As published in The Natal Witness...

The South African Polocrosse Championships were completed at the Noodsberg Country Club at the weekend and 39 teams from throughout the country contributed to a highly successful and exciting event.

The top four teams in the A division — Seaton Delaval, Cape Unicorns, Nyati and Umhlali — had a tough battle to reach the final on Sunday and challenge for the coveted Channey Cup.

The Cape Unicorns fought through the dusty fields eventually to come out 29-16 winners against the Nyati side.

While the weekend was full of talent, it was encouraging to see the likes of James Hackland, Tickey van Eeden and Brent von Benecke back and strutting their stuff.

Dawnay Jacobs took home the Best Horse and Rider prize and the Golden Pony prize on her Australian stock horse cross Maxi.

Elri van der Merwe won the George Rautenbach Player of the Year trophy, which includes a stock saddle made by Gordon Shaw.

The Beryl MacDonnel Trophy for Lady Player and Personality of the Year was awarded to Thembi Madonsela, who also won the Most Improved Junior award. Madonsela was judged on her riding and playing ability, her care and schooling of her horse and her sportsmanship.