At the end of Apr three members (Lt Col Lucy Anderson, major Nicky Hemsworth and Capt Henry Christiansen) from the Royal Logistic Corps Polo Team were lucky enough to return to the excellent ‘Jurassic Park Polo Academy’ run by Selby Williamson (an ex 6 goal player) in South Africa. Having previously visited in 2018 and again in 2022, the team were well versed in the set up and ready for some pre-season training. The main aim for this trip was to enhance indiv and team skills with expert coaching and horses prior to the UK season commencing.
Jurassic Park Polo is based on Selby Williamson’s farm in Kwazulu-Natal, in the picturesque region near the Drakensburg mountains. Visitors and guests of Jurassic Park stay within cottages and rooms dotted about the farm grounds and meals are taken centrally with the Williamsons. This has the added benefit of networking opportunities with the mixed and diverse range of guests who attend the academy.
The daily programme started with an hour of wooden horse work allowing players to focus solely on their swing with one-on-one instruction from the Jurassic team, followed by daily stick and ball exercises. After a short break players were then divided into equal teams and played American style chukkas allowing them to test their skills against an opposition and work on set plays. These were fast paced and allowed players of mixed ability to play together often with a pro on the team. These chukkas and small games were immensely beneficial to the players, playing alongside far higher handicapped players than they would in the UK. This was invaluable preseason training, teaching the team to open their game and pass between team members, creating play and really elevating the playing style beyond merely chasing the ball in a ‘follow-the-leader’ line down the pitch.
The week ended with RLC players joining forces with other guests and playing an exhibition match in the opening tournament at the EG Champs at Zwartberg Polo Club. Playing against a home side the game was fast paced, with both teams embracing the opportunity for open play and putting into practice what had been taught throughout the week. The game began with Zwartberg quickly taking the lead, raising concerns of a potential whitewash. However, a swift regroup and tactical discussion allowed the RLC to regain composure. Capitalising on a line-out, the team equalized, setting the tone for a tightly contested match. By the end of the first chukka, the score stood at 3–2 in favour of Zwartberg, with both teams demonstrating skillful play and determination. The open style of play continued into the second half, highlighted by a fantastic run from Maj Hemsworth, who carried the ball from the backline to the goal area—only to be narrowly denied by the pressure of the moment. Shortly after, Lt Col Anderson and Maj Hemsworth combined brilliantly in open space, exchanging passes before Maj Hemsworth slotted in a well-earned goal. Zwartberg responded with another goal of their own, reclaiming the lead. But the RLC were not done yet, Lt Col Anderson showed great initiative and speed, taking the ball from a line-out and driving it between the posts to level the score once again. The match concluded with a final score of 4–4, a fair reflection of the evenly matched contest. It was a fantastic game, marked by high energy, excellent teamwork, and commendable sportsmanship from both sides.
The RLC would like to extend their sincere thanks to the Zwartberg Polo Club for their warm hospitality and spirited competition and to Selby and Jax Williamson for their superb hospitality, fantastic coaching and for providing such excellent horses throughout the week. The RLC Polo team hope to return in future years to continue to develop their skills.
