England, South Africa and Argentina competed in a Triangular Polo Series at the world famous Palermo ground in Buenos Aires. The handicap level was limited to 22 goals with the national team line ups as follows:
ENGLAND
1. Matthew Perry (3)
2. Oliver Cudmore (5)
3. Mark Tomlinson (7)
4. Luke Tomlinson (7)
BMW SOUTH AFRICA
1. Dirk van Reenen (3)
2. Jean du Plessis (6)
3. Ignatius du Plessis (8)
4. Chris MacKenzie (5)
ARGENTINA
1. Martin Joaquin (3)
2. Diego Cavanagh (7)
3. Manuel Plaza de Ayala (6)
4. Pedro Falabella (6)
The tournament took place from 9th to 14th April with South Africa taking on England in the first match. After a slow start South Africa eventually ran out comfortable winners 14 to 10. Rain delayed the next match between England and Argentina but the Brits upset the home side 12-6 in a thrilling game.
This put South Africa in a strong position against Argentina and only a three goal deficit by SA would allow England to win the Series on goal difference. Again South Africa started slowly but picked up their game to lead by three going into the last chukka. Sadly, they had a bad chukka whilst Argentina had a very good one to go down to the hosts by a goal.
In spite of the narrow loss, South Africa won the Series, a significant feat indeed, especially at the world famous Palermo ground considered by many in the polo world to be the “Wimbledon” of polo.
