Teams announced for historic International match at Chesterton Polo in the Park
Sporting history will be made this June when International Polo returns to Hurlingham Park and for such a historic match it is fitting that some of the world’s best polo players have been selected. Taking place on Friday 5 June at Chestertons Polo in the Park, the match will be the first time since 1939 that England have played at the ‘spiritual home’ of polo, Hurlingham Park, Fulham.
The England team, sponsored by Cutler and Gross, will be made up of a squad of home-grown talent befitting such a momentous occasion including Matthew Perry, James Beim and Tom Morley who have a wealth of international experience between them and an incredible team handicap of 18.
With a passionate crowd cheering them on, the England team will be raring to go when they take on a South American side, sponsored by Air Europa. Captain James Beim has been one of Britain’s most successful players for over a decade and with 6ft5 defender Tom Morley and feisty striker Matt Perry alongside him, they will be confident of victory.
David Woodd, CEO of Hurlingham Polo Association, said: “The England Team sponsored by Cutler and Gross, are really looking forward to representing their country at Chestertons Polo in the Park in what is sure to be an extremely exciting match on June 5.’’
Majid Mohammadi, CEO at Cutler and Gross, said: “We’re delighted to be a part of British sporting history supporting the England Polo team at Chestertons Polo in the Park. As a British brand, getting involved in a quintessential British sport seemed like a perfect fit and a great platform to announce our new Circus digital film. We will also have a pop-up stand on the day highlighting a British Equestrian inspired range curated by our Design Director, Marie Wilkinson.”
Beating a South American side with an equally high combined handicap of 18, and notoriously impressive equestrian expertise full of Latin flair and polo passion will be no easy task! Captain Diego Cavanagh, Rodrigo Rueda and Martin Valent, whose previous experience playing at the tournament will be vital when it comes to team tactics, will be hoping to scupper the English hopes.
“We can’t wait to play against the Cutler and Gross England side” said Valent, “It’s such an honour to be representing South America with the Air Europa Team and hopefully lots of South Americans will come and support us!”
Colin Stewart, Air Europa UK General Manager said “We’re thrilled to be part of this historic event. The Air Europa South American Polo Team is a line-up of exceptional polo players and we’re confident they will produce some outstanding polo for the crowds.’’
Taking place on the evening of Friday 5 June – the first day of Chestertons Polo in the Park – the match has been officially sanctioned by the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) and brings back International Polo to its ‘spiritual home’, where the rules of the game were originally formalised in 1875.
The England International will be played under the City Polo Series rules, the same format as the Chestertons Polo in the Park tournament, whereby each team is made up of three players (rather than the usual four) and with only one change of ends, at half time (rather than after each goal).
Tickets for Chestertons Polo in the Park start at just £10 and can be purchased from www.ticketmaster.co.uk. Group discounts apply. For more information visit www.polointheparklondon.com.