Local riders represent SA at international level

Date: 19 August 2016 By: Isabel Venter

Two local polocrosse players were honoured to represent South Africa during a recent international polocrosse tournament.

Ron Sparrow and Istvan Schuch, both from the Limpopo Crusaders Polocrosse Club (based in Louis Trichardt), excelled during the tournament that was held in Port Elizabeth from 15 to 17 July.

Ron was a member of the South African Veteran Team that came up against Zambia and also acted as manager for the team. He was appreciative of the tremendous support the veterans’ team received from the Polocrosse Association of South Africa, and the enthusiasm of the Zambian veterans. The South African players provided a pool of horses from which both countries drew horses and the tournament was played in an excellent show of good sports- and horsemanship. The South African team came away victorious after winning all three their test matches. 

Istvan played for the U/14 South African team that travelled to Zambia for an outward-bound international series that took place in Lusaka from 8 to 10 July. In a hotly contested series, South Africa emerged victorious by winning two of the three test matches played, and losing the last test by one goal. The captain of the reigning South African World Cup team noted that the standard of polocrosse played by the young team in this series was the best that he had yet seen at U/14 level.  During the series, Istvan was awarded Best number 2 position for one of the test matches. 

The Limpopo Crusaders Club congratulated Ron and Istvan on their success, mentioning that while many sports were dependent on the athlete alone for achievement, an equestrian sport involved two finely tuned, healthy athletes, namely the rider and the horse. 

Any horse lovers who are interested in becoming involved in the game of polocrosse or learning more about it, are welcome to contact the club at any time (082 878 7202 or 061 023 0771).

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Isabel Venter

Isabel joined the Zoutpansberger and Limpopo Mirror in 2009 as a reporter. She holds a BA Degree in Communication Sciences from the University of South Africa. Her beat is mainly crime and court reporting.

More photos... 

Istvan Schuch, a Louis Trichardt polocrosse player, impressed as a member of the U/14 South African team that travelled to Zambia for an outward-bound international series. Photo supplied.