Latest News

Galloping Gully's Home Carnival a Huge Success - 11th & 12th August 07

Before bringing the highlights of our own carnival, I need to apologise to the Gully 5 team which competed at Cubbaroo carnival. I incorrectly reported the results for this team. In actual fact Gully 5 won C Grade at Cubbaroo with Annabelle Guest and Sara Melbourne each receiving individual player awards. Congratulations to all players of this team.

The weekend of 11th and 12th August saw Galloping Gully play host to 43 Senior teams, 8 Junior teams and 21 Sub Junior players. With this many players and fine weather ahead the weekend was sure to be nothing short of brilliant. Galloping Gully has quite a reputation for their exceptionally welcoming hospitality and great playing competition, this year we attracted teams from Charleville, Warren, Bunnan, Mendooran, Sydney, Quririndi, Maitland, Merriwa, Muswellbrook, St George, Guyra, Lightning Ridge, Dunedoo, Wandoan, Quambone, Marra as well as our closer teams from Cubbaroo, Pallamallawa, Warialda and Tamworth. We would like to thank all of these teams for travelling and making our carnival such a success because without them we cannot play.

The Junior and Sub-Junior players were pooled and placed in teams, competition amongst these youngsters is just as tenacious as it is amongst their parent players. The winners of the B Grade division was Team 1: Matt Finlayson, Jack Shouten, Guy Tribe, Emily Saul, Angus O'Neill, Charlie O'Leary, with the runners-up being Team 6: Slade Tribe, Jacob Lawrence, Dean Wilson, Sophie Stuart, Emma John, Aden Tranter. The Junior A Grade division winners were Team 2: Grace Halstead, Sara Melbourne, Hayden Grumley, Clark Melbourne, Jess Halstead, Wil Davenish, with the runners-up being Team 3: Sara Finlayson, Brooke Field, Gretel Lyons, Jack Davenish, Lucy Grant, C Storey. Best player awards went to Lachlan Burtenshaw, Chloe Grant and Sara Melbourne, Congratulations to these young players for their hard efforts.

Competition for the seniors over the weekend was available for Mixed teams (3 men and 3 women) and Open (any combination of players). C Grade Mixed was won by Quirindi 4 with Gully 3: Mark Dempsey, Nat Rutherford, Craig Thomson, Lauren Cutler, Kylie Dampney and Alex Tapp holding on to win the runners-up prize. The B Grade Mixed team: Shelley Bullard, Steffi Lilliebridge, Annabelle Guest, Greg Murie, Dierdre Wilson and Ian Burtenshaw fought to the last whistle but unfortunately didn't come home with a prize. It was a similar scenario with the A Grade Mixed team: Diana Burtenshaw, Virginia Tapp, Belinda Radford, Tony Dampney, Ed Paas and Scott Richardson, however Diana Burtenshaw was awarded a Best No 1 player.

The Open competition catered for all playing levels with the grades starting at F (for Fantastic), Gully fielded a team in this grade: Trevor Parminter, Julia Jones, Dave Dempsey, Claire Topfer and Corrina Thomson with some first time players, some young and some more senior players this competition was both educational and heaps of fun. Corrina Thomson was awarded Best No 3 player. E (for Excellent) grade had teams from many areas but not one from Gully. In D Grade: Matt McInnes, Cath Lilliebridge, Alan Grumley, Alison Paas, Rachel Lilliebridge and Sam White were our Gully Representatives. This team had some hard battles over the weekend but were victorious over Warialda in the final, with Matt McInnes and Rachel Lilliebridge both receiving individual player awards. C Grade saw Jo Hamilton, John Williams, Robert Guest, Scott Hamilton, Ben Guest and Geoff Hunter also run away with the winners prize, defeating a team from Muswellbrook. Scott Hamilton and John Williams received individual player awards for C Grade. We were unable to place a team in the B Grade competition. The A Grade competition once again didn't disappoint the crowd, all games over the weekend in this division were close with the winning margins being no more than one or three. The Bunnan team caused an upset on the Saturday by defeating the Quirindi team, whom everyone thought would make the final against Gully1, with this upset Bunnan found themselves in the final against Gully 1: Mitchell Johnstone, Bryce Guest Lachlan Melbourne, Todd Melbourne, Charles Melbourne and Jane Melbourne. The game started off fast and didn't slacken off, Gully 1 proved too strong and won the final. Individual player awards went to Todd Melbourne, Charles Melbourne and Lachlan Melbourne.
Galloping Gully also choose a most improved player for the season from within the club, this year it was awarded to Sam White.
During the weekend players are watched by judges who not only have to choose best player awards for the games, but also select the Best Lady, Gent and Junior of the carnival, plus Best over 45's player. This year Jane Melbourne received the Best Lady player with husband Lachlan receiving the Best Gent and Jack Halstead the best Junior player. Jack's Dad, John Halstead from Bunnan Club was the winner of the GOF trophy (Geriatric Old Fart).
Galloping Gully Polocrosse club is a member of the North West Plains Zone and within this zone at the end of each season a Best Lady, Gent and Junior player are presented with awards. Jane Melbourne was presented with the Best Lady with John Morton from Pally receiving the Best Gent and Murray Scott from Cubbaroo club receiving Best Junior. Congratulations to all.

