The Jubilee Cup Final took place on Sunday, 10th May at the Ambersham 5 ground on a wet, rain-soaked afternoon. Despite the challenging weather conditions, finalists Lumina and Stonehurst rode out in high spirits, delivering a closely fought and competitive match from start to finish.
Playing at number one for Lumina was Bradley Phillips (-1), with Niall Donnelly (3) at 2, Nick Johnson (3) at 3, and 0-goaler John Bunn at back. Riding out for Stonehurst were William Roberts (0) at 1, Dominic Jones (0) at 2, Ed Hitchman (3) at 3, and Nick Clague (3) at back. Lumina started the game with a 0.5 goal due to handicap differences.
The first chukka saw a goal straight from the line-out by Clague, immediately answered by Bunn for Lumina. The fast-paced exchange continued with two goals from Johnson and an under-pressure goal by Jones, leaving the scores at 3.5-2 heading into the second chukka. Lumina dominated the second chukka, adding four goals between Johnson and Donnelly to extend their lead. However, a late goal by Clague kept Stonehurst in contention, with the score standing at 7.5-3 at half-time.
The third chukka saw a lull in scoring for Lumina, who were unable to add to their tally. Stonehurst capitalised with a goal just before the buzzer to narrow the gap to 7.5-4 going into the final chukka. Lumina continued to struggle in front of the goal in the last chukka against the determined Stonehurst defence. However, Stonehurst continued to press forward with a brilliantly taken 30-yard penalty by Jones and an under-pressure field goal by Clague, but despite their best efforts, time was against them, and Lumina secured victory, 7.5-6.
Following the match, Bradley Phillips received the Jubilee Cup from Martine Hartridge, Managing Director of Cowdray Park Polo Club. The Best Playing Pony Rug was awarded to Pavlova, played by Nick Johnson and owned by Madam’s Farm.
