NZ International Tournament Polocrosse team named

NZ International Tournament Polocrosse team named

New Zealand’s Polocrosse team, playing in the four-nation international tournament in Turangi later this month, has been named.

The eight-person mixed team will play what’s expected to be a tough match against favourites, Australia, in the first game on 28 March.

Selector coach, Errol Gloyn says Wanganui-based Paul Kinder and advisors from the NZ Polocrosse coaching panel helped him in the final selection process.

“NZ has excellent players with exceptional skill and it was very difficult to name the team,” he says.

“Australia says they’re sending over their best team for along time. They’re ranked ahead of us in the world, and we’re going to do our level best to beat them. But it will be tough,” he says.

“Ireland and Zambia are strong too and we’re expecting some robust encounters.

“There’s a lot of pressure on the home team and great expectations. We have to keep our heads and not let the occasion get the better of us.”

Training is going well and teams will compete at their very best in the NZ National championships in Auckland March 15 and 16.

International teams from Zambia, Australia and Ireland begin arriving on March 23. The Turangi-based Tuwharetoa Polocrosse club will host all teams and as well as a formal powhiri, teams will stay a night on local maraes.

New Zealand Polocrosse members have donated horses for all the tournament teams and the 16 horse teams will be drawn on 25 March. The tournament in on throughout Easter and the New Zealand junior teams will play feature games each day.

“It’s a fast-paced sport with great spectator appeal,” says Errol.

“The competition will be great, bring it on!” he says.

The NZ Polocrosse team members and their clubs are:

Nicky Schrafft Putaruru Tirau

Beth Peaker Te Mata

Stephanie Takarangi Otorohanga

Shiloh Gloyn Te Mata

Shane Hill Te Mata

Tony Schrafft Putaruru Tirau

Daryel Mouat Putaruru Tirau

Regan Gloyn Otorohanga

Ends.

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