Saturday 22nd August saw the conclusion of the Midsummer Cup, with Cormix taking on Bamboleo Purple on a beautiful sunny afternoon at Lawns 2.
Riding out at number 1 for Cormix was Edward Batchelor (0), with Marcus Cork (3) at 2, Ollie Cork (4) at 3, and 5-goaler James Beim at back. Bamboleo Purple fielded Maya Staubach-Benteler at number 1, Dane Csaszar (3) at 2, Daniel Otamendi (3) at 3, and South African 6-goaler Chris Mackenzie at back.
An under-pressure opener from Beim kicked off the scoring for Cormix in the third minute, with Beim adding another shortly afterwards to give Cormix a 2-0 lead heading into the second chukka.
The second told a similar story, with Beim converting a 30-yard penalty after an early Cormix foul. However, a breakaway goal from Csaszar finally put Bamboleo Purple on the scoreboard. Cormix remained relentless, with Marcus Cork responding instantly out of the lineout before finishing another expertly worked end-to-end move from the Cormix team, leaving them 5-1 ahead at half-time.
Marcus Cork opened the third chukka with yet another run to goal just two minutes in. However, Bamboleo Purple began to mount a comeback, with Mackenzie accurately converting a 40-yard penalty before Csaszar finished a well-worked break to goal, leaving Bamboleo Purple trailing 3-6 heading into the final chukka.
Bamboleo Purple gave it everything in the fourth. Csaszar continued to attack, opening the scoring with an under-pressure shot to goal, before Mackenzie followed with a 30-yard penalty to bring them within one goal of Cormix. With the crowd on the edge of their seats, Bamboleo Purple pushed hard for an equaliser, but time was not on their side. The final whistle sealed a thrilling 6-5 victory for Cormix.
A delighted Edward Batchelor stepped forward to receive the Midsummer Cup from Charlie Kamyar, representing Hook Polo, the lifestyle and polo brand that kindly provided all the prizes. The Hook Polo Most Valuable Player award was presented to Dane Csaszar, while the Best Playing Pony Rug was awarded to Siriri, played and owned by James Beim.
