Brisbane Bike Polo

Polo Update; 18/7/11

2011-07-18T10:58:00.002+10:00

Last week we played the first set of fixtures for the Brisbane Hardcourt Polo league (http://www.brisbanehardcourt.com/). casual pick ups are still running from 2pm. Wednesday polo at the powerhouse is still on from around 5pm, more regular updates can be found on 'brisbane bike polo' facebook page.

Random Round Robin.

2011-06-05T22:21:00.000+10:00

Thank you everyone that came today. I had such a fun day seeing everyone come down, thank you for coming to my first mini tournament. It was a great day and I'm glad the weather held up for us, lets hope we can put a couple more of these day on in the near future. Congratulation to BO Dave, Jamie and Ali who all plaid some amazing polo and pull together to make the best team. So the final standings were;

1. Ali, BO Dave and Jamie.
2. Lindsay, Kristine and Jordan.
3. Olli, Bennet and Andy/ Simon, Johnson and Red.
4. Dom, Andy and Mace.
5. Nate, Rob and Arron.

Thank you again to everyone who can down and the new guys that turned up and had a couple of games hopefully we see you everyone back again soon.

update

2011-05-31T17:42:00.000+10:00

ok some update, the proper date is sunday 5th and we are going to start the day at 11 so get there at 10 for registration and picking teams and earlier start lets us get all the games in and all the extra stuff into the day. see you there.

Brisbane Sunday Random Round Robin.

2011-05-27T19:44:00.002+10:00

Next Sunday the 4th of June we are going to have a small round robin tourny. Its five bucks to play then teams are drawn out of a hat, all teams play off against each other then the top two teams play off for the cash. Registration is at 12 for a 1 o'clock kick off, other events and small races (space invaders, urban velo and shoeing) will also occur, so hope you all can make it, see you then.

The Greeks ruin polo; again

2011-05-17T11:31:00.000+10:00

Hey guys, it's paniyiri time this weekend (may 21/22). For those who don't know they hold a Greek culture festival in musgrave park. It is the 1 week of the year we can't play at the west end courts as it is taken up as a car park.

We can play at another court or carpark but I'm thinking the southbank underground carpark will probably be full due to paniyiri, so another court might need to be found. There are some nice courts at northey park herston, and Dan was saying there are a few on the southside.

Alternatively we can try new farm powerhouse again; I know they aren't particularly keen on having us around (we got kicked last year for drinking/ruckus making if I recall), but if we behave we might be alright.

I know it's kind of geeky; but there are a bunch of guys who do jugging in newfarm park on sunday afternoons from 1. according to their website "Jugging is game that has been described as 'Medieval Footbal' it is played by two teams of five players armed with and assortment of padded 'weapons'. The aim of the game is to get a foam 'dogskull' or 'jug' onto a spike at the opposing end of the field while preventing the opposing team from doing the same."

Their website is http://www.jugger.org.au/What_is_Jugging.html.

Me and Kristine went and watched them last year; it is actually really fun to watch and the guys are really friendly.

Open to suggestions though, spread the word that west end is off this weekend.

Australian Hardcourt Bike Polo Nationals.

2011-05-16T11:40:00.001+10:00

Just one week back from the Nationals and the hype around the event is huge. The third nationals held in Adelaide was a massive success and a huge turn out from all over the country. With two massive days of polo and other non polo events taking place over the weekend it was by far the best nationals yet. With the degree of skill and ability getting better and better each yeah it shows no resembles from the polo that I saw and played when first starting years ago. Congratulations to the "Storm Boys" and all the other teams. Brisbane cleaned up at the award ceremony taking most valuable male and female competitors (Ranga Dave and Ali McLatchie), the Majestic Pink Shafts receiving favorite team, Domenico Broonsas received best new player and the high acclaimed best drunk award went to a player who work extremely hard working Ollie Wykeham.

