Sherriff MVP in polo test thriller

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GISBORNE’S Glenn Sherriff and English partner Lotti Lamacraft were named most valuable players in the International Polo Day at Kihikihi. Sherriff helped New Zealand beat England 9-8 in a thriller — the winning goal coming in the dying seconds from a Craig Wilson penalty. Lamacraft levelled the ledger when the England women’s team beat a Kihikihi side 1-0.

Sherriff said the men’s game was tightly fought from start to finish.

“It was very physical, with tight marking and tough defence by both teams."

Sherriff said the pace was fast throughout, helped by a well-prepared field, a beautiful Kihikihi day and a good crowd. The ponies performed outstandingly and the England team did well on borrowed ponies.

“The champion pony was awarded to one that was ridden by one of the English players.”

New Zealand opened the scoring and led 2-1 by the end of the chukka. English hit back to level it 2-all and the teams went goal-for-goal over the two chukkas. The visitors had a two-goal lead (7-5) at the end of the fifth but halfway through the last chukka New Zealand scored two goals and Wilson slotted home the winner near fulltime.

Five-goaler Sherriff, Kit Brooks (5-goaler), Wilson (6-goaler) and JP Clarkin (7-goaler) were playing together for the first time against opposition who had represented their country on many occasions at home and abroad, and collectively rated higher on goals.

Sherriff was not the only Poverty Bay player involved in the occasion — Paul Kirkpatrick commentated the test.

“It was an amazing game,” said Kirkpatrick, who has been commentating at international polo games for many years. “I’ve got a passion for playing the game and commentating. I always want New Zealand to win but once you’re on air you can’t be biased.”

Kirkpatrick said on paper the Kiwis were up against a strong English side.

“But New Zealand came out of the blocks strong and it wasn’t until the last chukka that England got ahead. At that stage it was all England but New Zealand scored two great goals and then won it with a penalty.”

While Kirkpatrick “loves” commentating, he laughed when asked if he would be keen on becoming a fulltime commentator.

“You must be kidding,” said the livestock agent for Silver Fern Farms. “I’m commentating the New Zealand open this weekend then the following weekend I’m doing an urban polo tournament in Auckland, and that’s pretty much the season over.”