England clinch Arena Polo challenge
The Ascot Park Arena celebrated its third anniversary on Sunday in aid of local Chobham charity, White Lodge, with the highest level of Arena Polo in the world.
England fielded a 22-goal side against an equally matched Rest of the World selection.
An enthusiastic crowd of 350 turned out to cheer six of the world’s fastest and most effective Arena Polo players as they pitted their strategies and expertise on the 100m by 50m all-weather surface.
England took an early lead with John Horswell scoring three and his team-mate Martin French Blake scoring one.
With only a single response from Johnny Good that left the Rest of the World a lot to do in this exciting four chukka game.
The second chukka was less successful for England but they managed to hold onto their three-goal margin by matching Johnny’s second goal for his team with a spectacular break away goal from Martin for England.
It was in the third chukka that England faced their toughest challenge with Jamie Morrison openinghis account for the Rest of the World with two quick goals and Johnny Good adding a third to which Chris Hyde could only reply with an under pressure single.
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In the last chukka, John Horswell and Johnny Good each scored their fourth goal of the matchearly on leaving England still one ahead at seven goals to six.
It was Tarquin Southwell who took advantage of a loose ball to equalise for the Rest of the World bringing both teams back for a nail-biting final throw in with only seconds remaining.
In the final moments,Chris Hyde who is rated nine goals, (the highest Arena handicap in the world), skilfully weaved through the opposition to secure an 8 – 7 goal victory for England.
Jodie Kidd stepped forward to present each of the jubilant players with a “Polo Player in Full Flight” bronze.
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