Queensland Polocrosse Association awards for 2021 presented

The inter-generational appeal of polocrosse was highlighted when Murray and Wendy Sturgess were awarded life membership to the Queensland Polocrosse Association at the Burke and Wills Hotel in Toowoomba on Saturday night.

Murray is one of four generations of his family from the Chinchilla club to play the sport, starting with his own father Bill and three siblings.

Sons Cameron, Kyron and Bryce all play as do daughter-in-laws Kelly and Rebecca and grandchildren Ashlee, Holly, Drew, Keely and Hydie Sturgess.

Murray has played for Queensland at 10 national championships and held numerous positions in the sport.

He finds no greater pleasure than being able to play alongside his children and grandchildren in Chinchilla teams.

Robyn Cooper was inducted into the QPA Hall of Fame after a lifetime of voluntary work for the Cunningham club.

She has been the driving force behind a club that has hosted two carnivals annually, state championships and international matches.

Mick Grills was QPA umpire of the year and Chris Sillitoe coach of the year.

The nominees for players' players were winner Blake Wells, runner-up John Franklin, Lindsey Doolan, Ella Myers and Trent Collins.

Player awards in each age group went to Ella Myers, Hunter French, Bree Thornton, Dan Hafey, Callum Brook, Russell Davison, Kylie Gould, Blake Wells and Beth Hafey.

Mike Williams presented the Management Committee award to Robert and Lesette Hoffman from Wandoan.

The Warwick Barastoc weekend was voted carnival of the year by the players. Dirranbandi was runner-up.

Australian Stock Horse awards went to Tarraway Heather (Mick Grills), Dillons Verdhelo (Mick Dillon), Jaylyn Downs Porsche (Beth Hafey), Berragoon Chorus (Steph Cochrane) and Obriens Trendsette (Ella Myers).

The dinner followed the QPA annual general meeting at which Mike Williams was elected president for a second term.

Article courtesy of Australian Community Media and Queensland Country Life