Madams Farm delivered an impressive performance to win the Duke of Cornwall Trophy at Guards Polo Club on the last Sunday in August. This 16-goal team led from the first chukka and never relinquished their advantage. Bardon, who were competing in their second successive Duke of Cornwall final, were eager to go one better this year but had to settle for the runners-up spot, going down 11-6 after four, fast-paced and thrilling chukkas.

The green-shirted Madams Farm inflicted the most damage in the first chukka. Some brilliant team-work, a hallmark of their play on this day, ensured they headed into the second chukka with a 5-1 scoreline. Ollie Cudmore, Sam Browne and Jack Richardson all found the flags and only one goal from Alfredo Bigatti for Bardon kept them in contention.

Bigatti started the second with a big hit to goal to add another for Andras Tombor’s squad. Richardson then successfully converted a penalty to keep Madams Farm ahead by four goals (6-2). With tension rising on the field – the penalties increased. Richardson sent one wide while Bigatti successfully fired through two to bring Bardon back into this game at the half-time break (6-4).

This was now anyone’s game, especially when Bigatti successfully converted his third penalty to bring Bardon to within one of Madam’s Farm. Penalties though became Bardon’s undoing. Richardson made short work of a penalty two and then fired another penalty through the open goal to put Madams Farm comfortably ahead once more. When James Emlyn added a goal before the end of the third Bardon were now playing catch-up once more.

Penalties from Bigatti and Richardson cancelled each other out so when Cudmore fired through another goal with less than a minute remaining, Madams Farm’s victory was assured. Ojo Caliente patron Ana Escobedo presented the prizes, including the Most Valuable Player prize to James Emlyn. The Coolcore Best Playing Pony award went to Sierra, who had been played by Jack Richardson.

The sub final was a closer affair. Emsworth Polo Team won that contest, defeating Limitless 5-4 on The Duke’s Ground.

Madams Farm: Sam Browne (1); James Emlyn (3); Ollie Cudmore (6); Jack Richardson (6). Bardon: Andras Tombor (0); Jose Araya (4); Alfredo Bigatti (8); James Fewster (4).