At the conclusion of the carnival Lachlan Melbourne, President of Galloping Gully thanked all the players for travelling from near and far and wished them a safe return journey and he especially thanked his fellow club members for working together and making the carnival the smooth running success it is.

Galloping Gully has great success at Cubbaroo - 28th & 29th July 07

With 5 senior teams and 8 junior/sub-junior players the members travelled west with great expectations. The main expectation was to have a great time and catch up with friends. Those who travelled out on Friday enjoyed a wonderful, complementary, home cooked meal and the company of rarely seen friends.

Player points dictated that Gully 1 and Gully 2 would both be competing against one another in A Grade. The draw saw both teams play Cubbaroo and a team comprised of Tamworth and Pallamallawa players. Both Gully teams found their first games to be a bit tricky but won, they then went on to win both their second games for the day. This placed Gully 1 & 2 in the final. With Father against son and husband against wife the final certainly was something to be seen. It was an extremely competitive game with players not letting up for a moment, the pace was fast and intense. There were some lighter moments as well, the final was played in great spirit with Gully 1 winning A Grade. Individual player awards were given to Todd Melbourne Best No:1, Bryce Guest Best No: 2 and Lachlan Melbourne Best No: 3.

Lachlan Melbourne was also selected for the John Hamilton Memorial Trophy - Best Mens Player of the carnival plus the Dave Hamilton Memorial Trophy - Best Horse of the carnival. Lachlan spoke at the carnival and said that he was very honoured to have been the recipient of these awards. Congratulations to Lachlan for his achievements.

Gully 3 competed in B Grade and fought valiantly all weekend to also come home with the winners prize. Once again the player points put two Gully teams in the same grade. The tussle between Gully 3 & 4 was similar in enthusiasm and intensity as the A Grade competition. With friends against friends and everyone wanting the ball, however there could only be one winner of the grade, this went to Gully 3. Individual player awards were given to Diana Burtenshaw Best No: 1, Alison Paas Best No: 2

Gully 5 enjoyed a weekend of competition against players on a similar level as themselves. Unfortunately they were unable to capitalise on some exceptional play and were unlucky not to be amongst the prize winners as well.

The Junior/Sub-Junior players were once again distributed into equally skilled teams. This has been quite a successful decision for polocrosse, with the kids all looking forward to a competitive weekend and not one of continuous defeat or 'white wash' victory.

Success at Bunnan Carnival - 7th & 8th July 07

Galloping Gully has finally had some all around success for the players that travelled to participate at the Bunnan carnival.

Gully 1 competed against teams from Mendooran, Tamworth and Maitland on the weekend proving too strong and finally coming home with a long awaited winners prize. Todd Melbourne, Mareka Prentice (NZ) and Jane Melbourne were doubly pleased when they received individual player awards.

Gully 2 was an all women's team consisting of Diana Burtenshaw, Deirdre Wilson, Rachael and Cath Lilliebridge, Flo Cumming (NZ) and Alison Paas. This combination of players also proved too strong for their opposing teams as they also came home with a winners prize.

Gully 3 gathered two players from Sydney to complete their team, which was also a winning team. Alan Grumley, Alex Tapp, Sam White and Greg Murie were the representatives in this team, with Alex Tapp receiving an individual player award also.

Sara Melbourne and Liam Murie teamed up with the Gulgong juniors to play some very tough competition for the weekend. Playing teams from Maitland and Bunnan. Unfortunately the team was unable to obtain the success they were striving for.