These events gets better each year and my praises go out to all the Adelaide people who put in a huge amount of hard work to pull it off. All the best photo's can be found here http://studiocrossbow.blogspot.com/ . I had the best weekend of polo but all good things must come to an end and with the ever looming departure of Mr Jeremy "Rootbeer" Miller who left us to move back home. I and many others were left with a sad bitter sweet emotion, I'm going to miss you Rooties. Thanks you again Adelaide and I'll see you all at the Gold Coast 2012 (hopefully).

Wednesday night.

2011-04-04T09:00:00.000+10:00

Wednesday nights are starting up at the Power House in New Farm. The court is big enough for 2 on 2 and the area has some lights so we can play for a while after dark. I'll be down there around 4, tell everyone you know and I'll see you down there.

get old school

2011-04-03T23:05:00.004+10:00

Today saw an awesome turnout, with line ups for every game. Highlights of the day were the debut of Andrew from Archive and Steve on the Giant. Today also saw cameo appearances by Luka and Pirate Dave as well as a insane first game by Lindsay "tough sticker" Shaw on his new and improved rig. We decided to revert to old school Brisbane rules for the day, which was accompanied by increased liquor consumption. Its good to see things aren't getting too serious in the lead up to nationals and everyone is staying safe. Sunset is coming earlier every week, we are going to trial a 1pm start next Sunday.

The Hobo Tournament and playing times

2011-03-31T14:58:00.003+10:00

Sunday the 27th of March was a bittersweet day for Brisbane bike polo, the day of the "Polo or Bust" tournament and the departure of our dear friend Erin Giuliani to London. Some excellent photos and recaps can be found on the gold coast and Sydney polo websites; sydneybikepolo.org and fixiegc.com Autumn in Brisbane is one of the best occaisions for polo, players will be at the Musgrave park courts from 2pm, with games playing until sunset. We have amassed quited the arsenal of mallets that can be borrowed, so if you are a prospective player, there is no excuse to get down there. If you dont have a bike, someone will lend you one. Currently we do not have the facilities for night games, there will occaisionally be the odd spontaneous tap around at the New Farm powerhouse, but nothing set in stone. Meeting new people and having fun is what polo is all about, thus we are going to start a local recruitment drive using posters and flyers in local bike shops and bike parking areas to get some new blood into Brisbane bike polo and encourage rookie games during pickup on sundays.

Karl

2009-09-14T09:35:00.004+10:00

I got some sad news on the weekend, our friend and fellow polo player Karl is no longer with us. It is believed that he passed away sometime on Friday night. On behalf of the bike polo community I want to extend our deepest sympathy to Karl’s family and friends.

Personally, I first met Karl when I relocated to Brisbane a bit over a year ago. Karl organised two Alleycat races, the “4 hour rush” and “Missing Lanes” which were my first introduction to the Brisbane bicycle scene. This rag-tag community of bicycle messengers, bicycle lovers and fixed gear riders are now some of my closest friends in Brisbane. I remember nervously approaching Karl at the start of the 4 hour rush as he was taking down names and him slipping me a map on the sly because I was new to Brisbane and he didn’t want me to get lost.

My fondest memory of Karl though was an intense afternoon of polo at Musgrave Park in November 2008. It was Karl’s first try at Polo, and he put on a show for everyone by spending more time on the ground then on two wheels. It was on that afternoon that Karl invented his trademark call: “Karl’s ball”. At that stage Brisbane Polo was still about scraping together 6 people for a game. But soon after we were being overrun by mates of Karl who had heard about this crazy game.

I have put together a few photos of that one day in November. Rest in Peace Karl, you will be missed.

Tournament

2009-06-29T09:38:00.003+10:00

As the flyer mentions, this is Shifty's last game in Brisbane. Also there is the Greek festival on the same weekend. I'll be bringing down the BBQ so bring some stuff to chuck on it. Newbs welcome!

John's Lomo

2009-06-18T13:09:00.006+10:00

John sent me some great shots of the Tournament that he took with a Lomo. For those unfamiliar with this style of photography, these are multiple exposures on the one film which are captured moments apart. The result speaks for itself I think!

