See where the polocrosse action is this weekend
PASSION for a true Australian made sport is what keeps the Goondiwindi Polocrosse Club alive.
Based in a farming community, members of the club have felt the effect of all things that locals experienced during the past six years of drought, floods and tough economic times.
Membership has dropped from almost 40 players to just one in 2017.
But what this club lacks in numbers, it more than makes up for in passion for the action packed equestrian sport with player Michelle Smith, travelling around south east Queensland and further afield to fly the flag for Goondiwindi.
Ms Smith and a dedicated group of volunteers will host the annual Tait Auto Group Polocrosse Carnival at Goondiwindi Showground this weekend, bringing much needed funds to the club.
In 2017, the Goondiwindi Polocrosse Carnival has been designated by Queensland Polocrosse Association as a multi-horse carnival which will attract a larger number of players as they try out young stock coming through or horses new to the sport.
It is perfect timing to try out spare horses in the lead-up to the State Championships to be held at Chinchilla in early September.
Although more than 45 teams are expected to take to the field over the weekend, Goondiwindi Polocrosse Club secretary and treasurer Ms Smith said it was a big change from the 1990s, when Goondiwindi hosted the Queensland State Championships and had 98 teams attend.
With almost 600 players battling for club pride, Ms Smith said “the dust could be seen from Boggabilla”.
Ms Smith is encouraging people from the community to come and support the club, see the adrenalin charged sport and think about having a go themselves in the future.
Entry is free for spectators to watch the fast paced action and experience the atmosphere of polocrosse.