The Sub-juniors had a successful weekend, as well playing fellow up and coming polocrosse players, the young players were the winners of the Sub-junior competition with Matthew Burtenshaw, Joe Melbourne and Linton Grumley receiving individual player awards and Clark Melbourne receiving the Champion Sub-Junior Horse and Rider. Megan Murie was our single female representative in the sub-juniors. The camaraderie among these younger players, from both the junior and sub-junior divisions is something to be seen, with those that are now becoming "the big fish" returning the support they received when they themselves were the "little fish".

All in all it was a cold but successful weekend for the club.

Tamworth Carnival - 30th June & 1st July 07

One and a half teams plus one sub-junior player travelled to Tamworth last weekend to compete.

Despite the cold weather and the threat of rain Gully players took to the field to play the game they love most, Gully 2: Steffi & Cath Lilliebridge & Alex Tapp were joined by Mat and Jodie Collet (Narrabri Club) to make a team (with Steffi doubling up). They were the first ones out on the field and played tough games, firstly against Maitland/Manning then Macksville unfortunately the results did not show in their favour. Sunday Morning they had a social game against Guyra and the results were consistent for them for the weekend.

Gully one had a bit of international flavour, with the two New Zealand exchange players joining the team. Charles Melbourne, Mareka Prentice (NZ), Todd Melbourne, Rachel Lilliebridge, Flo Cummings (NZ) and Virginia Tapp. The team rode on with the New Zealanders not really knowing what to expect, but soon found out that Maitland 1 and Maitland 2 are teams that are not to be taken lightly. The team tried their hardest but the well drilled teams from Maitland were just too good, Gully 1 found it hard going and failed to secure a win against Maitland on Saturday or Muswellbrook on Sunday.

Clark Melbourne our only subbie for the weekend teamed up with the Junior team from Bunnan which proved a very successful decision. The combination proved unbeatable winning both games in extra time on the Saturday, then to have to compete against the same teams on Sunday and still needing to win at least one to make it to the final. They achieved this, winning one game by 3 goals and the second game was one 10 seconds before the final bell. Clark was awarded the Tamworth Junior Player Award for 2007. Congratulations Clark.

Bingara Carnival - 23rd & 24th June 07

Gully gathered two teams of players to travel to Bingara on the weekend of 23rd & 24th June.

Gully 1 played in B Grade. The team being - #1 Rachel Lilliebridge #2 Sam White #3 Virginia Tapp #1 Diana Burtenshaw #2 Cathy Lilliebridge #3 Ben Guest. The games against Bingara and Warialda went into extra time with Gully winning both games. They also had a win against Pally 1 but were defeated in the final by Coffs Harbour. Virginia Tapp was awarded Best No. 3 in B Grade.

Gully 2 in D Grade won against Inverell 2, Moree and Narrabri/Cubbaroo and lost by 1 goal to Pally 2. Lachlan & Matthew Burtenshaw competed with the senior players for the first time and they both stepped up to the challenge playing some great polocrosse and had a wonderful time as well. Gully 2 was #1 Steffi Lilliebridge #2 Corrina Thomson #3 Matthew Burtenshaw
#1 Lachlan Burtenshaw #2 Alex Tapp #3 Craig Thomson

Robert Guest won the New England Zone raffle - a Polocrosse racquet and Abby White received 2nd prize in the 100 club.

Everyone had heaps of fun!!!!!!!!!

St George Polocrosse Carnival Report
- 16th & 17th June 07

With Lightning Ridge carnival being called off there was little choice for the Gully club but to pack their gear and head to Queensland. It has been quite a while since we have competed at St George and we went all out with four teams of players making the trek.

As we arrived on Friday night each truck was placed in the circle to help keep out the cool breeze that was blowing. Firewood was gathered and so the weekend began.

Gully 4 and 2 were the first ones to take the field with Gully 4 comprising of a combination of Sub-Junior, Junior and Senior players the team competed in the open competition against similarly made up teams. The competition was very tough with Gully 4 coming close to a win in their second game which had a final score of 10 - 8. The third game going into extra time only to have the opposing team snap the ball from the lineout and score the golden goal.

Gully 2 fought valiantly against teams from Roma and Chinchilla just to name a few. Know matter how hard they tried they just couldn't get the ball to swing there way to win a game. The same scenario played out for Gully 3 as well, the determination of the Queenslanders not to let a prize go south of the border was just too much.

