TO ALL POLO PLAYERS:
2012 has been
a difficult year for South African polo with attendance at many tournaments
down and a general apathy and lack of support. During the past few weeks, a
number of emotive issues have arisen with much behind the scenes “bar talk”
undermining individuals, Clubs, Provincial structures and SAPA.
It is
important to remember that we play polo for the love of the sport and that no
one is bigger than the game. It is equally important to recognize that we are a
small “polo family” possibly on the decline due to a worldwide recession and
the economic squeeze. Events during the past weeks have resulted in emotional
outbursts with emails, often derogatory, flowing back and forth not to mention backstabbing
of certain individuals. With the BMW International Series around the corner, I
appeal to players and polo followers to pull together as gentlemen becoming the
sport. I humbly ask that we put aside differences, support our national team
and show world polo that we are a force to be reckoned with.
The above plea
doesn’t mean that administrators and/or players should be unaccountable but the
manner in which differences/disputes/disagreements are handled is crucial to
the success and happiness of the sport and its members. There are correct
channels to work through if systems are not being implemented or adhered to.
Communication is crucial and it is impossible for administrators to execute
their duties without feedback from the players. Issues arise of which I have no
knowledge until it is too late to rectify – issues which could have been resolved
with communication from the you players. Previous newsletters have alluded to
the importance of this with only a handful of players responding with feedback.
I appeal to all
SAPA’s members to pull together for the good of polo in South Africa. That way
the “happy polo family” can be restored again.
CORONATION CUP:
I was privileged
to attend this prestigious event and many of you will have watched the match on
the Internet. Our young South African team did us proud playing aggressive
quality polo. With the average age of the team being 22 as opposed to that of
the England side weighing in at 33 we have much to be proud of. I am certain
England will extend another invite in the near future – it was said to be the
best international day they have had in years.
For those who
are interested – I have included the official match report of the day below:
AUDI INTERNATIONAL SEES ENGLAND CLINCH VICTORY
AGAINST SOUTH AFRICA TO WIN CORONATION CUP
Luke Tomlinson, captain
of Audi England, lifted the Coronation Cup for a third successive year after a
nail-biting match against South Africa at Guards Polo Club, Windsor. Audi
England faced a tough and talented South African opposition and, with the teams
adding up to a 26- and 25-goal handicap respectively, those watching the match
were ensured a competitive and exciting display of the sport. Thousands of
spectators, including VIPs HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, Dominic Cooper, Matt
Smith, Douglas Booth, Dionne Bromfield, Gemma Chan, Annabelle Wallis and Steven
Moyer, enjoyed some rare English summer sunshine after months of endless rain.
Under the captaincy of
23-year-old Nachi du Plessis, the Equus & Co sponsored South Africans also
included Chris Mackenzie, Jean du Plessis and Tom de Bruin - four players
under the age of 25, not only making them the youngest international team ever
to have taken to Smith’s Lawn on International Day, but also an indication of
the young polo talent that South Africa, as a country, is producing. After the
match, David Woodd, Chief Executive of the Hurlingham Polo Association was
quick to praise the South Africa team saying: “It was a great privilege for
England to play a young go-getting South African team.”
On the other end of the
spectrum, the England line-up is one we have seen many times before – James
Beim once again playing in the Number One position, the Tomlinson brothers,
Mark and Luke, working together in the middle, and Malcolm Borwick at back – a
combination that has previously produced England with the desired results. It
was perhaps the team cohesion that has been established as a result of playing
with one another for many years now that gave them that extra advantage, plus
some experienced coaching from another International Day captain, Chile’s Jose
Donoso.
From the moment the
ball was thrown in, it was evident that the game would be one between two very
competitive sides, with the young and fresh energy of South Africa facing a
more experienced England side. With the half time score reading 5-3 in favour
in England, the home crowd was perhaps beginning to relax a little. However,
impressive team play and confident attacks from South Africa kept England on
edge and in the final chukka, with just six minutes left of play, de Bruin
equalised for South Africa, and this game was very much back on. The next
crucial play was by none other than the England captain himself, who executed a
perfect 30-yard penalty shot to take the home team into the lead with just five
minutes to go and who deservedly won the Most Valuable Player Award which he
later received from HRH Prince Philip.
Adding more excitement
to the game, the du Plessis duo together produced another goal for South
Africa, equalising again with just two minutes left of play. It was England’s
Borwick though who would be the one to secure the 2012 show, sending what would
be the final and most important shot of the day which somehow found its way
between various players and finally the posts as well thus securing England
their third successive Coronation Cup victory, after defeating New Zealand
(2010) and Brazil (2011).
