Mon 10th Jun 2024Gloucestershire Festival of Polo New Zealand secure Golden Jubilee Trophy
On a sunny yet breezy weekend, Beaufort Polo Club once again hosted The Gloucestershire Festival of Polo over 8 – 9 June. Alongside the four polo matches across the two days, there was plenty to keep everyone busy with tradestands, British Polo Gin bars, polo displays, gun dog and bird of prey demonstrations and much more – including a parade of the hounds, which caused much hilarity as they mobbed the picnic areas and one lucky hound ran off with a whole pizza! The Gloucestershire Festival of Polo kicked off with a thrilling match between England and New Zealand for The Golden Jubilee Trophy, drawing in crowds eager for a close contest. Despite New Zealand's experienced lineup, England's young team held their ground in a neck-and-neck battle. Goals traded back and forth, with standout moments including Zac Beim's aerial strike and Jimbo Fewster's impressive solo run. However, New Zealand's late surge, led by Jimmy Wood and JP Clarkin, secured a narrow 7-6 victory, capping off an exhilarating display of polo. Jimmy Wood's exceptional performance earned him the Most Valuable Player award, while his horse Luna was honoured with the Best Playing RoR prize. The action continued on Saturday 8 June with Young England vs Young New Zealand in The Buckmaster Trophy. Led by Toby Bradshaw and Ed Morris, England dominated early, racing to a 4-0 lead in the first chukka. New Zealand fought back, with Lachie Appleby and Zoe Reader narrowing the gap to 8-6 in a thrilling comeback attempt. Despite New Zealand's late surge, England held on to win 8-6, securing The Buckmaster Trophy in a reversal of fortunes from the previous year. Milly Hine's standout performance earned her the Most Valuable Player award, while her horse Bonita was recognized as the KBIS Best Playing Pony. Former racehorse Tiny, ridden by Oscar Power, received the Best Playing RoR rug for its crucial goal in the closing moments of the game. A full report will be included in the July issue of Polo Times, click here to renew your subscription. The Golden Jubilee Trophy Teams: New Zealand (16): Dean Fullerton (3), Jimmy Wood (4), JP Clarkin (Captain) (6) & Ross Ainsley (3) England (16): Alfie Hyde (3), Luke Wiles (4), Zac Beim (4) & Jimbo Fewster (Captain) (5) The Buckmaster Trophy Teams: Young England (8): Toby Bradshaw (Captain) (3), Arche Heseltine (1), Ed Morris (2) & Milly Hine (2) Young New Zealand: Oscar Power (2), Tom Turner (2), Zoe Reader (1) & Lachie Appleby (Captain) (2) Photograph: New Zealand, winners of The Golden Jubilee Trophy. By Tom Reynolds ![Follow Polotimes on Twitter](http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_us-a.png) |