A sunny day at Lawns 2 set the scene for the much-anticipated Trippetts Challenge Final, with UAE Polo Team taking on Gaston Polo Team, on Saturday 17th May.
For the UAE side, Her Highness Sheikha Maitha (0) rode out at 1, with Lucas Monteverde Jnr (7) at 2, Santos Merlos (6) at 3, and 9-goaler Juan Martin Nero at Back. Jean Paul Luksic (0) wore the number 1 shirt for Gaston, with Gonzalo Ferrari (7) at 2, 8-goaler Guillermo Caset at 3, and Cruz Heguy (7) at Back.
The Teams:
Chukka Breakdown:
The first chukka saw a great start by Gaston with an opening spot-hit goal by Caset, followed by an under-pressure field goal by teammate Ferrari. However, a mistake by Gaston and a successful penalty conversion by Nero put UAE on the scoreboard. Another goal by Caset gave Gaston a solid lead of 3-1 after the first. The second chukka saw little difference, with a brilliant team effort by Gaston leading to goals by Heguy, Ferrari, and Caset, despite strong defence from UAE, giving Gaston a 5-goal lead going into the third. The third saw a change in tide for UAE, with successful 40-yard and 60-yard penalty conversions by Nero, a brilliant cut shot through the centre of the goal by Merlos, and a quick field goal by Monteverde just before the buzzer to keep UAE in contention. However, a further two goals by Caset and Heguy meant Gaston kept their heads ahead, going into halftime 8-5.
After a halftime rest, both teams returned with determination, but Gaston continued their winning form with a breakaway cut shot to open by Caset, and a successful safety 60 by Heguy. UAE responded with a great under-pressure goal by Nero and a successful penalty 1. But another beautifully taken 60-yard penalty by Heguy left Gaston still leading 11-7. The fourth chukka told a similar story, with another two goals by Nero and further goals by Caset and Heguy, leaving everything to fight for in the final chukka. The last chukka saw a huge push by the UAE team, with strong defence to prevent any further goals for Gaston, in addition to a successful 40-yard penalty conversion by Nero and a field goal by Merlos assisted by Monteverde. However, it wasn’t quite enough to catch the early lead cemented by Gaston, leaving them victorious, 13 goals to 11.
A delighted Jean Paul Luksic stepped down to receive the Trippetts Challenge Cup from The Marchioness of Milford Haven, presented in memory of her son James. The Best Playing Pony Rug, sponsored by James’ Place Charity, was awarded to Tango, played and owned by Sapo Caset.