Gully 1 had some success with two wins on the first day against Roma and Bauhinia, however meeting Warwick on Sunday brought the best laid plans undone. With Warwick dominating the game from the beginning.

All Gully players enjoyed playing the hard and fast competition that unfolded at the St George carnival, it was great to meet up with some friends that hadn't been seen in quite a while and make some new friends.

Galloping Gully at Pallamallawa Carnival
- 2nd & 3rd June 07

Last weekend four senior teams and 7 sub-junior players all made their presence known at the annual Pally carnival. With the top two Gully teams, 1 Todd Melbourne, Bryce Guest, Charles Melbourne, Jo Hamilton, Mitchell Johnstone and Lachlan Melbourne. 2 John Manchee, Scott Hamilton, Belinda Radford, Diana Burtenshaw, Ben Guest and Virginia Tapp, both being placed in the A Grade competition, the ensuing game was filled with friendly competitiveness and determination by both teams. It was a great spectacle to watch with Gully 1 scoring more goals.

Gully 3, consisting of Steffi Lilliebridge, Shelly Bullard, Lauren Cutler, Alison Paas, Craig Thomson and Alan Grumley, found themselves in the B Grade, with the competition proving very hard for the weekend and no matter their own level of determination they couldn't win a trick.

Annabelle Guest, Corrina Thomson, Sam White, Alex Tapp and Liz Manchee made the team for Gully 4. Alex Tapp playing polocrosse for the first time gave 100% effort to her game and support for her fellow team-mates. The team rallied as best they could but were unfortunately out manoeuvred by their opposing teams.

The Sub-juniors were once again placed in a pool with teams being made from this pool. Three Gully kids were placed in the Red Team, Joe Melbourne, Linton Grumley and Mathew Burtenshaw. Yellow Team Emma John. Blue Team Clark Melbourne and Lachlan Burtenshaw. The Red team were the winners for the weekend with the Yellow team being awarded with the Runners-up.

Nibbles and dribbles once again gathered the Gully members around the campfire before dinner, with the younger players giving a recount of their games for the day and the parents and other members encouraging and offering advice to those who may have had a small problem.

Sunday saw the rain come tumbling down after a couple of rounds had been played. This was enough to allow the Pally club to finalise the events and present the trophies for the weekend. Gully 1 was presented with the A Grade winners. Belinda Radford was awarded the Best Lady Player of the carnival. Congratulations to Gully 1 and especially Belinda, who informed me that this is the first award of this calibre that she has received.

Warialda Carnival 26th & 27th May 07

3 teams went to Warialda. The A Grade team played a round robin but lost all 3 games to Inverell, Guyra 1 and Guyra 2. All was not lost with Jo Hamilton coming home with the Champion Lady player on Yallahooie, and then she also won a prize in the raffle!

Gully 2 won both games on Saturday but unfortunately went down to the home side Warialda on Sunday so came Runners up with Virginia Tapp awarded Best # 3.

Gully 3 had an interesting weekend playing C grade. Unfortunately lost all four games against Guyra 4, Pally 1, Inverell 2 and Pally 2. Alas all the girls and fireman Sam didn't quite fire enough.

Weekend was notable for three things - there were no Gully subbies playing, there wasn't a Melbourne in sight and there was no frost on Saturday night at Warialda. Amazing!

Galloping Gully travel to Inverell
- 12th & 13th May 07

Only one team of senior players and one Sub-Junior player travelled across the range to enjoy a weekend of hospitality from the Inverell club.

Rachel and Steffie Lilliebridge, Lachlan Melbourne, Jeff Hunter, Cath Lilliebridge and Robert Guest spent the weekend playing some wonderful polocrosse. The team competed against Quirindi - winning by 5 goals, Inverell - winning by 4 goals and Cunningham (Qld) - winning by one gaol. The success with their games saw them come home with the 'B' Grade winners prize.

Joe Melbourne was the only subbie to represent Gully and was rewarded for his outstanding efforts over the weekend, when he was presented with the Best No1 award.

Congratulations to the players for their success over the weekend.

Galloping Gully Begin their season with Gusto at Narrabri
- 5th & 6th May 07

Narrabri hosted their annual carnival on 5th and 6th May and motivated 27 Senior players and 14 Junior/sub junior players to saddle up for the season kick-off.

