Christchurch Based Edmundo Tigers Win NZ Polo Open

Christchurch Based Edmundo Tigers Win the Land Rover New Zealand Polo Open 2016

It was a triumphant win for the South Island polo team Edmundo Tigers amongst a 7,000 strong crowd at the 49th Land Rover New Zealand Polo Open. Edmundo Tigers team, lead by Pete Dormer, travelled north to Auckland in five trucks with 45 ponies to compete against the best polo players.

“It’s been a massive effort bringing four truck loads of polo ponies from the South Island and putting a team together, but the end goal of winning the New Zealand Polo Open 2016 was a true reward” said Pete Dormer of Edmundo Tigers.

The final game was between Tiger Building’s team, featuring New Zealand’s highest ranked player John Paul Clarkin with an 8 goal handicap; and an International line up including South African Dirk Van Reenan, Argentine 6 goal player Paco O’Dwyer and Australian Sam Stott. Their efforts were not enough to beat the Christchurch team, lead by Pete Dormer, who owns a Christchurch civil construction company Dormer Construction. The team included Olly Tuthill, English Polo Captain James Beim, and Argentina import Jauno Burotis who replaced injured Ed Hitchman.

Clevedon hosts the annual tournament at the Auckland Polo Club and Executive Director, Simon Wilson said it was “a hard fought final with only one goal in it for the winning team Edmundo Tigers, who played in front of a 7,000 strong crowd, in the most dazzling and exciting NZ Polo Open ever. We’re thrilled the Land Rover NZ Polo Open raised $42,000 for Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter Trust”.

The affiliation between Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust and the NZ Polo Open as the official charity is in its second year. This year spectators could enjoy a VIP experience at the Polo that included gourmet food & beverages with field side views of the polo action.

“The Trust is extremely happy with the result of raising $42,000 for the Auckland Rescue Helicopter. By aligning with the NZ Polo Open we have set a good platform to raise more in future years as spectators understand that our marquee is a regular fixture at the New Zealand Polo Open. Thanks to our Vodafone Next Gen for sponsoring our marquee for the day” comments ARHT Event Manager Nathan Turley.

James McKee - Land Rover Marketing Manager said, “Land Rover came on board as naming rights sponsor of the New Zealand Polo Open this year and our inaugural event yesterday was a huge success. We are really proud to be supporting this fantastic event and the polo community, for which we have a genuine involvement with Land Rover being the vehicle of choice for the equestrian community.

Clients and friends of the brand enjoyed a great day of Polo action, with a highlight being the closely fought and intensely competitive pony vs car race. We’re looking forward to introducing this great sport to even more customers in 2017”.

Once the dust settles the Auckland Polo Club looks forward to hosting the tournament next year. 2017 marks the 50th anniversary of the New Zealand Polo Open, and it will be a grand celebration.

ENDS

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