Cheshire claims polo’s Patriotic Cup

18 September 2001

Cheshire team triumph in a historic Anglo Irish polo match for the Patriotic Cup

Cheshire Polo Club brought the Patriotic Cup back to English soil following their victory over Irishhosts, All Irish Polo Club, in the most recent episode of this historic Anglo Irish polo match.

The Irish team began with a goal from number three, Joe O’Connell, but Cheshire went on to equalised at Phoenix Park before the end of the opening chukka.

The visitors settled into their stride at the start of the second chukka, with a wonderfully accurate back-hand from number three, Mark Keegan, putting the Cheshire team out in front.

Cheshire number two, Lucy Taylor then scored a stunning goal as she drove the ball almost straight from the line to score, ending the second chukka 3-1.

The third chukka saw the Irish team getting the best of the play with Brian Lynam and Joe O’Connell linking up well but only managing to score once.The third chukka closed 4-2 following a goal from Cheshire’s captain Howard Taylor.

Coming out into the fourth there was everything to play for. The Irish were first to score, but determined to take home the trophy, Cheshire were in fighting mood.Daniel Walker managed to defend two 60yd penalties before scoring Cheshire’s final goal of the day ending the match 5-3.

The Patriotic Cup has been contested by English and Irish polo teams since 1903, with each country alternating as host. Cheshire and All Irish will compete for the cup again next year at Cheshire’s home ground at Little Budworth, Cheshire.

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