USA rides to a tie with South Africa

 

In an international match with South Africa (Davey Evans, Dirk Van Reenen, Tom de Bruin and Gareth Evans), the United States team (Scott Devon, Mike Azzaro, Memo Gracida and Tommy Collingwood) Rode out to a 3-0 halftime lead and appeared to have the game well in hand with a comfortable 5-1 lead after the first four chukkers. at the half, team USA looked like a sure winner going up 5-1 into the

5th. The talented South African team came roaring back, however, with their strongest mounts in the 5th and 6th chukkers to end in a tie.

Mike Azzaro scored 2 explosive goals from the field along with 2 more goals from Tomas Collingwood. Memo Gracida converted a penalty shot in the 4th for the

USA's final goal.

The game could have gone either way in the final chukker with a near miss by the USA team in the 6th followed by a big run by South Africa with time expiring. USA's Scott Devon executed a timely near-side back shot that ended the game at m5-5.

Memo Gracida received MVP honors for his brilliant defensive work and Mike Azzaro lended mare Goldie was BPP.

Many of the over 5,000 in attendance called the match the most exciting game played in years at the grounds in Durban.

Both teams travel to Johannesburg to play next Sunday, September 14, for the final test match.

In between matches the USA team will safari at the Mala Mala reserve courtesy of the South African Polo Federation.

"Our team has been treated to exceptional hospitality by the South African Polo Association and would like to thank Graham

and Sue Armstrong for personally looking after our team,"

said USA team patron, Scott Devon.