sport, local-sport

NSW’s premier regional Polo tournament, the Millamolong John Davis Volvo Polo Carnival, is set to expand in 2013 with two days of action. The Millamolong Polo Club will host the 2013 tournament on March 16 and 17, at their polo fields in Mandurama. Saturday, March 16, will showcase some of the best polo players on the circuit, with players coming from across the state and overseas. Spectators will bear witness to some of the fastest and most aggressive polo played in Australia. On the following day, the finals will be played, with a family day including pony rides, the Dudley Private sports and vintage car rally, helicopter and the annual Volvo versus horse race. According to Millamolong Polo Club president, Andrew Ashton, the carnival has grown substantially over the past few years. “Statistics show that polo is one of the most dangerous sports on earth, and, with a history dating back to 600BC when the first recorded polo match was played, it has to be a sport worth watching.” “We are attracting more people to this great region, and the new format, with live music and the PhyzX Varsity bicycle polo on Saturday night plus the family day on the Sunday will encourage even more visitors.” On top of showcasing some of the country’s best polo, the club aims to continue the fundraising for the Millamolong Charity Fund. This year they will again support CARE Australia and Riding For The Disabled, Orange. “Since 1998 we have raised over $200,000,” Mr Ashton said. “This has only been possible due to the commitment of our supporters, sponsors and volunteers. “We hope that the community will come and enjoy a great weekend with friends and family!” Entry to the carnival, held at Millamolong Polo Club, Boonderoo Road, Mandurama, is a gold coin donation. Local wine and beer is available from the clubhouse (no BYO), as well as food all day. Hampers are available for purchase prior to the day (via the website). Further information on the above can be found at www.millamolong.com or via Facebook and twitter. POLO CARNIVAL DETAILS Saturday 16 March - Polo all day, Music and Glamour 9.00am - Gates Open 11.00am to 4pm - Polo 4.00pm - Volvo vs. Horse Race 4.30pm to 6pm - Polo 7.00pm - Live music - see millamolongaustralia Youtube channel 8.00pm - PhyzX Varsity Bicycle Polo (under lights) 9.00pm to Midnight - Live music Sunday 17 March - Polo Finals and Family Fun Day 9.00am - Gates open 9.30am to 12.30am - Derussie Cup Finals 12.30pm - Kids lolly drop 1.00pm to 2.30 - Subsidiary Polo Final 2.30pm - The DPH Sports & Vintage & sports car rally 3.00pm to 4.30pm - Final of the John Davis Volvo Cup 5.00pm - Trophy presentation Venue: Millamolong Polo Club, Boonderoo Road, Mandurama, NSW