From an entry of nine teams, Jeremy Pemberton’s Conosco side made it to the Final of the 8 goal Easebourne Cup to face John Bunn’s Hickstead in the Final.

Conosco comprised Antonio Heguy (0 goals) at number 1, patron Jeremy Pemberton (0 goals) at 2, Lachie Gilmore (2 goals) at 3, and Will Emerson (5 goals) at Back. John Bunn (0 goals) played at number 1 for his team with Harry Muddle (2 goals) at 2, Dorian Bulteau (2 goals) at 3 and Niall Donnelly (4 goals) at Back. With Conosco’s combined handicaps totalling 7, they received a half goal advantage on the scoreboard to start the match.

Bulteau won the ball from the first throw-in and went racing off but his shot at goal went wide under pressure from Emerson, however great teamwork by the Hickstead players enabled John Bunn to send a lovely under-the-neck shot between the goalposts to score the opening goal. An on-fire Bulteau was the next to score for Hickstead and it was 2-½. Bunn saved a 60 yard penalty taken by Conosco’s Emerson, Bulteau picked up the ball, ran with it and a lovely little tap saw it through the posts for 3-½ to end the first chukka. Conosco’s come-back started in the second chukka with a lovely field goal from Lachie Gilmore and two fine goals from Emerson to narrowly take the lead on 3½-3.

After half time, Bulteau stole the ball from Emerson and smartly backed it through to take Hickstead ahead once more. Gilmore played a super lofted shot at goal which regained the lead for Conosco, then an excellent piece of play saw the team hold off the opposition and enable Emerson to take the side further ahead at 5½-4 to close chukka 3.

Within moments of chukka 4 opening, Emerson drove the ball between the posts to take Conosco on to 6½-4. Hickstead failed to score from a 60 yard penalty and another good attempt at goal was cleared by Emerson. Gilmore came back in the action taking the ball all the way for 7½-4. With no let-up in the pace, Hickstead went on the attack again but once more Emerson was brilliant in defense. Finally the team’s efforts were rewarded with a goal from Harry Muddle but too late to make a difference and Conosco ran out the winners on 7½-5.

Lila Pearson presented the Easebourne Cup to Jeremy Pemberton and prizes to all players. Will Emerson’s pony Brittany won the Best Playing Pony award.