With Gully competing against teams that had travelled from Lightning Ridge, Moree, Quirindi, Cubbaroo and Pallamallawa, they certainly had their work cut out for them. Gully 1 made it to the finals and competed against Quirindi, they started out well maintaining a 3 goal advantage until the final chukka, when the Quirindi team stepped up a notch forcing the game into extra time and eventually winning the A Grade competition. Three members of the Gully team where awarded individual player awards for the weekend. Lach Melbourne Best No2, Todd Melbourne Best No3 and Jane Melbourne Best Lady and Best Horse of the Carnival.

Gully 2, where placed in a similar situation, with the game being forced into extra time where the 'Golden Point' wins. However the team organised and strategized, managing to capitalize on the situation, and come out the winners. The players were also rewarded with individual awards with Rachael Lilliebridge receiving Best No2 and Robert Guest Best No3.

Gully 3 played some tremendous games over the weekend, with some players stepping into the saddle again after time away and becoming a mother. They pulled out all the stops but couldn't win enough games to put them into the final, they all agreed that it was a great weekend and a fantastic start to their season.

Gully 4 pulled together with some new club members, young members and some a little more senior, to ride and compete in some skilful and consistent polocrosse. This effort put them into the final where they came away with a close score but not the winning score. Craig Thomson walked away with the added individual award for Best No2.

Our three remaining players, Natalie Rutherford, Steph Lilliebridge and Corrina Thomson combined with three players from Pallamallawa and no matter how hard they tried just couldn't get things to swing in their favour. They did enjoy the hospitality of the Narrabri club and a weekend of good polocrosse.

The Junior and Sub-Junior competition underwent a little restructuring which seamed to have been successful over the weekend. Players were placed in different 'pools' according to ability and age, this allowed those stepping on the field for the first time not to be intimidated by their peers, who were of a similar age but displayed more skill and control. While at the same time allowed those at the top end of the graph to play a more free flowing game. The huge number of children there on the weekend can only ensure that there is a big future for polocrosse.

2006
GULLY FIELDS 8 TEAMS AT THEIR OWN CARNIVAL.
What a weekend! Last weekend (12th, 13th Aug) 43 Polocrosse teams from all over the State and even the United Kingdom, gathered at 'Murrumbilla', home of the legendary Galloping Gully Polocrosse club, to partake in the annual carnival. This year almost 20% of competitors were Gully players, with 8 teams playing in just about every grade. The Gully Sub-Juniors (called the 'Wallabies') were extremely competitive over the weekend. The players were Hayden Grumley, Joe and Clark Melbourne, Mathew Burtenshaw, Liam Murie and Emma John. Congratulations to all Gully sub-junior players over the past season, whose game and sportsmanship skills have improved immensely. The Gully Junior side was Linton Grumley, Peter Meppem, Zac Tomlinson, Lachlan Burtenshaw, Chloe Rutherford and Sarah Melbourne. After experiencing a mixture of wins and losses for the weekend against teams from Pallamallawa, Mendooran, Narrabri and the internationals … the UK, this team came home without any prizes but with plenty of fun memories of their weekend. The UK Juniors, who have been staying in the district for the last 2 weeks, ended up wining the competition. They will be competing at the Mendooran Carnival this weekend before flying back home. Gully wishes them all the very best. The E grade competition fielded 2 Gully teams, the Gully Titans and Gully All Stars. The Titans were Mark Dempsey, Craig Thompson, Geoff Hunter, Greg Murie, Kylie Dampney and Craig Chapman. This team proved extremely hard to beat, winning all their games and the E grade competition. From this team Mark Dempsey was awarded as the best number 1 and Kylie Dampney as the best number 2. The Gully All Stars were Ash Burgman, Corrina Rees, Liz Manchee, Dierdre Wilson, Dave Dempsey and Jenny Chapman. This team was also very competitive winning all games except for the clash with the mighty 'Titans'. The Gully All Stars came home as the runners-up, with Liz Manchee taking out the best number 3 in E grade. The Gully Super Heroes found themselves in the D grade comp. These players were Alan Grumley, Steffi Lilliebridge, Catherine Rae, Alison Pass, Sam White and Annabelle Guest. This team definitely lived up to their name, and with Alison Pass finding top gear on 'Toothpick', this team proved to be tough competition against teams from Cubbaroo, Narrabri, Warialda and Bunnan. The Super Heroes ended up winning the competition with Alison Pass awarded as the best number 1 and Catherine Rae the best number 3. Competing in the B grade open competition was Bryce, Ben and Robert Guest, Ed Pass, Rachel Lilliebridge and John Williams. Giving it their best shot with some breathtaking maneuvers and fancy ball-work, this team won all games except for the hard-hitting encounter with Cubbaroo. This Gully side was awarded the runners-up in the B grade open. In the B grade mixed competition, 3 Guys and 3 Gals, Gully's team consisted of John Manchee, Matt McInnes, Scotty Richo, Diana Burtenshaw, Lauren Cutler and Cath Lilliebridge. After a fun weekend of wins and losses against teams from Quirindi, Lightning Ridge, Inverell and Bunnan, this Gully side didn't completely come home empty handed as Scotty Richo was awarded Gully's most improved player for the season. Congratulations Scotty!! Gully's A grade mixed team was Lachlan, Charles, Todd and Jane Melbourne, Jo Hamilton and Virginia Tapp. After a weekend of some ferocious battles against Quirindi and Inverell, this Gully side ended up as the runners-up. Congratulations to Todd Melbourne who won the best Junior player of the carnival, and all the best to Charles Melbourne who will have the opportunity this coming weekend at Mendooran to practice with his NSW team mates for the up and coming National Championships.
For all results see the 'Carnival Page' of this website......

