An action-packed Jersey Lilies Cup final, played at Manor 2 on Saturday, 6th June, saw defending champions Gould take on UAE Polo Team in challenging rainy conditions.
At number 1 for Gould was Gussie Gould (0), with Brigitte Boher (0) at 2, Jack Aldridge (2) at 3, and Jimmy Wood (4) at Back. Representing UAE Polo Team was Dayna Waechter (0), substituting for H.H. Sheikha Maitha, at number 1, with Lucero Monteverde (2) at 2, Kayley Smith (1) at 3, and Lorenzo Nero (2) at Back. UAE began the game with a half-goal advantage due to the handicap difference.
The opening chukka began brightly for UAE, with Lorenzo Nero scoring the first goal of the match to give his side an early advantage. Jack Aldridge quickly responded with a superb breakaway goal from the line-out before Gould were awarded a Penalty 1 to edge ahead. Battling the difficult conditions, the closely contested opening period ended with Gould holding a slender 2-1 ½ lead.
Wood opened play in the second chukka with a perfectly converted 30-yard penalty, only for UAE to answer through Smith following an excellent move created by Nero. Monteverde then successfully converted a 30-yard penalty to keep UAE firmly in contention, but Wood added his second goal of the chukka to ensure Gould maintained their advantage, with the scores reading 4-3 ½ at half-time.
Despite the wind and rain showing no signs of easing, both teams continued strongly in the third chukka. Aldridge extended Gould’s lead early in the period before Monteverde replied with an excellent cut shot to goal, reducing the difference to just half a goal. However, Gould then enjoyed their strongest spell of the match, with Wood converting a 40-yard penalty before adding two back-to-back goals, allowing Gould to establish an 8-4.5 lead heading into the final chukka.
Defences tightened in the fourth chukka, and scoring opportunities were limited. Nero struck his second goal of the afternoon for UAE, but once again Aldridge answered with his third of the match to restore Gould’s commanding advantage. Gould maintained their composure in the closing stages to secure an impressive 9-5 ½ victory.
A delighted Gussie Gould stepped forward to receive the Jersey Lilies Cup from Andrew Archibald, while the X-Zony Best Playing Pony Rug was presented to Pacifica, owned and played by Jimmy Wood.
