Proteas hold onto polocrosse crown
The South African team was crowned the Polocrosse World Cup Champions on the thrilling final day.
THE Protea team was crowned the 2015 Polocrosse World Cup champions when they defeated Zambia in the finals held on Sunday 12 July at the Durban Shongweni Club.
More than 5,000 spectators enjoyed the final day’s action as the South African team successfully defended their 2011 title in the all-African final and the runners-up, Zambia, climbed from eighth on the world rankings to number two.
“Today has been a great milestone in South African Polocrosse history. The Proteas have now won the World Cup title twice in a row. It has been an honour for me to end my time as the IPC President on a high note with SA proving that they are the champions. I would like to thank every player from across the world for a great event,” commented Wessel Strauss, president of the International Polocrosse Council.
An on-form Zambian side came out flying in the final and they were quick to put goals on the scoreboard. The showdown proved to be a nail-biting affair with a goal scored every 52 seconds. The situation shifted in favour of the Proteas when the ladies team came out and scored five goals early on, this proved to be a game changer. The Protea men continued the charge to secure victory ahead of Zambia with 32 goals to 23.
“We are a proud nation and I am a proud president. To see an all-African final on African soil meant that Polocrosse was always going to be the winner today. I would like to salute our team for converting the pressure that they were under into focus and determination which saw them crowned champions,” commented Andre Truter, president of the Polocrosse Association of South Africa.
“Zambia showed incredible commitment, talent and determination, never complaining or appealing umpires calls, they are a team of true sportsmen and women. Zambia, a Polocrosse playing country with not more than 50 odd registered players, showed true grit and determination today. Their coach, Henry Harris, management, and supporters – fondly referred to as the Zamie Army – should be proud,” said Mike Taylor, vice-president of the Polocrosse Association of South Africa.
The play-off for 3rd and 4th place didn't disappoint as the United Kingdom came out firing and even led by putting the first goal on the board. The courageous UK side continued to put up a brave fight against an extremely talented and experienced Australian team. Australia went on to secure a well-deserved victory with 25 goals to 19 to finish third overall. The UK side moved up in the world rankings from sixth up to fourth. Australia retained third place in the world rankings.
