UK - Europe
A great polo day with the Coronation Cup
By Isamaya ffrench, UK Correspondent
The English team celebrated in the Coronation Cup. (Photo: Isamaya ffrench)
The Cartier International Day heralds one of the most incredible events in the Polo Calendar for both Polo enthusiasts and socialites from across the globe. Now in its 100th year, July 24th saw Team England take on Brazil on the immaculate Smiths Lawn of Guards Polo Club in Windsor. With soaring blue skies and streaming sun rays, it was the perfect breeding ground for socialising sun seekers and Pimms picnickers set out in true British style.
Before the two teams went head to head for the much desired trophy, spectators were delighted to see demonstrations on the lawn. These included the Band of the Irish Guards, Bairstow Hounds led by Patrick Martin (whose son has played for England's team in previous years), riders from the Pony Club, and Ambulance Horses Help, who led their horses around the edge of the lawn.
The match itself showcased some interesting play from both teams, with England's Captain Luke Tomlinson, together with brother Mark, playing a strong game of attack and defence. Holding handicaps of 7 and 6 respectively they triumphed over Rodrigo Andrade and Joao Paulo Ganon of Brazil, who both held handicaps of 8.
England began the match 1 nil up due to the inequality of team handicaps, but it was the Tomlinson boys who took the first goal for England, leading them up 2-0 in the first few minutes of the match, and keeping them clear of a tie throughout the first half. A lame horse was called by the umpire in the second chukka with Luke Tomlinson riding hard into Rodrigo Andrade and forcing the ambulance out onto the pitch: luckily both rider and horse were OK, and after a quick change of mount, and a cheer from the crowd, some incredible backhands from both Luke and Mark Tomlinson came into play. Luis Paulo Bastos of Brazil also played hard in the first half and helped see the two teams fight it out for the lead. Penalties for both teams were called from 30 yards undefended most notably from James Beim of England who caught a backhand from Luke Tomlinson and took it over his left side.
By half time, England was leading 4-2. When questioned on this slow start for Brazil, team Captain Jose Eduardo Kalil, replied 'The horses had a great impact on our game they were well mounted and we are grateful for them, but the game was particularly tough not playing on our own horses'.
The second half was played less smoothly with a stop-start first chukka, and with Captain Kalil, who retired at half time due to an ankle injury, being replaced by Calao Mello, a 5 goal player. A penalty by a fouled turn on the ball from Nacho Gonzales of England was taken for Brazil by Ganon, who scored for the team. Further goals were scored for both teams by Luke Tomlinson and Andrade, who claimed his victory in the 5th Chukka riding hard on the attack against Gonzales and putting one through the goal. Later, Gonzalez generously stated that his Team England aggressors were 'Strong defenders and deserved to win'.
Another goal scored by Luke Tomlinson in the final minutes of the match pushed Brazil further back behind the securing line, winning Team England an honourable 8-6 victory against the noble Brazilians.
Most Valuable Player was awarded deservedly to Luke Tomlinson, while Pelusa, ridden by James Beim, was named Best Playing Pony.
Spectators and party goers went on to mingle and party at the exclusive China White tent with VIPs such as entrepreneur Michael Ross, model Shira Jones and the cast of Made in Chelsea.
