The 49th Land Rover New Zealand Polo Open Concludes
It was a triumphant win for the South Island polo team, Edmundo Tigers, in front of a 7,000 strong crowd at the 49th Land Rover New Zealand Polo Open on the 21 February. The final game was between Tiger Building’s team, featuring New Zealand’s highest ranked player John Paul Clarkin; and an International line-up including South African Dirk Van Reenan, Argentine Paco O’Dwyer and Australian Sam Stott. Their efforts were not enough to beat the Christchurch team as the game ended with a close score of 10-9. Lead by Pete Dormer Edmundo Tiger’s included two Brits, Olly Tuthill, and England Captain James Beim, alongside Argentine Jauno Burotis who replaced injured Ed Hitchman.
Dormer’s Edmundo Tigers team travelled north to Auckland in five trucks with 45 ponies to compete for the title. Dormer spoke of the logistics necessary to make the games happen, saying, “It’s been a massive effort bringing four truck loads of polo ponies from the South Island and putting a team together, but the end goal of winning the New Zealand Polo Open 2016 was a true reward”
The Land Rover New Zealand Open is on the cusp of its 50th anniversary in 2017, which looks set to be a grand affair. The additional charity affiliation between Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust and the tournament as the official charity is now in its second year. Auckland Polo Club Executive Director, Simon Wilson said, “We’re thrilled the Land Rover New Zealand Polo Open raised $42,000 for Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter Trust”.
Photograph: Triumphant Edmundo Tigers at the 49th Land Rover New Zealand Open. Courtesy of Auckland Polo Club
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