GULLY SEPARATES - BUNNAN, QUAMBONE & COFFS HARBOUR CARNIVALS - JULY 8th & 9th 2006
On the weekend Galloping Gully players went south, east and west playing the great sport of Polocrosse.
Ed and Alison Paas headed East and had a great weekend away at the Coffs Harbour Carnival with Ed playing with the Warialda Club for the weekend.
Scott Richardson, Chloe Rutherford, Greg , Liam, Meghan & Alise Murie headed West to the Quambone carnival and from all the gossip, it seems they had a wonderful weekend too.
Those who went South had freezing nights, but beautiful days, with The Gully taking two senior teams and 3 sub-junior players. The first team consisted of Scott Hamilton, Jane Melbourne, Lach Melbourne, Charles Melbourne, Robert Guest and Todd Melbourne. Their weekend began with a very tough game against the hosting clubs No: 1 team unfortunately they proved far to strong and lost this first game placing the Gully team in the B Grade competition. Their second game was very close and Maitland's No: 1 team played hard but finally went down to the ever determined Gully team, they then came up against Muswellbrook in the final on Sunday, but after an initial tough tussle the Gully team steamed ahead to win the B Grade competition. Lach Melbourne was named best No: 1 and Jane best No: 3. The Gully No: 2 team Virginia Tapp, Steffi Lilliebridge, Jo Hamilton, Rachael Lilliebridge, Rhys Duncan and Cath Lilliebridge. Their first game was an extremely tough one also, with the team unable to turn the game around in their favour they lost to the Muswellbrook No:2 team. Guyra 2 proved a tough match with the game being forced into extra time after a valiant come back by Gully, however in polocrosse the first point scored in extra time wins the match, unfortunately it wasn't to be us. On Sunday they came up against another competitive team from Merriwa who also proved to strong on the day. Rhys enjoyed his first ever games of polocrosse and we hope he will continue to play at a later date. The 3 sub-juniors were Joe Melbourne, Clark Melbourne and Sara Melbourne. These under 12's were team with 3 subbies from the Quirindi club and all six players had an extremely competitive weekend playing against teams from Maitland, Bunnan and Guyra, they were fortunate enough to come home winners also with Clark taking home the best No: 2 prize and Sara the best No: 3 and best ASH. The improvement that these youngsters are showing is a testament to their practice at home, their enjoyment of the sport, and playing a great game with their peers. Well done kids.

GULLY TRAVEL TO BINGARA The local Galloping Gully Polocrosse club had 3 teams travel to the annual Bingara Polocrosse carnival last weekend the 24th and 25th June. Everyone had a great weekend playing the sport they love and catching up with friends. Ben Guest came home as the best number 2 in A grade, Diana Burtenshaw as the best number 1 and Lauren Cutler best number 2 in C grade.

