The first leg of the BMW International Polo Series took place at Shongweni club on Sunday, 14 August. It was a hard-fought but low scoring match in difficult conditions. Driving rain and soft ground made for dangerous running, but the riders gave it their all, pounding the field in 90 minutes of top class entertainment.
The weather proved to be a major obstacle as the wet and windy conditions impacted severely on the match. The conditions meant that the match turned into a tactical battle and it was the visitors who seemed to deal with the weather better. The score was tied at 5 all with 4 minutes to go, but a last-minute goal saw the Wallabies take the cup at 6 to 5.
See below for our photos from the event…
Walter Grindrod, President of the South African Polo Association said, “The weather dealt us a hard card, but this is professional sport and we play under any conditions.”
Shongweni is a big centre for polo and all equine pursuits, and has always drawn a very special crowd, with many visitors coming back year after year. This year’s guests included the Springbok rugby team, cast members from The Wild, Sam Ramsamy and renowned businessman Shaun Battleman.
“The Shongweni crowd appreciate great horsemanship and great camaraderie,” says Guy Kilfoil, BMW general manager for communications and public affairs. This has become a highlight on the social calendar and the patrons showed great dedication, celebrating the occasion despite the decidedly wintry conditions.
Commentator Angus Williamson did a sterling job, with a true KZN touch – Zulu commentary!
BMW has sponsored SA polo for 22 years, enjoying a natural synergy between the two. “For BMW, our long-standing association with polo is clearly in support of the core values of the BMW brand,” explains Bodo Donauer, Managing Director of BMW South Africa. “Our brand represents dynamism, innovation and beautiful aesthetics – all in equal measure. The sport of polo certainly mirrors these characteristics – both on and off the field – as well as epitomising the exclusivity of BMW.
“More importantly, as anyone who has watched a polo match will testify to, the sound of thundering hooves and the thrill of robust competition delivers spectators the very emotion that BMW embodies in each of its products – pure unadulterated joy,” Donauer continues.
The South African team is captained by Selby Williamson, along with Brad MacGibbon, Russell Watson (who has scored 400 goals in 93 test matched) and Gillespie Armstrong, with Davey Evans as reserve.
The Australians are Kelvin Johnson, Andrew Williams, captain Matt Grimes and Robert Ballard, with Will Gilmore in reserve.
Guests were treated to a thrilling Polo International that has set the scene for the second Test that is scheduled to take place at the Inanda Club in Sandton on Sunday 21 August. Visit www.bmw.co.za/polo or www.sapolo.org.za for more information.