Record Crowds Witness Historic International Match On Opening Day Of Chestertons Polo In The Park 2015
The sun shone down on Hurlingham Park as Chestertons Polo in the Park 2015 got underway on a glorious afternoon in South-West London. The crowds flooded into the scenic Fulham ground in glamorous gowns, colourful chinos and heels higher than horses! With a bigger than ever first day crowd, the grandstand was packed before a bottle of Champagne Lanson had even popped. The VIP Mahiki bar was buzzing as celebrities, including music legend Flo Rida, were treated to some fast paced Polo. The stalls featured all kinds of brands, including Kimberley Garners ‘Kimberley London’ and the recently launched Mabes of London.
History is made as International Polo returns to Hurlingham
The highlight of the opening day of Chestertons Polo in the Park was undoubtedly the highly-anticipated England International match. The England team returned to their heritage roots for the first time since 1939 and such a contest gave the tournament, only in its 7th year, an atmosphere never seen before at Polo in the Park.
With current international captain, James Beim, captaining the England side, sponsored by Cutler and Gross, the expectant crowd glued their eyes to the action for the day’s showpiece event. As the two teams rode onto the sun-drenched pitch, the noised crescendoed as 76 years of history was broken.
Team South America enjoyed the best of the early exchanges as they adjusted quicker to the adapted rules. On a smaller field than regular polo, the players on both sides were able to showcase their intricate skills and it was this that lead to the South American’s first goal from Rodrigo Rueda.
Neither side gave an inch as the shadows lengthened at Hurlingham Park and after Rodrigo manfully got back on the saddle having hit the ground, Guillermo Terrera scored a decisive two-point goal to give his side a crucial lead as the clocked ticked down, South America victorious with a score of 6-4.
The Olympic trophy that was used in 1939 was presented to the winning captain, Rodrigo Rueda as the crowds rushed on to help replace the divots on the hallowed turf.
England’s Tom Morley reflecting on the historic international match commented, “They scored a couple of double pointers that made the difference in the game.
“The crowd were amazing, so supportive and it was really good fun to play in front of so many people cheering you on. It has been awesome to be a part of history, bringing international polo back to Hurlingham”.
An Afternoon of Thrilling Polo
The day’s opening fixture saw Powder Byrne Team Dublin face Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Team Hong Kong and although he wasn’t playing for his home country, young Englishman Max Charlton scored the first goal of this year’s tournament. His effort, scored from outside of the 45 yard ring resulted in a 2-point goal, as is the rules in City Polo.
Ludo Ephson and Jamie Morrison jostled for possession and having come away with it Ephson scored and thought he had given Powder Byrne Team Dublin a share of the spoils. Much to the disappointment of the crowd, the officials ruled that time had elapsed, with Hong Kong claiming victory five goals to four. A real nail-bitter to kick off Chestertons Polo in the Park 2015.
“What a way to start this year’s Chestertons Polo in the Park. It is such a great ground and for the first day the atmosphere has been amazing. Playing in my home city couldn’t be better, especially with today’s weather. I am very lucky to be playing with two great players for Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Team Hong Kong”, said Max Charlton.
As the mid-afternoon sun took full affect, especially on those in the VIP Mahiki Bar, Argentex Team Davos took on Shoreline Team Lagos. Patron of the Nigerian team and Owner of Shoreline Energy, Kola Karim marshalled his troops but it was Argentex that came flying out of the blocks with Dillon Bacon and Oscar Mancini giving the Swiss team a wide victory by eight goals to one.
Oscar Mancini was delighted with his sides opening result, “I am really happy with our opening result. We concentrated on not making silly errors and it worked for us. As an event, Chestertons Polo in the Park is an amazing, it is now a hugely established event. And today’s crowd, they were just amazing.”
The penultimate match of the day saw Mint Team London get their Chestertons Polo in the Park campaign underway. Their opponents were defending champions City AM Abu Dhabi and they were quickest out of the blocks, opening up a three goal lead courtesy of the speed and skill of Guillermo Cuitino.
Abu Dhabi were on the wrong side of the referee as Mint London were twice awarded penalties but great grand-son of Winston Churchill, George Spencer-Chruchill, was unable to capitalise as last year’s winners, City Am Team Abu Dhabi, proved too tenacious and skilful for the home team as they ran out comfortable 7-4 winners.
George Spencer-Churchill commented, “Not the result we hoped for, but the crowd was amazing and Chestertons Polo in the Park is an amazing event to be a part of”.
FINAL RESULTS
Mandarin Oriental Team Hong Kong V Powder Bryne: 5:4
Argentex Team Davos V Shoreline Team Lagos: 8:1
MINT Team London V CITY AM Abu Dahbi: 4:7
England sponsored by Cutler and Gross V South America sponsored by Air Europa 4:6