ENGLAND TEAM DEFEATS STRONG OPPOSITION IN FIRST AUDI INTERNATIONAL OF THE SEASON
England triumphed in a turbulent game against a tough and competitive Goldin Group Hong Kong side with a fresh-faced and ambitious line-up. Rising star Jack Richardson made his Audi International Test Match debut alongside teammates George Meyrick, Max Charlton and captain, James Harper.
With three players under the age of 25, the fierce game secured the second win of the season following England’s success against South America in the St. Regis International last month. The winning streak indicated the future of British polo is going to be extremely exciting.
Glorious sunshine welcomed a record crowd to Beaufort Polo Club, Tetbury, Gloucestershire to mark the start of the Audi International Polo Series, which sees Audi England face three international line-ups at three different venues across the UK.
From the very first play it was evident that the game was going to be close. England was the first team to attack and Richardson secured an early lead. The first half proved to be thrilling for the home supporters as Charlton, Meyrick, and Richardson secured goals for their country. Only Guillermo Terrera, the highest handicapped player on the field, could match England’s success for Hong Kong.
Polo is the fastest team game in existence and things can therefore change very quickly – no win is certain until the final whistle is blown. After England‘s early lead, Hong Kong fought to make up the difference and when the half time bell was rung, the more experienced team were gaining on England.
In the second half, England returned determined to keep its lead. Panic ensued for the young team, when Meyrick, who was rightly awarded the Most Valuable Player prize after the match, leaped off his horse after suffering a blow to the face.
Two consecutive goals for England increased the pressure on the Hong Kong opposition and although accomplished player John-Paul Clarkin successfully converted a penalty for the more experienced team, England had secured victory in the first Audi International of 2014, 10 goals to 8½.
Audi England will be fighting to maintain their victorious run on Saturday 26 July at Audi International Day at Guards Polo Club, the pinnacle event of the international season. With the Argentine opposition featuring Adolfo Cambiaso and Facundo Pieres, two of the best players the sport has ever seen, it is certain to be an unbelievable match.