For one week South Africa’s polo focus was on women. Angela York (1) and Dr. Cindy Buchanan (1) from the USA, Sehr Ahmed (0) from Pakistan and Natascha Baecher (1) who is based in Argentina were fortunate enough to join the locals for this event. It was a real pleasure to have support from Walter Grindrod, the President of the S.A. Polo Association who gave a welcome dinner for the ladies.
World Fusion Team: Natascha, Cindy, Angela, Sehr
Affairs started with a 10 team warm up tournament, making this the largest ladies tournament to be held in South Africa. A small concession was made in that one “lucky” token male played in each team and some even clad in pink. This event allowed the full range of girls to play and resulted in some fast games.
South Africa Team: Sophia, Sarah, Amy, Jo
Having now secured all their mounts the jewel of the event was the WCT event itself. World Fusion- a 3 goal team of the 4 visiting players would take on the best South African National Side (4 goal) comprising of Sarah Erskine van Wyk (2), Sophie Crossley (1), Amy Gace (0) andJoanna Splisbury (0). It was a great competitive game, a wonderful showcase of ladies polo being very even all the way through. At half time World Fusion were 2 ahead but at the start of the fourth after much coaching the SA Team came out on fire and converted 3 goals. WorldFusion, however, were a very balanced team and also had many wise people in their pony line (Wayne Hartley, Nigel Pilling and Johann Du Preez) they were both calm and consistent and managed to secure the victory by 1 goal being the first African WCT winners! Sarah was named MVP and a horse called Karma, owned by Alida Vermaak and played by Cindy Buchanan BPP.
Now that the polo had been played it was time to hit the game park and get the African Experience. We went to Welgevonden Game park and even just on our drive to the lodge spotted many animals. On subsequent game drives we saw almost all of the big five and were truly spoiled. The next day we were hosted by Rory Hensman at Adventures With Elephants at Zebula game lodge.
World Fusion Team: Natascha, Cindy, Angela, Sehr
It is a real joy that this was a WCT for both parties: to help draw people’s attention to the ladies polo movement in SA and help that but also to get these great lady players some international recognition. It was also notable how the whole polo fraternity of the area was there to support the girls as well as lend horses. A special word has to be said for Catherine Hartley who is SAPA’s Lady representative and who was the organizer of this event, without her this would not have materialized in any shape or form and she did a great job, a true example of ladies polo and what the WCT is about.
Photos by Karen Pilling