the opposition. Great fun had by all. At this stage of the night they are having torrential rain i must add, lucky for them, It's just what we need at home.There is talk that we might not play our test tomorrow.
Saturday
yes well no play today too much rain,so our nerves will have to wait another day.So i guess we will have to go and do some more retail therapy,[Diane you would be proud of us girls].We had a stick n ball today,at another club.There season is just starting up again.They dont play January and February, its to hot.Ponies arent that fit just yet.
Sunday
Finally the day has arrived to play our test.We are treated to a bar-b-que at another privately owned field. Some of us werent really able to eat, nerves were setting in. I must add we were all interviewed on TV, Rockstars. We had a good team talk,then we headed of to where we playing.Too our delight the NZ Embassy crew turned up to support us, they turned up in droves.They came bearing all black shirts and of cause the NZ flag.Lots of photos taken and then our Embassy crew sang some very well known Maori songs to our delight.The Chilean people were well impressed and it made us very proud to be a Kiwi. Something I will never forget.
Game on. Some of us weren't really sure what we would be riding, but we took it all in our stride. I think first chukkar we were up maybe 3 or 4 goals. Great work by Cath at front of line-out winning lots of ball for us. Our Polo got better and better as the game went on. Good hassling by Em and Di in the middle which left me at the back to come throu. Half time I think it was about 6 nil. We decided that we didnt want to let up. The game ended with victory to us. The score was 10 nil. Great effort,the score was no reflection on the game, it was hard work and we went there to do a job for our Country. The girls played well.I must thank the people on the side-line -Sam for drinks and stick chick and to all the people that supported us.
Monday
Well guess what- more retail therapy.We had found a new shopping mall oh bugger.Well we are nearing the end of our tour and I must say what an awesome time we have had- Thanks to the very kind people of Chile Polo thank you very much especially to Sofia for her time an effort.
Well its home time now and nobody got up-grades, never mind great trip had by all.
Just a few thank yous to Mistral polo for our uniform,to Diane Brown for her effort to get a grant for us, and to anybody that I have missed THANK YOU very much once again from the NZ Womens Polo team.