A GEM OF A POLOCROSSE CARNIVAL Over 2 teams of local Galloping Gully polocrosse players headed to the opal fields to play at the annual Lightning Ridge carnival on the 17th and 18th June. The first team was Scott and Jo Hamilton, John Manchee, John and Sandra Williams and Bryce Guest. The word 'fast' sums up the polocrosse played by this team over the weekend. They played 4 competitive games against, Dirranbandi, Quambone, Narrabri and Warren. After winning all games Gully 1 came home as the A grade winners, with Sandra Williams taking out the best number 1 and John Manchee the best number 2. The Gully second side was Alan Grumley, Carina Rees, Craig Thompson, Annabelle Guest, Liz Manchee and a Coonamble player to complete the team. This team had a very competitive weekend and came home as the D grade runners-up after winning their last game on extra time. Alan Grumley took out the best number 1 for this grade. The two Grumley boys, Hayden and Linton, played in the Junior team with other junior players from Lightning Ridge. This skillful young team played in the D grade adult competition. The thought of playing against adults certainly didn't deter these players as they won all their games and came home as the D grade winners. The Gully sub-juniors playing at the Ridge were Liam and Meghan Murie. After a fun weekend of Polocrosse and catching up with friends, these two young players came home with a fancy pair of riding gloves and plenty of opal chips from their 'off the field' adventures.

MOREE THIS WEEKEND Over 4 teams of local Galloping Gully polocrosse players traveled just up the road to play at the Moree carnival last weekend the 3rd and 4th June. Gully 1 team played in the Championship grade and they were Scott Hamilton, John Williams, Todd Melbourne, Ed Paas, Charlie Melbourne and Bryce Guest. These guys experienced fierce competition from Quirindi and Narrabri, and ended up as the runners-up, winning a quality horse rug each. Todd Melbourne also came home as the best male junior player of the carnival. The Gully 2 team played in the A grade competition and they were Sandra Deutscher, Steffi Lilliebridge, Matt McInnes, Virginia Tapp, Rachael Lilliebridge and Robert Guest (back in the saddle this season). This team played 4 extremely tough and close games against Bingara, Pallamallawa, Tamworth and Moree. Unfortunately Rachael had a minor fall on Saturday morning, but was back in the saddle by Sunday afternoon, and Steffi went out in Sympathy for her sister and broke her arm on Sunday. So we wish the girls a speedy recovery. Fortunately this team came home as the runners-up, with Virginia Tapp awarded as the best number 1, and Sandra Deutscher as the best lady player of the carnival. Gully 3 played in the C grade competition. They were Alison Pass, Annabelle Guest, Scott Richardson, Diana Burtenshaw, Alan Grumley and Cath Lilliebridge. These guys came home as the runners-up, competing against teams from Coonamble, the Marra Monkeys and Warialda. Gully 4 played in the C grade competition as well. They were Linton Grumley, Bryce Guest, Craig Thompson, Greg Murie, Corrina Rees and Chloe Rutherford. They played some tough games, even against Gully 3, and Bryce Guest was awarded the best number 2 in C grade. Hayden Grumley played in D grade with a team from Guyra who won the D grade competition. Congratulations to Hayden and brother Linton who are both sub-juniors and played all weekend in the adult competition. Well Done! The Sub-Juniors were, Lachlan and Mathew Burtenshaw, Meghan and Liam Murie and Emma John. They had a fun weekend, teaming up with players from Pallamallawa and Cubbarroo and perfecting all player positions. They all came home with a new camping chair and Lachlan Burtenshaw was awarded as the best sub-junior player. Well done Lachlan! Gully will be sending 2 teams to the NSW Club Championships in Maitland this weekend. The mixed adult team will be Jo Hamilton, Virginia Tapp, Jane, Lachlan, Charlie and Todd Melbourne. The sub-junior team is Jo, Sarah and Clark Melbourne, Linton and Hayden Grumley and Zac Tomlinson. Gully wishes them all the very best.

