A sunny Sunday on the 21st of June saw Stonehurst take on Mono Polo in the June 4 Goal Final, played out on Ambersham 2.
At number 1 for Stonehurst was William Roberts (0), with Oscar Jackson (-2) at 2, Harry Revell (2) at 3, and Nick Clague (3) at Back. Representing Mono Polo was Derek Maclennan (0) at 1, alongside his son Hamis Maclennan (1) at 2, Nicolas Leal (2) at 3, and George Cronin (1) at Back. Stonehurst began the match with a half-goal advantage due to handicap difference.
The first chukka proved to be a closely contested affair. Roberts got Stonehurst off to the perfect start with a successfully converted 30-yard penalty, before Clague doubled the lead with a composed finish following a quick run through the field. Mono Polo soon levelled matters on the scoreboard through an excellent neck shot by Leal and a successfully converted 30-yard penalty from Cronin. However, Stonehurst’s half-goal advantage ensured they held a narrow 2 ½-2 lead at the end of the first chukka.
The second chukka belonged to Stonehurst. Clague scored from an end-to-end run before Roberts added his second goal of the match from a 30-yard penalty. A costly foul right in front of goal handed Stonehurst a Penalty 1 just before the bell, allowing them to extend their advantage and head into half-time with a commanding 5 ½-2 lead.
Despite the intense heat, both sides continued to battle hard in the third chukka. Roberts struck first to claim his third goal of the afternoon, but Cronin responded with a well-taken goal under-pressure. Mono Polo fought hard to close the gap, but Stonehurst maintained control and took a comfortable 6 ½-3 advantage into the final chukka.
Mono Polo came out fighting in the fourth chukka. Cronin began his scoring streak with a converted 30-yard penalty before adding a second goal with a determined run through the posts after several minutes of resolute defensive play from both teams. Clague then extended Stonehurst’s advantage with a successfully converted 40-yard penalty. Refusing to give up, Cronin completed his hat-trick of the chukka with a final run to goal, brining Mono Polo agonisingly close. Despite the late surge, Stonehurst held on to a hard-fought 7 ½-6 victory.
A beaming William Roberts stepped forward to receive the June 4 Goal Cup from his wife, Lisa Roberts, while the X-Zony Best Playing Pony Rug was awarded to Merlot, owned by The Hon. Mrs Lila Pearson, and played by Harry Revell.
