Photographs by Tony Ramirez – www.imagesofpolo.com
Winter was certainly at its best for the finals of the Neo Ice Trophy on Sunday 1st February. As the matches began, the snow started to fall, but this didn’t deter the players or the spectators and two great finals ensued.
The first match of the day was the 0-2 Goal final. Polo Inc with Stuart Frift , Stephen Burley and Greg Secker, met Las Estrallas featuring Brad Shackleton, Lucy Field and Marney Whyte. As the final hooter sounded the scores were drawn at 14-14 and Polo Inc ran out the winners on th penalty shoot out.
The final of the 4-6 Goal was greeted with some serious snowfall, but this did not affect the play. Amidst the snow, the play was fast and furious with all three teams having the opportunities to take the lead at various stages throughout the match. Team Hickstead defeated the Pilgrims 12-9 in the first two chukkas, making The Pilgrims chance of victory very slim. In the second two chukkas The Pilgrims met Grange Aston Martin. The scores were very close with The Pilgrims leading by 2 goals with 2 minutes left on the clock. Some great play but Charlie Scott, took Grange Aston Martin into the lead in the last minute and they won 11-10. The final two chukkas of the day with Team Hickstead playing off against Grange Aston Martin would decide the victors of the Neo Ice Trophy. A close battle ensued, but always in control Grange Aston Martin ran out the winners 12-10 in a fast paced, exciting game