England wins 100th Coronation Cup 8-6 over Brazil.
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24 July 2011- Guards Polo Club, Windsor Great Park.
England ran out the 100th Coronation Cup 8-6 over an inspired Brazil national team. A glorious sunny day at Guards Polo Club for the Coronation Cup with all the pomp and circumstance that the English can deliver: Irish Guards marching band, horse & hounds, all the kids from the pony club on parade and 90 year old ex 5 goal polo great HRH Prince Philip presenting the 100th Coronation Cup plus the first sunny day for a major polo final this season .
ENGLAND: Luke Tomlinson ( +7) wearing the captain of England shirt playing along side brother Mark (+7) James Bein (+7) and Nacho Gonzalez an Anglo- Argentine (+6) at the back position.
BRAZIL: a talented 29 goal young quartet : Rodrigo Andrade (8), Joao Paulo Ganon (8), Jose Kalil( Captain +6) and Luiz Paulo Bastos (7). Brazil normally excell in international competition and England had its work cut out for them.
England took a quick lead of 2-0 after receiving 1 goal on handicap. James Beim played an inspired offencive game scoring several times probably the best English player today and Luke always good on defence was the pivot man ably supported by the defensive talents & long ball hitting of of Nacho Gonzalez. The very talented Brazilian team seemed a bit disorganised in the first couple of chukkas before finding some rhythm at the end of the second at 2-1. The first half was spoiled by many penalties which resulted in a 4-2 half time score. The Brazilain Captain Kalil retired at half time due to an old leg injury and his place was taken by 5 goaler Calao Mello.
It is always difficult to field an international team in England if the high goal players are not playing the English high goal season as was the case with the Brazilians combined with the age old problem of borrowing ponies of the level that can play 29 goal international polo. In addition the Brazilians fouled a lot possibly bamboozled by the new HPA rules on turning the ball or not used to our umpires. Several sponsors and professionals graciously lent ponies to the Brazilians but clearly they were out horsed by the superbly mounted Tomlinson brothers. England coached by Mexican 10 goal great Carlos Gracida needed a win as despite being the number 3 polo nation in the world has only won three times in the last ten years of Coronation Cup matches: They beat Mexico, New Zealand and now Brazil.
The second half of the match was much better with the talented Brazilians finding their form despite the substitution by 5 goaler Mello who played above his rating under difficult circumstances. It was still 4-2 at the end of chukka 4 before England scored two quick goals. At the end of 5 chukkas it was 6-3. England broke away again in the 6th chukka taking a 8-4 lead which they never relinquished. Gallant England leading all the way win the 100th Coronation Cup. Luke Tomlinson was named most valuable player while Jose Donoso's mare Pelusa played by James Beim, was named best playing pony.
The Brazilains were at a disadvantage on umpiring, horses and handicap having to give away 1 goal. For years the Coronation Cup was played on an open basis but beginning a few years ago when England played Mexico the HPA decided to introduce the Coronation Cup be played on handicap this caused a huge row with the Mexican team led by 10 goal great Memo Gracida. Mexico almost withdrew the team. In my view high goal international matches should be played on the Open system & I know that the Gracida Brothers back me up on this !!