As I write this report the England and South African Polocrosse teams are preparing to go head to head in the UK .My best wishes to both teams. I hope the polocrosse is safe and exciting.
2009 has seen South Africa sending a junior under 16-mixed team and our senior team to Australia in April. The juniors won the series 2-1 and the seniors came a disappointing third at the quadrangular series. What was impressive was Polocrosse Australia. They are truly the giants of our game. Theirs facilities, organization, numbers and standard are difficult to match. Congratulations Australia.
We hosted USA under 23 in June and although South Africa won the series good bridges were built and a lot of fun had by all. Rene Hicks and father Al stayed behind and played in our Interprovincial Tournament. Two Aussies also joined us, which were Lauren Cant from WA and Matt Devereux from Northern Territory.
In early July we send three junior teams to Zambia, which is a first and breaking new ground .In September 20 of our best players will again trek north to Zimbabwe and participate in the Zim Open, which is well worth seeing for any polocrosse enthusiast around the world. As you can see Africa is going forward.
2010 sees the New South Wales men’s team touring South Africa in early September and hopefully the Western Australian ladies team in July as we’re still discussing with them.
The Australian stock horse is now making its mark on South African polocrosse. Charles Van Wyk imported a colt back in 1998 from New South Wales. This crossed with our South African thoroughbreds is proving to be quite special. Peter Choice and Tony Higgs are in the process of importing a stallion from Darryl Smith. They plan to land in it South Africa by late July and have it working by October after the quarantine process.
The number of players here moves between 500 and 600. The current recession doesn’t help. Junior polocrosse seems to be going through a strong period at the moment. Long may it last.
Best wishes to the polocrosse community around the globe.
Phillip Whaley
Vice Chairman. Pasa.