South Africa Crowned Polocrosse World Cup Champions on Thrilling Final Day

The Protea team was crowned the 2015 Polocrosse World Cup champions when they defeated Zambia in the finals held on Sunday 12 July at the Durban Shongweni Club. The South African team successfully defended their 2011 title in the all-African final; the runners-up Zambia climbed from eighth on the world rankings to number two. Over 5,000 spectators turned up to enjoy the final day’s action.

“Today has been a great milestone in South African Polocrosse history. The Proteas have now won the World Cup title twice in a row. It has been an honour for me to end my time as the IPC President on a high note with SA proving that they are the champions. I would like to thank every player from across the world for a great event,” commented Wessel Strauss, President: International Polocrosse Council.

An on-form Zambian side came out flying in the final and they were quick to put goals on the scoreboard. The showdown proved to be a nail-biting affair with a goal scored every 52 seconds. The situation shifted in favour of the Proteas when the ladies team came out and scored five goals early on, this proved to be a game changer. The Protea men continued the charge to secure victory ahead of Zambia with 32 goals to 23.

“We are a proud nation and I am a proud president. To see an all-African final on African soil meant that Polocrosse was always going to be the winner today. I would like to salute our team for converting the pressure that they were under into focus and determination which saw them crowned champions,” commented Andre Truter, President: Polocrosse Association of South Africa.

“Zambia showed incredible commitment, talent and determination, never complaining or appealing umpires calls, they are a team of true sportsmen and women,” commented Mike Taylor, Vice President: Polocrosse Association of South Africa.

“Zambia, a Polocrosse playing country with not more than 50 odd registered players, showed true grit and determination today. Their coach, Henry Harris, management, and supporters – fondly referred to as the Zamie Army – should be proud,” added Taylor.

The play-off for 3rd and 4th place never disappointed, the United Kingdom (UK) came out firing and even led by putting the first goal on the board. The courageous UK side continued to put up a brave fight against an extremely talented and experienced Australian team. Australia went on to secure a well-deserved victory with 25 goals to 19 to finish third overall. The UK side moved up in the world rankings from sixth up to fourth. Australia retained third place in the world rankings.

“The UK did really well against a strong Australian side – both sides will leave tournament looking forward to the 2019 Polocrosse World Cup; they can pat themselves on the back for never disappointing their spectators and fans right up until the end,” said Andre Truter, President: Polocrosse Association of South Africa.

For more information and to follow the event, visit the official Facebook page – Polocrosse World Cup South Africa and the Twitter page – @PolocrosseSA, the official event hashtag is #PolocrosseWC.

ENDS/