THE FIRST major tournament of the polo season rides off today at the Waterhall Polo Field, St James, with the opening ceremony and first match of the Barbados International Polo Tournament. Seen above Sir Charles WIlliams giving directions during last week's match at the Waterhall Polo Field.

Waterhall Polo Club will host the Stonefield Polo Club from South Africa in three matches leading up to the final on January 22 for the Terra Caribbean Cup.

"We are once again proud to be the main sponsor of what has now become a highly anticipated event on the polo calendar," said Andrew Mallalieu, managing director of Terra Caribbean.

Value

"The Stonefield tour demonstrates Waterhall's commitment to promoting world-class polo matches on the island."

Owner of Waterhall, Sir Charles Williams, said: "This tournament firmly establishes the value of sports tourism and for the first time ever we welcome a polo team from the African continent.

"It is extremely heartening that the tourism authorities of Barbados acknowledge the value of polo as entertainment for both locals and visitors, and we thank them sincerely for their continued support."

Teddy Williams will captain a Waterhall team including Danny Atwell, Jamie Dickinson and a player yet to be announced, against Stonefield's Leo Baxter (captain), Hylton Watson, Guy Watson and John Eustace.

"I would personally like to thank our many sponsors and in particular Terra Caribbean, Virgin Atlantic and Coutts Bank.

"I wish the Stonefield team from South Africa a fantastic week of polo and Bajan hospitality," said Sir Charles.

Other sponsors of the Stonefield tour include R. L. Seale & Co. Ltd, Deutz Champagne, Gatsby Boutiques, Coconut Car Rentals and Williams Tours Ltd.

On the day of the final, a team from Coutts Bank will oppose one from Virgin Atlantic before the feature game.

Matches will also be played on Tuesday and Thursday, with Thursday matches being played at the Clifton Polo Field.

Teams and handicaps:-

Stonefield Team Handicap

Leo Baxter (captain) 1

Hylton Watson 4 Guy Watson 4

John Eustace 4

Waterhall Team Handicap

Teddy Williams (captain) 4

Danny Atwell 4

Jamie Dickson 4

Player TBA

(Press release)