The Bryan Morrison Arena Polo International

 

AEPC - Hickstead hosted the first ever International Arena Polo Test Match, England vs South Africa, on 12th January 2008, in association with the HPA. 

 

Chris Hyde (8) captained the English side, with Peter Webb (6) and up and coming arena player Eden Ormerod (5) in support.   The South African team were captained by Selby Williamson (7), joined by Terrence Spilsbury (5) and James Kane-Berman (5).  

 

The match was fast paced and England retrieved their 2-goal handicap disadvantage swiftly, taking the lead with 6 goals in the first chukka, with Hyde clearly dominating proceedings. However, Williamson rallied the South African team and by the third chukka they were playing with sheer determination to bring the score back. Still behind in the last chukka, Williamson led the charge scoring five goals, with the constant support from his team clearing the way and allowing him to score goals in quick succession.

 

However, England’s well structured team with Hyde covering the back, Webb fighting in the middle and Ormerod supporting with his quick play, proved to be too much however as England romped to victory 16 – 13.

Selby Williamson was named as Most Valuable Player and Terence Spilsbury’s pony was named best retrained racehorse, kindly supported by the charity Retraining of Racehorses.

 

The test match was an excellent showcase for arena polo and The Bryan Morrison Arena Polo International Trophy is already being planned for 2009.

In the morning the test match was proceeded by The Neo-Ice 12 Goal Challenge.  Richard Fagan’s team Autodex confronted Heiko Coelker’s team Tschogan.  A fairly even first half led to a score of 8:6 at half time.  In the second half Autodex put their two goal advantage to use and claimed a 13:11 victory.

 

Team Autodex (13 Goals):

Richard Fagan (1)

Gavin Turner (4)

Tim Bown (8)

 

Team Tschogan (11 Goals):

Heiko Voelker (1)

Paul Sweeney (3)

Jamie Morrison (7)

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