South Africa already striding ahead in the 2024 Ignition Group Polocrosse World Cup!

KwaZulu-Natal’s Durban Shongweni Club, situated in the Valley of 1 000 Hills, is the place to be from 17 to 28 July 2024 with the 2024 Ignition Group Polocrosse World Cup well underway!

The first round of games between the top 8 polocrosse countries has been a treat for spectators with two-time World Cup champions, South Africa, putting on a strong display over the weekend.

The Opening Ceremony on Friday, 19 July had audiences enthralled by the powerful display of Natural Horsemanship between Zecks Samu and Viceroy of Galloping Winds stable on the KZN North Coast. The competing teams were then welcomed to the crowds: two-time Polocrosse World Cup winners South Africa; reigning champions Australia, New Zealand, Zambia, England, Ireland, the United States of America, and Zimbabwe.

The fun continued with a spit braai and musical entertainment provided by Golden Super Hawks, Durban’s live loop artist Tanner Wareham, and DJ Kevin Cotton. Saturday, 20 July saw the start of the 2024 Ignition Group Polocrosse World Cup with the teams competing in a round-robin format according to Pool A and Pool B selections. The national side opened the event with a convincing win over very worthy rivals, Zimbabwe, finishing 29-16 after the 6th chukka.

They took this winning momentum into Day 2 where they closed off the weekend matches with a nail-biting 27-18 win over Ireland. Speaking after the match, Henry Harris, the SA Ladies Team coach said: “It was a tough game today but a good opportunity to dig deep, to test horses and our team's resolve.

We’re looking forward to tomorrow, but at least we are in the semi-finals!” Dr Manfred Rohwer, President of The Polocrosse Association of South Africa, the event hosts, concurred, saying all the teams had already put on an impressive display of World Cup-class polocrosse: “It’s really something to see the game played at this level, and to have it played on home ground is such an honour for South Africa, and Durban Shongweni Club in particular. Whether you know the game or not, it’s a marvel to see live, in action, and we’re looking forward to what the teams bring over the next few days.” Sam Botha, Head of Group Marketing at Ignition Group, sponsors of the 2024 Ignition Group Polocrosse World Cup, shared her excitement about the event: "This first weekend has already attracted large crowds to the Westown Shongweni area, and the high-level action has left spectators spellbound.

There is such a terrific vibe at this family-friendly event, showcasing the immense talent of our South African polocrosse players and highlighting KwaZulu-Natal as a premier events destination. We’re thrilled to be behind such a momentous occasion and encourage everyone to come out and show their support for our national side!"

2024 Ignition Group Polocrosse World Cup Results Day 1 (20 July 2024) SA: 29 v Zim: 16 Aus: 29 v USA: 12 NZ: 24 v Ire: 18 Zam: 26 v UK: 12 Day 2 (21 July 2024) Zam: 21 v USA: 13 NZ: 21 v Zim: 20 Aus: 24 v UK: 12 SA: 27 v Ire: 18 The action continues on Day 3 (22 July 2024) which is the final of the round 1 matches.

The programme is: 9am: UK vs USA 11am: SA v NZ 1pm: Ire v Zim 2.30pm: Aus v Zam Don’t miss the 2024 Ignition Group PWC Entertainment Programme Don’t worry if you’ve missed the first few days, there is still LOTS of polocrosse action and festival fun taking place at Durban Shongweni Club until 28 July. The daily on-field entertainment includes:

• Gumboot dancers, choirs and school marimba bands
• Comedy by Aaron McIlroy and Lisa Bobbert
• Music by Qadasi & Maqhinga, The Kickstands, Gwyn Viljoen & Hayden Rattray, Steve Umculo, Carol Souki, Black Whiskey, and Rob Warren & The Lapels
• East Coast Radio broadcasting live on certain days
• Food and beverage vendors selling an array of delicious eats
• Pop-ups selling locally made, handcrafted goods 2024 Ignition Group Polocrosse World Cup

Details: BUY TICKETS NOW from TicketPro for the:

• First Round of Polocrosse World Cup (20 to 22 July 2024)
• Second Round Polocrosse World Cup (25 to 28 July 2024) Day passes, VIP tickets, packages, and parking passes are also available.

For the full schedule of events, visit www.polocrosseworldcup2024.com and keep updated on all 2024 Ignition Group Polocrosse World Cup information by following @southafricanpolocrosse on Instagram.