Horses and riders took to the field on the weekend to battle for glory in the annual NEGS polocrosse carnival.
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The event was held at the Bald Blair recreation grounds on the weekend and a host of Guyra polocrosse club members came away with prizes.
Cunningham’s A grade side took out their division in the final against Warwick.
The team included NEGS polocrose coach Ella Elks as well as NEGS riders Abby Finlayson and Gemma Stuart.
Elks finished up with a host of other accolades including best number three, best lady number three and champion horse and rider while her sister Ryle Waugh claimed champion female and number two with dad Allan Waugh rounding out the positional awards.
It was Elks’ first NEGS-hosted carnival since her appointment as the school’s polocrosse coach in July.
“The carnival was a success, the rain we had on the fields made for perfect playing conditions,” she said.
“The fields were quite hard a few weeks ago and we didn't think we would be playing on them if we didn't get that rain.”
Since taking on the role of polocrosse coach, Elks’ impact has been felt with parents and students praising her knowledge and approach to helping the girls perfect their skills in the sport.
She said it has been rewarding and is already eager for the new season to start.
“I really enjoy coaching the girls, it's not work to me at all,” she said.
“They are little sponges and really try to put in place what we practice during the week.
“The future is bright for the NEGS girls. I can't wait for next year’s season to start.”
Of their A grade win, Elks said the NEGS duo played well above their age among some pretty tough competition.
“I have played along side the girls before and it's good fun, sometimes I forget how young they are because they are playing so well,” she said.
Early next month, Elks will line up in the Queensland open women’s team while her students will turn out for NSW in junior divisions at the national championships in Perth.
“The carnival was great preparation for players headed to nationals,” Elks said.
“It was a muti-horse carnival which was perfect. You could play your good horse as much, or as little as possible.”
In the other divisions at the carnival, the B grade saw Grafton win in front of the Guyra 2 team.
Guyra rider Sam Finlayson finished up as the champion male of the carnival.
Stuart also won the best number two in B grade and the NEGS player of the carnival. Fellow student Paige Fielder claimed the B grade number one prize. Abby took out the champion junior of the carnival while younger brother Zac won champion sub-junior.