Tournament Results

2009-06-15T10:28:00.007+10:00

It had been a while since we last 'got serious' about our Bike Polo in Brisbane and staged a proper tournament. So Shifty picked a date, Gypsy drew a flyer and the weather gods provided a sunny Brisbane winter's day for some great Polo action!

15 players turned up at noon to dip their names in the hat, and the teams were drawn at random, with a nice mixture of abilities and experience spread throughout. The teams elected names and were pitted against each other in 20 minutes matches.

Teams:
Swift and Shift - Shifty, Gypsy, Ben
Slightly Average - Antmandan, Jamie, Kenny
Sheeet - Erik, Brett, Johnson
Squatters - Simon, Mace, Karl
Racquateers - Dave, Marty, Andy

For the initial rounds it was first to 3, highest score at the buzzer, and if scores were drawn at the buzzer a penalty shootout from halfway. As it turned out the 20 minute time limit was plenty with most games going between 10-15 minutes. Although one game was finished in under 3 minutes!

After the initial rounds Squatters were 4w-0l, Swift and Shift 3w-1l, and the rest 1w-3l. Sheet had a slightly better number of goals scored/conceded so it went to a deathmatch (first to 5) between Slightly Average and Racqueteers to determine who would be cut. In a hard fought battle Slightly Average made it through 5 - 3.

The semi-final was first to 5 with extra time allocated (30 minutes) 1 vs 4, 2 vs 3, winners through to the final, losers to the battle fro 3rd. First up was Shift and Swift vs. Sheet. Swift and Shift won with a convincing 5 - 1. The next game between Squatters and Slightly Average went the same way at 5 - 1.

The minor final (from left): Jamie, Kenny, Dan, Johnson, Brett, Erik

The stage was set for the battle for 3rd, with Sheet pitted against Slightly Average. Sheeet had put up a massive defence throughout the day with a combination of Erik's power hits from halfway, Brett's awesome acceleration and Johnson blocking goals. However, having not converted goals for most of the day it was Slightly Average Jamie's time to shine. At 3-3 he made a stunning goal from half way, subsequently dismounting his bike and playing his mallet like a guitar. I dare say had a can of petrol been on hand he would have poured it over his bike and lit it on fire in true rockstar fashion! This put Slightly Average ahead at 4 - 3 and it wasn't long before the fifth goal was made.

The grand final (from left): Karl, Simon, Mace, Gypsy, Shifty, Ben

There was no doubt that the final would be hard fought, and we all lost count of how many times bikes went down. Mace had already earned his place as MVP for his standard of play throughout the rest of the day, and it was incredible to watch how he could materialise in front of the Shift and Swift players almost any time they went for a goal. Ben, Karl and Shifty played forward as well and there were some great clashes between these players during the game. Simon and Gypsy positioned themselves back at times which proved to be a good tactic when a loose ball found its way to them. All six players looked equally at home on the court and every single one played right until the last goal. However, having proved themselves throughout the day it was the Squatters that reined supreme.The final score 5 - 3.

The final (from left): Karl, Shifty, Gypsy, Ben, Mace (photo courtesy of JB)

Thanks to all for coming down, particularly the spectators who were there throughout the day, also a special mention to Paul for the eskies full of food and drink!

Final Placings:
1st Squatters
2nd Swift and Shift
3rd Slightly Average
4th Sheeet
5th Racquateers

Game rules:
No Mallet throwing (penalty - concede goal).
Let players retrieve ball from fence line if stuck (ball can be played to self to restart if required).
Goals are only scored off end of mallet.
Goals deflected off opposition count, deflections off team mates (unless end of mallet) do not count.
After scoring, attacking team must return to own goals and can then immediately play on.
After conceding, defending team can immediately play on.
If a player foots down, wheel out and touch fence on any side (don't interrupt play in doing so).
Attacking side may not dribble or pass ball through opposition goal from behind.
No mallets in wheels or other unsportsmanlike behaviour.

EDIT: Photos online thanks to Johnson and JB

Tournament this weekend!