England’s James Beim
was delighted to receive the Best Playing Pony award for his own Yacht. This
11-year-old chestnut gelding is James’s favourite pony and he showed his
delight in the post event press conference, saying “It is always wonderful when
your ponies are recognised, not just for me but for my grooms too.”
The
young South African team can be proud of their achievement and certainly did
their country proud. David Woodd Chief Executive of the HPA commented that
England were lucky to have played the South African team in 2012 and not in a
few years time !!
HANDICAPS:
The
SAPA Handicapping Committee reviewed handicaps at the recent meeting held at
IPT in Bergville. The full list of changes will be circulated to players with
changes being effective after the Plett December season. This will give younger
players the opportunity to compete alongside international and local high goal
players.
All
lady players will now carry a “Ladies Handicap” in addition to their official
handicap on the website. This will come into effect when playing in local “all
ladies” tournaments. It will mean the handicap differential between the lady
players can be widened to allow more flexibility between them and is in keeping
with our objectives to adhere to HPA regulations. The list will be finalised by
the Handicap Committee in consultation with SAPA’s lady representative.
LADIES TOUR TO CHINA:
A
South African ladies team toured Canada during July taking part in the Calgary
tournament and playing a once off international against the Canadian ladies
team. This they convincingly won six goals to one – our congratulations to Amy Gace, Alida Vermaak, Kate Holmes and
Catherine Hartley. Our thanks and gratitude to Joe Henderson who made his whole
string available to the SA team. Our ladies were extremely well mounted by
their Canadian colleagues.
The
Canadian hospitality was “top drawer” with the touring party attending the
Calgary Stampede and being afforded five star treatment wherever they went. It
is envisaged that SAPA will host a reciprocal tour to South Africa in 2013.
SA CHAMPS:
Entries
for this year’s SA Champs were disappointing with 6 sides in the 14 goal, 6 in
the zero goal and 2 in the 4 goal. Whether this was due to the recessionary
influences of our economy or players having too much polo is not entirely
clear. Despite this, there was some quality polo played on the newly revamped
“Benson” field – all were unanimous in their praise of the Cynodin grass which
could mean the end of Paspalum fields in the future. Concerns that it wouldn’t
stand up to winter conditions and heavy traffic were soon dispelled.
The
Beresford Cup was won by the Beestespan team consisting of Cody Ellis, James
Kane Berman, Duncan Ellis and Bryan Hein. Leroux Hendriks who represented Epol
was adjudicated the most valuable player of the tournament. Congratulations to
the winners and our thanks to the Karkloof Club and Benson family for their
input and hard work.
AFRICA CUP:
Congratulations
to the Inanda Club and polo club Captain JP Rey for hosting a very successful
Africa Cup. This tournament has grown in stature each year attracting large
crowds and corporate sponsorship. Participating teams were all at six-goal
level including the Poloafrica team which acquitted themselves very well at
this level. Their progress has improved in leaps and bounds under the
management and supervision of Catherine Cairns. The tournament was won by the Cintron
team consisting of Leroux Hendriks, Christo Spies, Dirk Uys and Lerey Young.
Tournament Director and organiser, Craig James ensured the smooth running of a
busy tournament which promises to grow each year.
POLO LEAGUE:
This
initiative has been talked about for many years but has never successfully got
off the ground. HPA will be launching a polo league in 2013. Initially the league
will involve eight of the leading clubs and played over four months between May
and August, with a final play-off between the top two clubs to decide the
overall winner.
Their
League will be played between teams of 12-14 goal handicap, with the UK’s
highest handicapped players each being allocated to a club. The league will
include “Development Players” who will be selected from the HPA Grass Roots
Development Program.
David
Woodd, Chief Executive of the HPA said, “The Polo League is a great step
forward for the sport in the UK and by including a HPA Development Player in
each team, we will be giving the next generation of English players the
opportunity to take part in some highly competitive games throughout the
season.”
There
have been discussions in some of our provinces regarding a league and the
planning of such needs careful consideration. The possibility of an inter-provincial
league at six-goal level whereby the finalists from each province compete for
an overall winner could become a reality. Any suggestions would be welcomed or
better still a meeting of interested parties to thrash out ideas in finding a
way forward should be convened.
In
conclusion, I would like to take this opportunity in wishing the national team every
success in the forth coming BMW Series. India are a proud polo nation and will
be tough opposition for the South African team so let’s get behind our boys and
give them all the support they deserve.
Executive Director – South African Polo Association
