A High Summer Feast at the 'Cartier International' Polo July 1999

The lovely & intelligent head of 'Carenza' - 'Polo Pony of the Match'

The game seemed to be beyond Australasia's grasp. They were playing with one injured team member and England appeared to have all the answers - but, amazingly, the tide began to turn and Mike Todd, although hitting the post with his shot, scored a goal, followed by team mate Cody Forsyth's brilliant shot away from a mêlée, all the way down the pitch to score from an oblique angle. It was one of the best goals of the match and it was followed by two penalties to Australasia who were suddenly in serious contention with the score at 8-7! They had scored 4 points in succession in their recovery.

An exciting pitch-long ride ensued, with Henry Brett losing his touch for once and missing the goal - although Mike Todd's defence was certainly a factor - but he didn't miss the next time. A 30-yard penalty was then awarded to Australasia. Glen Gilmore could not miss the open goal and the match continued to swing back and forth … … Lucas scored a brilliant goal for England but was answered by one from Simon Keyte … … Henry Brett showed that he hadn't dropped out of the game and scored in reply, and the tension and excitement were rising to fever pitch. As the Australasian team threw everything into their desperate attempts to gain the lead at the eleventh hour, Keyte's final goal slipped between the posts - only for Julian Daniels to pick up the ball in the dying seconds of the match and score once more. Thus England, benefiting from their early form in the match, hung on to their narrow lead to clinch victory - the final score being 11-10. Sadly, the Australasians had allowed them to take the early advantage, but they had fought hard and both teams had provided the spectators with a superb afternoon's entertainment. With everything still to play for in the final minutes, the 25,000 strong crowd had thrown themselves into the proceedings with immense enthusiasm (due in part to the excellent level of commentary throughout), belying the fact that they had apparently only turned up for the picnic!

The victorious English team still have the strength to lift their hard won trophy aloft!

This exciting high goal match in fact proved to be a perfect advertisement for the entertainment value that can be derived from watching some of the best players in the world, performing at their best. It certainly won the sport some 'converts'. Spectators around me, who had never attended a match before, were enthralled and said they will be making the 'Cartier International' a regular date from now on.

The Band of the Scots Guards paraded and the crowds swarmed onto the pitch to form a jostling throng in front of the Royal Box to watch the presentation of the huge cup to the winning team. The best polo pony of the match was adjudged to be Carenza, an eight-year-old mare from New Zealand, owned by Ellerston. The fact that the teams were very well mounted obviously contributed greatly to the quality and speed of play and it was only fitting that this should have been acknowledged in such a way. Gradually the crowds dispersed, treading divots as they made their way leisurely back to their cars, no doubt reflecting on a most enjoyable day - a feast in every sense.