Until February 2002 Cotswold was known as Westcountry. The name was changed to better indicate our geographical roots. We are based in Wiltshire and Gloucestershire , although we have members as far away as Somerset and Norfolk. In a good season we train regularly in Purton, with the occasional sessions in Minchinhampton.
In 2000 we regularly turned out 12 to 18 players to a tournament, aged from 11 to "over 40!". We had sections in the Primary Juniors, the Juniors, the D and the C sections and the crowning moment was winning the C division competition at the National Championships at Liscombe park.
In 2001 we were severely hampered by Foot & Mouth Desease, but when the season finally started we had agreat season.
Many of our best C Division players moved up to B, our juniors progressed to C and our D team went from strength to strength.
The climax came when our Primary Juniors won the National Champioships, again at Liscombe Park.
In 2002, the highlight for one of us was a couple of rides in the Air Ambulance! I (Gerry) managed to get my horse to put me on the ground and trip over my head as she got up and to run off. Strangely I remember nothing else about that season and little of 2003 either!
We are always on the lookout for new recruits. Age and ability are immaterial. It helps if you can ride, but many good payers have learnt to ride just to play the game. Its that exciting! Our D team tends towards the 40-somethings and our B and C players range from 15 to 30-something, so there is room for everyone. We have individuals and whole families taking part, although it has to be said that all the teenagers are better than their parents!
To start with you just need a horse and almost any one will do. Youngsters typically start on any Pony Club pony. Adults can use a hack or a hunter as long as it can cope with a bit of pressure and close contact and will never kick out. If you like the game (and you will!) you may find yourself eyeing up old Polo Ponies!
After that you need a stick and a ball, about £50 - £60, but we may be able to find one to lend you for the time being. Then you are away. If you think catching a ball in a net while riding is tricky - you try throwing it out again! It's much harder! But we'll give you a few hints along the way.
If you are tempted, give us a ring or drop us a line.
If you want to learn more about Polocrosse in general or Cotswold, your best bet is to contact the Chair, Rosie Pearce, or the Secretary: Mike Pearce or email the main email contact: Gerry Duhig.
If you want to use more conventional means of communication you can try:
Telephone: 01793 75028
Mobile: 078843 67965
WebMaster: (Gerry Duhig) 01453 731512
Address: Cotswold Polocrosse Club
Cowleaze Farm
Chelworth, Cricklade,
Swindon,
Wilts
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