2009-06-08T10:46:00.002+10:00

2pm is the new 3pm

2009-05-16T12:27:00.003+10:00

With winter fast approaching, and the days getting shorter, we are a bit upset that mother nature is stripping us of precious polo playing time! So we've decided to move Polo back an hour. New time is 2pm.

Swap meet and Polo

2009-04-27T13:01:00.005+10:00

We've had a couple of fantastic weeks of Polo, with lots of new faces and plenty of fmailiar ones. Last week we had enough people for 4 teams of 4. An epic day of polo was had!

Yesterday was a bit more sedate, except for the (now usual) mallet breakage, and a bike frame being bent after Wally rode straight into a fence!

Next Sunday we're having a BBQ and swap meet before the game. I'll be bringing a hot plate and gas bottle and everybody is encouraged to bring something to chuck onto it! The swap meet will kick off at 2pm (Sunday 3rd May) next to the polo courts so if you've got any old parts lying around that need a good home bring them down. Who knows, maybe you can find everything you need for a complete polo pony?

Photos: Amelia Shaw

2009-03-23T11:12:00.005+10:00

We've been very fortunate to have the services of professional photographer Amelia Shaw for our last few games. Amelia has taken some simply stunning shots of the Brisbane crew in action (on and off the court). I've put a few here to give you a taste but to be honest you have to click through to see them all!

Polo now every week!

2009-03-23T11:05:00.003+10:00

Given the fact that we all just love to have a cold beer on a Sunday afternoon, while talking some shit and hitting the courts. We've decided to up the ante and play some Polo every week! So scratch the dates I put up previously, because the rules are simple now: we'll be at the courts every week from now on a Sunday arvo at 3pm.

Plus we need the practice if we're ever going to take on our interstate Polo Brethren!

Upcoming matches

2009-02-20T19:32:00.002+10:00

Dates of upcoming matches all start at 3pm at Musgrave Park:

1st March
15th March
29th March
12th April
26th April

Come on down!

Hiatus

2009-02-20T19:21:00.003+10:00

Sorry everbody for the recent lack of communications...

We haven't stopped playing, I've just been too preoccupied to post about it!

So to bring us up to speed about what has been happening in the Brisbane Polo world:

Christmas visitors: Some of the lovely folk from Melbourne Bike Polo came to Brisbane and played a few games with the crew here. Although Brisbane scored more goals, bike polo was the winner on the day!
Mallet building: Lots of the boys have been busy building there own mallets which is making it easier to have some bigger games (4 on 4... madness!)
Gear Brisbane Tourney: With the opening of Gear Brisbane a small tournament was held with some lovely prizes thanks to Eric.

VIC v QLD

Gear Brisbane Tournament

Next game 30th November

2008-11-26T18:03:00.000+10:00

Musgrave Park Courts, 3pm, be there!

Night game

2008-11-10T20:57:00.002+10:00

Our first night game is on for Wednesday 12th November. Location is the carpark slightly north of Central station, corner of Wickham tce and Edward st. 7:30pm start time.

Also this coming Sunday is game weekend. 16th November, 3pm at the courts.

Some video of the last game:

Some more photos.

Next game 2nd November

2008-10-28T07:41:00.002+10:00

Here are some game photos from two Sunday's ago. Next game is scheduled for this coming Sunday (2/11/08). Usual story, meet at Ugees on Boundary st for pre-game coffee at 2:15pm then the game at Musgrave Park at 3pm.

Remember:

We have the gear so you don't have to worry, just bring yourself.
It doesn't cost anything (except for your coffee before the game).
It is not ultra-competitive which means we don't play rough.
Any bike will do!
Spectators are most welcome (and there is nice shade in prime viewing position at the court)

Next game

2008-10-13T20:48:00.002+10:00

Next game is scheduled for Sunday 19th October. 3pm at the courts or 2:15pm at Urban Grind on Boundary St for a pre-game coffee.

Photos of last weeks game have been posted on flickr.

At this stage we have enough interest to play every second Sunday.

Bike Polo has arrived in Brisbane!

2008-10-03T14:38:00.003+10:00

First game is 5th October at 3pm in Musgrave Park. Check back here for information on upcoming games.