Herald
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
By Eddie Chikamhi
The Minister of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture, David Coltart, has hailed the Zimbabwe polocrosse team’s gallant efforts in coming second at the 2011 World Cup.
The team, led by Andy Baker, had a memorable outing at the tournament, winning all five matches on their way to the finals, where they eventually bowed 29-18 to neighbours South Africa on Sunday.
Coltart said the team deserves recognition as they brought pride to Zimbabwe and he said he raised the issue of the team’s success in cabinet yesterday.
“I think it was an outstanding result by the Zimbabwe team. It was magnificent for us to reach the final of the World Cup and, judging by reports from England, the final against South Africa was tightly contested.
“Nonetheless, the team did us proud by winning all their games on their way to the final, including the victory against giants Australia.
“We hope this wonderful result will inspire the future generation of polocrosse in Zimbabwe,” he said.
Eight teams took part at the World Cup and Zimbabwe, who failed to make the last four in the 2007 event, proceeded from their group unbeaten.
The Zimbabwe team comprised Baker, who is the captain, Michael Krynauw, Danie Swan and Graham Keith in the men’s side while Audrey Logan, Kelly Redford, Susan Sargeant and Sophie Sargeant make up the women’s side.
They beat New Zealand 17-15 in the first game and then accounted for two time champions Australia, who are credited with inventing the game, 21-12 in their second game.
Zimbabwe then brushed aside the challenge of World Cup debutants Zambia 22-10 to seal their place in the semi finals against United States.
The team triumphed 24-10 to set a date for an all-Africa final against South Africa who had also done well in their group, which included Ireland and the United Kingdom.
This was Zimbabwe’s third participation at the World Cup.
The inaugural event was hosted and won by Australia in 2003.
They hosted it again in 2007 with eight teams in attendance and they won the second edition but the complexion of the game was different in 2011 where they settled for bronze after beating the United Kingdom in the play-offs earlier on Sunday.