NZ wins thrilling polo test by a 'whisker'

10 February, 2009

Pictures by Brett O'Callaghan

NZ (11) v Coronel Suarez (10); February 7, at Nga Rakau Polo Ground, Kihi Kihi

The huge crowd of polo spectators were fortunate to have the opportunity to watch the amazing display of horsemanship and polo playing skills at the Nga Rakau Polo Ground on Saturday. It is the first time a polo team from Argentina has travelled to New Zealand and this visiting team showed why Argentina is the top polo playing nation in the world.

The Coronel Suarez Team is a country polo club made famous when their own 40 goal team won the Argentine Open for over 15 years a decade or two ago. The team members, today, are all related to those brilliant polo players, and Benjamin Araya Jr aged 23 has already won the Argentine Open.

This was the second test between the two countries. The first being last weekend at Christchurch which resulted in a draw - 13 goals each.

The pace was fast and furious for this second and final test and there was not an inch given by either team. Brilliant stick work and fast riding meant competitive polo - with a Latin flavour which put pressure on both the umpires and the Spanish speaking doctor who had a busy time sprinting all over the field.

One polo watching veteran proclaimed that he had not seen a better polo match for 20 years and he has not seen a better polo field anywhere in the world!.

The Coronel Suarez team rode borrowed ponies, from the stables of Northern and Central Districts players. Paul Kay's pony, "Paris" ridden by Eduardo Zorrilla won "Champion Pony" of the match.

Coronel Suarez Argentina went into the lead in the first chukka and despite leading for most of the match, managed to squander a 3-goal lead in the 6th chukka to lose the match 11 goals to 10.

NZ scored most of their goal from the penalty spot to stay in the game before Simon Keyte scored two opportunist goals in the last minute to save the day for New Zealand.

Coronel Suarez Argentina, a 25-goal team, on borrowed ponies lost by one goal to the NZ Team rated 28 goals, which shows the extremely high standard of polo to come out of Argentina.

Ricardo Garros Ricardo Garros and Simon Keyte Mito Goti Simon Keyte Benjamin Araya Tommy Wilson and Sam Hopkinson Benjamin Araya Simon Keyte