Ngāhinapōuri’s Dean ‘Weka’ Fullerton was part of the New Zealand polo team beaten 11-9 by England at Mystery Creek Polo Club recently.
The victorious English polo team at Mystery Creek Polo Club. Photo: Simon Watts – bwmedianz
The 14-goal North Island international test match drew spectators from near and far, and the Melbourne Cup even made an appearance.
The curtain raiser saw match John Paul Clarkin Bayleys team beat Kit Brooks’ Vosper Law line up 5.5-4.
Cambridge’s Missy Browne was a standout for Vosper Law, while a fierce competitor for the winning team was Georgina Duncan from Hunterville.
New Zealand line up for the national anthem. Photo: Simon Watts – bwmedianz
Fullerton stood out for his side with much excitement coming from the crowd each time he neared the ball.
Coached by Clarkin, the home team also contained Edward Elworthy-Jones, Ethan Wade (Auckland) and experienced captain Glenn Sherriff (Gisborne).
It was Fullerton’s second appearance for the senior New Zealand team and first at home.
Several generations of his family were there in support.
The English team of Jimbo Fewster, Ben Malasoma, Ollie Jones and Charlotte Pykett were grateful for the horses New Zealanders had let them borrow.
“New Zealand is a wonderful country. There’s a lot of good people,” Fewster said.
Local player Dean Fullerton donning the New Zealand polo jersey races up the pitch. Photo: Simon Watts – bwmedianz Zealand.
Mystery Creek Polo Club president David Fullerton said they were thrilled to host the event.
“Hosting the English team was great for the club. It was also great to have so many of the local Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Ōhaupō people there for the evening,” he said.
John Paul Clarkin in action for the Bayleys side in the curtain raiser match. Photo: Jesse Wood
Cambridge’s Missy Browne played well for the Vosper Law team. Photo: Jesse Wood
