On Saturday 16 June, the highly anticipated Audi International Polo Series officially kicked off. Beaufort Polo Club in Tetbury, Gloucestershire, provided the perfect location for the ‘Gloucestershire Festival of Polo’ including the first ever Audi International – part of a new series which includes three events for the season.
More than 2,000 spectators watched the Audi England side take on a tough Commonwealth side with the opposition having been selected in celebration of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
Despite unfavourable weather, the Number One field at Beaufort was lined with marquees and individuals keen to see if England would be lifting its second International trophy of the season, following its success earlier this season in the St Regis International Test Match where it defeated the USA.
The HPA used the opportunity at Beaufort to run out two young England players – Tom Morley and George Meyrick – probably in anticipation of trying to select the best team for the Audi International on 22 July – the most prestigious polo event of them all (formerly known as the Cartier International). Other members also included Mark Tomlinson (captain) and Nacho Gonzalez.
Commonwealth was clearly on form on the day with their captain, Rob Archibald, leading the way and scoring not once but twice in quick succession leaving England trailing two goals to nil at the end of the first chukka.
Not letting the opposition gain a three goal advantage, England was the first to attack in the second chukka although the Commonwealth side was appearing to be very effective in defence, clearing the ball away before England could find the posts. Nevertheless, England remained persistent and it was Tom Morley who would be the man to make the difference, opening the scoring for his team and closing the gap to just one goal.
However a deliberate foul in the goal mouth by England resulted in the Commonwealth being awarded a penalty one (see note one) this was followed by another goal for Rob Archibald’s side, this time sent through the posts by James Harper, giving them a confident 4-1 lead. England was not giving up yet though, this was only the second chukka and so there was plenty of time left. A 30 yard penalty for England was successfully converted by Morley, with Gonzalez swiftly following suit and scoring a great field goal and suddenly England was back in the game and once again just one goal behind. England was now beginning to gel and another foul by the Commonwealth gave England a 40 yard penalty and the chance to equalise before the end of the chukka but sadly Morley sent the ball wide and the score remained 4-3.
With both teams having found their feet, the match was becoming much more even and despite its early lead, the Commonwealth was obviously beginning to feel the pressure it fouled near the goal again giving England another chance to convert in the form of a 60 yard penalty but neither team was able to score. Spectators were treated to non-stop fast and competitive polo but come half time the score was unchanged and it was still the Commonwealth who had that one goal advantage.
The ground was showing signs of how wet the weather had been, cutting up badly and making it difficult for all eight players, it would have been almost impossible to make short or complicated plays – a factor that would have undoubtedly altered the players‘ performances.
With two chukkas, Rob Archibald was once again creating danger for England. Starting the second half just as he had the first, he added another to the scoreboard for the Commonwealth, with his team mate, Tom de Bruin, then performing some great stick work increasing their lead to 6-3.
Starting the last chukka 6-3 down is never going to be easy but England persisted and an early goal from Morley gave the spectators an extra bit of hope. However, just moments later, Durk Gould converted for the first time in the match and, with just two minutes left, the Commonwealth was leading by three – it would be almost a miracle if England was to come back now. Aiming to make the goal difference as small as possible, Tomlinson was determined to find the posts for his side once more and did so in style. “A great finish for the England team if nothing else,†Peter West commented just seconds before the final whistle was blown.
England captain Mark Tomlinson added: “In difficult conditions, the Commonwealth adapted better as a team. Robbie Archibald played particularly well. We went two down early on and weren’t able to make it up throughout the game. We didn’t maximise the opportunities, especially in the third chukka. All in all, a frustrating defeat but well done to the Commonwealth team”.
As well as the Audi International, Saturday’s programme also included other games including one with a young England 21 side playing against England Ladies with Nina Clarkin, who is the highest handicapped female player in the world. England 21 just managed to claim victory over England Ladies. Concluding the action on the pitch for the day was a match between two local universities, The Royal Agricultural College and University of the West of England, the latter lifted the trophy in its game.
The Teams
Audi England
1. George Meyrick (5)
2. Mark Tomlinson (6) Capt.
3. Tom Morley (6)
4. Nacho Gonzalez (6)
Commonwealth
1. Dirk Gould (5)
2. Rob Archibald (6) Capt.
3. James Harper (6)
4. Tom de Bruin (6)