Polocrosse champs in PE this weekend

THE 22nd annual Eastern Province Championships take place at the Port Elizabeth Polocrosse Club tomorrow and Sunday.

With 42 of the province’s renowned players at this year’s event, competition will be tight as the clubs from East London and George will be vying for the number one position and honours for their clubs.

Joining the lineup this year will be favourites Nikki Crook and Natalie Maclarty, who represented South Africa in the 2011 World Cup.

Natalie also represented South Africa in the U21 side against Australia last year, along with Shane and Tayla Mansfield, who represent the Bay.

Juniors will be competing for a boost in experience as well as preparation for national competitions.

Looming wet conditions could affect the quality of play and see the horses incur multiple injuries should it rain tomorrow.

“We are [hoping for] a dry pitch as teams are looking to get the most out this year’s completion,” club secretary Jannie Peel said.

“A slippery field could result in players not bringing out their full potential.”

Proceedings will start at 8am and continue through to 4pm tomorrow.

Games will commence on Sunday at 8am and finish at 2pm. The event will end with an award ceremony.

Winners will be selected to compete in the interprovincial competition in Richmond in July, when they will take on some of the country’s elite polocrosse players.