Durban Shongweni Club played host to the first test of the BMW International Polo Series on Sunday 19 August, which saw the South African Polo team pit their skills against a touring international Indian team.
In the photo: Tom and Angela Van Herzele enjoying a day out at the Polo (photos by Shane Doyle)
The first test at Shongweni was characterised by glorious weather, which bode well for the players, and a fast paced sporting event, keeping spectators enthralled. South Africa were the outright winners, defeating India 11 – 6. Duncan Watson from the South African team walked away as man of the match.
The second test of the tournament will be played at a new venue in Johannesburg – the spacious Waterfall Polo Park in Sunninghill – on the 26th of August. It will be here that the overall winner of the 2012 BMW International Polo Series will be determined.
Taking the reins for the South African Polo Team this year is experienced captain Gillespie Armstrong. Armstrong unfortunately gained an injury just before the first test and had to sit out the match. His team being represented at the BMW International Polo Series includes 26 year old Leroux Hendriks; 21 year old Duncan Watson, the eldest son of South Africa’s most capped international polo player Russell Watson; powerful striker in the back position, Bryan Hein, 25 year old Lance Watson and reserve Jean du Plessis.
BMW’s collaboration with the South African Polo Association is one of the longest-running sports sponsorships in South Africa – this year marks 23 years of BMW’s commitment to the sport.
For more information, visit www.bmw.co.za/polo or www.sapolo.org.za