Mon 25th Jul 2022England Lift Coronation CupNarrow 11-9 win against Uruguay
The Hurlingham Polo 1875 International Day for The Coronation Cup returned to Guards polo Club on Saturday 23 July with England securing an 11-9 win against Uruguay to claim the historic trophy. The Coronation Cup was first played in 1911 and from 1971 onwards it has been an annual international match played between England and a visiting side. Saturday’s teams were evenly matched and this was reflected in the score line which was tied at the end of the first chukka, 1-1. However, England soon started to pull away and by half-time had managed to gain a narrow but important, 5-4 lead. Uruguay returned after the break determined to level the scores, which they managed through a 40 yard penalty conversion by Juan Curubelo, although England’s Tommy Beresford soon replied with a goal of his own, Curubelo once again levelled the scores, 6-6. In the closing minutes of the fourth chukka, Louis Hine managed to score for England to give them a narrow one goal lead once again. The fifth chukka saw Beresford build on the score for England, but their two goal lead was short-lived as Ignacio Viana converted a penalty to close the gap to one goal again. England Captain, James Harper extended the lead again, but it was still anyone’s game and the crowds were on the edge of their seats. Both sides scored two more goals each, but England were able to maintain their lead and lifted the trophy with a final score of 11-9. Beresford was named Most Valuable Player, Maserati (Oriental Breed), played by Ignacio Viana was the Best Playing Pony and the ROR Best Playing Pony was Lobster, played by Harper. A full report will follow in the September issue of Polo Times, click here to pre-order a gift subscription today! The Coronation Cup Teams: England (25): Tommy Beresford (7), James Harper (7), James Beim (7) & Louis Hine (4) Uruguay (22): Jejo Taranco (7), Santiago Stirling (5), Ignacio Viana (4) & Juan Enrique Curubelo (6) Photograph: England, winners of The Coronation Cup. By ©www.imagesofpolo.com |