Report St Regis Test Match – England vs South Africa


Solid penalties, disciplined marking and a pinch of luck give England their first home test win since 2008 on a glorious day at Cowdray, says Yolanda Carslaw


humdinger – and many thought South Africa would prove stiff opposition. Indeed it was a tight affair that went to extra-time and gave every player a challenge – but for spectators hoping for a free-flowing display of classical polo, the midday ladies’ final (see overleaf) was rather a better example.


W


England comprised back-of-field stalwarts Chris Hyde and Tom Morley at four and three,


34 July 2010 www.polotimes.co.uk


hen two tough foursomes rode onto the field for the first test match of summer at Cowdray Park in May, observers were expecting a


with captain Mark Tomlinson at two and Richard Le Poer, in his first outing at this level in a home international, at one. They were picked from the dozen-plus squad members not playing the


watch, including guests of new England backers The Mileage Company and established sponsors Audi, who hosted celebrities as well as clients in a marquee opposite the members’ enclosure.


“Our priority was Du Plessis, as he’s their key player – Mark concentrated on marking him” – Andrew Hine


Queen’s Cup. All four were under pressure: last year’s test results of three losses – two in the dying minutes and a thrashing from Argentina on Cartier Day – needed avenging.


A crowd of 3,000 gathered in the sunshine to


As regular coach Milo Fernandez-Araujo had other commitments on the day, England manager Andrew Hine coached the side, with help from England veteran Alan Kent – who knows the South Africans well as his Cowdray patch is home


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