Polo: CD too strong for South Africa

Central Districts No 2 Simon McDonald plays a backhand drive during today's 5-2 win against South Africa. Photo/Duncan Brown

Central Districts had a game plan and stuck to it admirably in today's international polo clash in Hastings.

No 1 George Wood said on the eve of his team's match against the touring South African six-goal side at Elwood Park he was concerned about the fact his team, which also included fellow one-goaler and No 4 John Reisma, two goaler and No 2 Simon McDonald and three goaler and No 3 Aaron Vowles had not played together and their opponents were playing their fourth and final match of their Central Districts tour. Wood said it was crucial his troops got stuck in early.

That's exactly what they did with four unanswered goals during the first chukka of their 5-2 victory. The South Africans appeared to be a little weary from some outstanding hospitality during their 12-day tour.

"Yes we've had a fantastic time but Aaron [Vowles] was outstanding for CD today. His distribution and control of the game was top shelf ... we did well to shut him down after they went 5-0 up," South African No 2 Andrew Gilson said.

Wood scored two goals and Vowles and McDonald one each in the first chukka. McDonald scored another in the second chukka and the hosts lead 5-0 at halftime.

The tourist defended well in the third and fourth chukkas. No 1 Brett Chubb scored a field goal for South Africa in the third chukka and No 4 Lionel Foster converted a 60-yard penalty attempt in the fourth.

South Africa succeeded with two of their seven attempts at goal while Central Districts missed just one of their six attempts.