AS a December frequenter of Kurland Polo at Plettenberg Bay and a fan of the international matches played there, I had rather high hopes for the opening of Val de Vie Polo in the Boland.
The first two matches at the new grounds were played between West Coast Ostrich Ranch Polo and Val de Vie Blue and White teams. The matches were both very close and well played, with West Coast Ostrich Ranch Polo coming out on top in both games.
Val de Vie wine was flowing and snacks making the rounds one would think everything was right on track. However the factors counting against the day’s success were numerous and rather overshadowed the grand opening.
Foremost was the howling South-easter that tore through the valley, sand and wind blasting players and spectators alike.
Val de Vie will have to consider holding the matches in the morning before the infamous Boland wind comes up. Causing more than an unpleasant afternoon in the wind, two umbrellas took off, both injuring spectators.
I can easily vouch for that as I was the first hit with minimal bruising, but the second hit a man in the face who was rushed to the ambulance on stand by aside the field. He later had to go to Paarl Medi-Clinic for a few stitches in his lip.
Just when one thinks the wind was their only mishap, one remembers the commentator announcing the pavilion toilets were out of order, not to mention him incorrectly naming one team as the “Ostrich Farmers” and some of his unseemly similes, “coming back like last night’s pizza” and “swooping in on the ball like a hawk on a tiny baby rat!”
The turnout was poor to begin with and many spectators left during and after the matches. Leaving soon after the second match I went home exhausted after a day of sun and excessive wind.
Val de Vie has a beautiful Pavilion and field with plenty of potential, but gives life to the saying “Practice makes perfect”.
Tammy Powrie
