Sunday 26th May marked the dramatic conclusion of the first 15-goal tournament of the season, as La Hechicera faced off against Amanara in the Cicero Cup Final on A1. 

Amanara rode out in blue on a busy A1, with Nicky Sen (0) at 1, Hazel Jackson (2) at 2, Santiago Chavanne (7) at 3, and Marcos Araya (6) at Back. For La Hechicera, Pablo Galante Escobar (0) wore the number 1 shirt, with Santos Merlos (6) at 2, 5-goaler Ollie Cudmore at 3, and Malcolm Borwick (4) at Back. 

The first chukka saw a quick opening goal by Merlos in the first minute, however it was quickly reciprocated by Araya. Both teams continued very equal play, but a closing 30-yard penalty conversion by Borwick left La Hechicera ahead 2-1 going into the second. Momentum carried into the second chukka for La Hechicera with Borwick adding another penalty, followed by a clinical field goal from Cudmore under pressure, giving La Hechicera a comfortable margin of 4-1 going into the third. Amanara fought back in the third chukka with three strong goals from Araya, but La Hechicera capitalised on Amanara’s fouls with Borwick successfully taking three more 30-yard penalties, sending his side into halftime with a 7-4 advantage. 

Following a half-time break, both teams came back with vengeance, with an opening 40-yard penalty conversion by Araya and an under-pressure goal by Jackson, but yet another accurately taken penalty by Borwick meant La Hechicera kept their heads ahead going into the last. With all still to play for, both teams put on a show in the last, with an early goal by Araya for Amanara to put one goal in it, leaving the crowds on the edge of their seats. However, despite the best efforts of Amanara, they couldn’t prevent the dominant La Hechicera side, who secured victory with two further penalties by the unstoppable Borwick and a finishing goal by Cudmore to seal victory 11-7. 

A delighted Pablo Galante Escobar stepped forward to receive the Cicero Cup from Jonathan Russell, the CEO of Cowdray Estate. The X-Zony Best Playing Pony Rug was presented to Bella, played and owned by Ollie Cudmore, and immaculately turned out by grooms Ema Veloz, Santy Castellano, and Walter Soto. 

The Paul Withers Memorial Trophy, held prior on Saturday the 24th of May, was played as the Cicero Sub-Final. A close game eventually saw Cowdray Vikings clinch victory 5-4½ over Sumaya. The Paul Withers Trophy was presented to The Hon. Mrs. Lila Pearson by Sheldon Withers, in memory of her late husband, international polo player Paul Withers.