The prestigious Harrison Cup final took place Saturday the 3rd of August, seeing Emlor take on UAE Polo Team, on a busy Lawns 2.
In the Red shirts for Emlor Spencer McCarthy (1) rode out at 1, with James McCarthy (2) at 2, Max Charlton (6) at 3, and 6-goaler Chulo Guerrero at Back. Her Highness Sheikha Maitha (0) wore the number 1 shirt for UAE Polo Team, with Hazel Jackson (2) at 2, 7-goaler Lucas Jnr Monteverde at 3, and Jacinto Crotto (6) at Back.
Both teams gave it their all in the closely fought game, but strong teamwork from Emlor ultimately left them victorious 12 goals to 9. The first chukka saw a strong start by UAE to see 2 successful penalties by Monteverde, however S.McCarthy quickly responded with a goal for Emlor. The second chukka saw a big push from Emlor with 4 more goals credited across the team, and a further successful penalty by Monteverde left Emlor leading 5 goals to 3 at the end of the second. In the third UAE fought back to score 3 more goals between Monteverde and Crotto, leaving them leading by 1 goal (6-5) going into halftime.
Following a halftime break a regrouped Emlor came back with force to see a hattrick of goals by Guerrero and a brilliant goal by number 1 S.McCarthy to push them ahead 9-7 going into the last. With all still to play for UAE tried to grasp back victory with two more goals by Monteverde, however it wasn’t quite enough to catch Emlor, who with 3 more goals in the last, secured victory 12-9.
The Honorary Lila Pearson presented a delighted Spencer McCarthy with the Harrison Cup, he was also presented with the Most Valuable Player award, kindly supplied by Gusbourne. The Brooke Joynson Cup and the No.3 Best Playing Pony Rug was awarded to ‘Passion’, ridden by Lucas Jnr Monterverde and owned by UAE.
In the Aotea Cup match Oscarshamm beat Nelson Polo BPC 7 to 3 to take the trophy. Silvertown claimed the Maidensgrove Cup victory over Gallager with a close final score of 7 to 6.