GULLY HEAD TO QUIRINDI FOR POLOCROSSE….. The local Galloping Gully Polocrosse club had 16 players and several non-players travel to Quirindi last weekend the 20th and 21st May to compete against teams from the Hunter Valley, Victoria, New England, Western districts and Northwest Plains clubs. Gully pulled together a women's team which was Virginia Tapp, Cath Lilliebridge, Sandra Deutscher, Rachel Lilliebridge, Dianna Burtenshaw and Steffi Lilliebridge. This team firstly played in a C/D grading game on Saturday morning, defeating Maitland by several goals. This win placed them into the C grade competition, and they were unfortunately defeated by Bunnan in the Saturday afternoon game. After having another win on Sunday morning and a forfeit by Muswellbrook, the Gully girls came home as the runners-up with Virginia Tapp awarded as the best number 1. Gully's open side was Charlie Melbourne, John Williams, Todd Melbourne and 3 other men from Merriwa. This team won both their games on Saturday against strong competition from Bunnan and Corio (VIC), but were beaten on Sunday against Quirindi. One of Gully's new players, Sam White, also traveled to Quirindi to play with the very skilled Cubbaroo Juniors. This team had a victorious weekend, winning all games on the Saturday and Sunday against players from Bunnan, Quirindi, Maitland, Coffs Harbour and Gulgong. Our Gully Sub-Juniors were Clark and Sarah Melbourne, with Mathew and Lachlan Burtenshaw. These young players teamed up with 2 players from Guyra to have a fun weekend both on and off the field. Their 1st game on Saturday morning was a tough one, coming up against a team of national sub-junior players from Bunnan. Unfortunately they were defeated, but it was a great introductory game for our newest sub-junior members, Mathew and Lachlan Burtenshaw. Their 2nd game saw some changes in player positions and sections which proved a positive move as they dominated the play against Maitland. After another win and loss on Sunday, our subbies came home exhausted but with a new halter and lead rope. Gully's star secretary, Jo Hamilton, had an amazing weekend playing in a NSW representative side that they called the 'Rosebuds'. Jo and her team mates not only won all their games but Jo came home as the best number 1. Well done Jo and her trusty steed 'Hooly Dooly'. Our other Gully superstar Jane Melbourne, also played in a NSW representative side called the 'Wallabies'. Jane and her beautiful mare 'Harriet' played as the number 3 and had an extremely competitive weekend marking-up some very challenging number 1's. Gully players are set to head to Warialda this coming weekend for some more hard and fast competition.

GULLY CLUB MEMBERS REPRESENT NSW….. Last weekend (28th, 29th and 30th April) 3 local Galloping Gully Polocrosse players traveled to Warwick QLD to represent NSW in the Shell Cup interstate series. Jane Melbourne played in the NSW women's team, and Virginia Tapp and Todd Melbourne competed in the junior competition. The interstate games were fiercely competitive, with players giving 110% for their state. Jane played in the No.2 position for the first 2 games and moved to the No.3 position as goal defense for the final game. The NSW women had a triumphant weekend, winning the first game by a 10 point victory and the other 2 games by even bigger margins. Todd and Virginia had a much harder tussle over the weekend with all three junior games being extremely close. NSW juniors only just dipped out on the first game by 2 goals, but came through in the second game winners by 3 goals. The third game was very tense with a one goal separation for most of the game. With the scores tied at full time the girls went back on and recommenced play with a penalty awarded to the NSW No.1. Unfortunately NSW were not able to capitilise on this, and QLD headed off down the field with the ball where a penalty was awarded to QLD and a free goal given, thus allowing QLD to win the Junior Interstate competition with NSW as the runners-up. The Gully club would like to congratulate Jane, Todd and Virginia.

FIRST CARNIVAL OF THE SEASON FOR THE GULLY….. Last weekend some members of the local Galloping Gully club traveled to the Guyra polocrosse carnival. Even though both days were beautiful and sunny, it was the first carnival of the season so the Gully players took their time to warm-up. The A grade side was Charlie, Todd, Lachlan and Jane Melbourne with John Williams and Rachael Lilliebridge. Winning one game out of three, this team had a challenging weekend against some extremely tough competition from Quirindi, Guyra and Macksville. Congratulations to Jane, who was awarded the 'Best lady player of the carnival', and to John who courageously broke-in the wild and brutal mechanical bull. The sub juniors representing 'Gully' were Sara, Clark and Joe Melbourne. They were divided into 4 sections of equal ability, rotating player positions for the entire weekend to broaden their skills. Virginia, Steffi and Matt played extremely well over a competitive weekend. On the Saturday night of the carnival, Gully members decided we should have a "Nibbles and Dribbles" session and so at Guyra the inaugural team reporting began. Each player individually reflected upon on the outcomes from their day's activities on the field around the campfire that night. All the best to Todd Melbourne and Virginia Tapp who are playing in the Mixed Junior team and Jane Melbourne who is playing in the Women's team representing NSW at the Warwick QLD Shell Interstate Challenge Carnival. Go the Blues………