TV cameras and an excitable crowd witnessed an epic battle on the polocrosse field between The United Kingdom and South Africa – the stakes and adrenaline ran high…
Spectators at the two-day Test Series between the United Kingdom and South Africa were treated to an incredible polocrosse battle; it was about revenge, world rankings and scoring points! The Test Series featured spectacular horsemanship, amazing plays and incredible skill by Britain’s and South Africa’s leading female and male Polocrosse teams.
The United Kingdom Ladies Polocrosse team obtained some small revenge against their South African counterparts for the two defeats they suffered earlier this year, but will be disappointed that they didn’t do more. The Ladies team drew their test match series winning a match each. Having lost the first test match 19-17 on the Saturday, they came out fighting on Sunday to win 22-18. The United Kingdom will be disappointed though that they didn’t win the two-day series, they were considered by many to be the better side across the weekend.
The UK men will harbour greater disappointment as they lost both their test matches to the South African men. In truth, however, they lost to an inform team packed with young talent. The UK went behind early in each test match and in the second match South Africa never let this advantage slip, winning 23-20. In the first match the UK managed to make up the early deficit and crept into the lead at the end of the sixth chukka, but South Africa came back even stronger to win by two goals, 22-20.
The United Kingdom were keen to win all the tests to regain the third position in the world rankings and relegate the South Africans to fourth, but South Africa’s risky tactic of sending a squad of very young players paid off. The youngest player was Graham MacLarty at just 15 years old and only three of the squad were over 20. The UK’s older side just couldn’t deal with the speed and direct playing style of the South Africans.
South Africa’s Nico van Wyk and The United Kingdom’s Jason Webb were selected and presented as the leading Male Players of the Test Series. While South Africa’s Celicia Jacobs and The United Kingdom’s Sophie Lodder were presented as the best Female Players of the Series.
Ashfields Polocrosse Club hosted the Test Series and produced a glamorous and stylish affair with an impressive VIP area, Riders Party and country fair atmosphere for spectators and visitors. Breast Cancer Campaign was the official charity for the event and various activities held across the two days, included a charity auction and collections. The official count has yet to be completed, but already over 2,000 has been counted and presented to Breast Cancer Campaign.
Elizabeth Cook, Events Manager at Breast Cancer Campaign said, “We are thrilled with the funds Ashfields Polocrosse Club have raised for Campaign. The event was something new for us, something really different for a summer’s day out. We’d like to extend our thanks to Martin Verhagen and his team at Ashfield’s for their support. The money raised will help Breast Cancer Campaign to continue researching the cure for breast cancer.” For more information about Breast Cancer Campaign or to make a donation to the charity visit www.breastcancercampaign.org
Polocrosse is an extreme sport best described as lacrosse on horseback. It’s great to play and even more exciting to watch! For more information on polocrosse please visit www.polocrosse.org.uk, home to the United Kingdom Polocrosse Association. The Countryside Channel has provisionally scheduled the Test Series for showing in early September, watch the website for details.