Rally day looks to rebuild sport

Polocrosse in Northland looks set for a resurgence as a second rally day this weekend looks to build the profile of the sport back up.

After previously having a strong polocrosse community in Northland, the sport has faded away in recent years. But, thanks to Tia Holyoake's selection into the New Zealand Junior side last month, the sport has been jolted back to life.

Polocrosse Whangarei spokesman Henry Holyoake, Tia's father, said it's about time the sport was looked at again so young Northlanders playing the sport could have the opportunity to be selected for higher honours.

"Polocrosse used to be huge in Northland in the'80s," Holyoake said.

"Every man and their rat were trying to play it but they just fell off [in terms of player number].

"We're trying to get the message that we're trying to promote the game back in Northland. We need a third club to become affiliated as a region and fly under the Northland banner ... no disrespect to Auckland but I'm sure a lot of the Northland players would like to fly below the Northland banner."

As part of the resurgence, Holyoake said the plan was to try and get an inter-school competition going which would hopefully uncover more Northland polocrosse talent.

"Since my daughter has made the New Zealand team, [we've realised] that there will be kids out there we don't know yet and could be New Zealand material. And, if we get an inter-school competition going that's where we're going to find them."

This Sunday Holyoake will be joined by the Pouto and Kaikohe Polocrosse Clubs at the Maungatapere Rodeo Grounds. The day's action is expected to run from 10am through to about 4pm.

Holyoake invited anyone to come along and join in with the family orientated sport, especially those with past polocrosse experience or anyone who rides horses and likes an action packed game. If anyone would like to speak to Holyoake regarding polocrosse, he can be contacted on 021734906.

What is Polocrosse?

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  Polocross is similar to lacrosse but played on a horse.
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  It is played on a field almost twice the length of a rugby ground.
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  Points are scored by throwing the ball through the opposing team's goal posts.
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  Rules are designed around the safety of the horse.
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  A match is generally played across four to six quarters, or 'chukkas'.
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  Players can range from age five to 75.
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  Polocrosse is a summer sport and runs from October through to April.