PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The winners in the final of the Kurland Polo Classic on Sunday 23 February, Oriflamme, lived up to their team's name by taking no prisoners when beating Vampire Bats 10-7.

Vampire Bats came into the final confident of lifting the trophy after beating Oriflamme earlier in the week in a league game.

But it was Oriflamme under captain Benn Shepherd and their much better game plan that took the honours.

Historical pennant

Oriflamme, or golden flame in Latin, is the historical pennant of the King of France, that raised during battle signalled "take no prisoners", until the pennant was lowered.

Oriflamme under Shepherd led from the front and along with Dane Csaszar produced some exciting plays by the two fast forwards, while Jason Warner kept the back door closed with Dirk van Reenen pulling the strings from the No 3 position.

Trophy winners: the Oriflamme team, from left, Benn Shepherd (UK), Dane Csaszar (SA), Dirk van Reenen (SA) and Jason Warren (UK).

Maintained territory

Oriflamme got off to a good start and despite Vampire Bats drawing level at one stage, Oriflamme pulled steadily away and by the end were able to maintain territory and effectively ran down the clock, clinching the final 10-7.

Most Valued Player: Dane Csaszar

High standard

John Horswell, world-renowned polo coach and commentator on the day, said on a world scale the final reflected a high level and a high standard.

Horswell, just having returned to Plett from an international coaching stint in Nigeria, said: "It was a fast and open game, largely due to the magnificent condition of the Kurland polo grounds. All credit must go to Derek Harvey who is in charge of the grounds at Kurland."

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Take no prisoners at Kurland Polo Classic | Knysna-Plett Herald 

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