British polocrosse fans are in for a treat as the sport’s World Cup is to be held in the UK for the first time this summer.
The competition will take place at Onley Grounds Equestrian Centre, near Rugby, Warwicks, from 8-17 July.
This will be the third World Cup and Great Britain, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the USA, Zimbabwe and Zambia will take part.
Polocrosse combines polo and lacrosse. Riders use a stick with a net attached, in which the ball is carried. They score by throwing the ball between the opponent’s goalposts.
There will also be a Polocrosse International Challenge for teams that didn’t make the World Cup — France, Germany, Holland and Norway — and an international Pony Club polocrosse competition.
The British teams are expected to do well. Sarah Simkin, captain of the British women’s team, said the members are “very excited”.
“Training has been going very well. We went to Rugby last weekend and, having seen the work that is being put into the grounds, it is going to be a fabulous location,” she said.
A British Equestrian Federation spokesman added: “This is a fantastic showcase to raise the profile of this exciting discipline. It’s great that the UK has been selected to stage such a prestigious event.”
Tickets start at just £4 and there are special deals for the Pony Club, riding clubs and riding centres.
For more information visit: www.polocrosse2011.com
