SA polo team draws in Chile match

THE rain held out for the first test match of the BMW International Polo Series as a young Chilean team took on South Africa’s polo team at the Durban Shongweni Club on Sunday. A chilly breeze kept the players on their toes for what was a highly competitive match.

The first test saw both teams play a very defensive game and attacking at every opportunity. The final chukka ended with a 4 – 4 tie and Chilean captain Juan Ignacia Vercellino was awarded man of the match.

The South Americans have toured on five previous occasions and although they have beaten South Africa in Chile, they have never been victorious on South African soil. The second test of the tournament will be played at the spacious Waterfall Polo Park in Sunninghill Johannesburg on 25 August.

It will be at this event that the overall winner of the 2013 BMW International Polo Series will be determined.

Taking the reins for the SA polo team this year as captain, is 35 year old Guy Watson (5-goal player), a member of the polo-steeped Watson family. With a wealth of international experience including countries such as the USA, New Zealand and India, Watson provided great leadership to his team as South Africa came back to tie with Chile after being one goal down at the end of half time.

Representing the rest of the talented South African side is Watson’s nephew, Byron Watson (17 years old and 3-goal), Lance Watson (26 years old and 5-goal), Leroux Hendriks (27 years old and 5-goal), and reserves Duncan Watson (22 years old and 5-goal) and Cody Ellis (18 years old and 3-goal).

This year marks 24 years of BMW’s commitment to the sport, making BMW’s collaboration with the South African Polo Association one of the longest-running sports sponsorships in South Africa.

The second test at Waterfall Polo Park is set to be filled with loads of action and great sportsmanship as Chile and South Africa charge for the ultimate victory.