THE TEXACO TROPHY FINAL

Ten teams entered this year’s 12 goal tournament for Cowdray’s beautiful Texaco Trophy. As in the Dollar Cup Final which took place last month, Creighton Boyd’s side Confido took on Ana Escobedo’s Ojo Caliente in a close game on Saturday 3rd July on Ambersham 1.

Ed Hitchman wore the number 1 shirt for Confido, with Creighton Boyd at 2. George Meyrick replaced injured Richard Tyrone in position number 3 and Shaun Brokensha assumed his usual position at Back. Ana Escobedo played at number 1 for Ojo Caliente with Jonny Good at 2, Zac Beim at 3 and John Paul (JP) Clarkin at Back. Confido, now a 13-goal team due to mid-season handicap changes, conceded half a goal to Ojo Caliente to start the match.

Ojo Caliente came out strong in the first chukka with determined attacking. Jonny Good was first to score for Ojo Caliente but this was swiftly answered by Shaun Brokensha levelling the score with a goal for Confido. Ojo Caliente then took possession with a couple of fouls by Confido. Clarkin was unable to convert the 60-yard penalty, however successfully scored his 40-yard attempt as well as a field goal, putting the score at 3^1/2-1 to Ojo Caliente at the end of the first chukka.

George Meyrick was first to score for Confido at the start of the second chukka. Confido fouled defending their goal mouth, giving Clarkin his third penalty attempt of the game so far. This time a 30-yard hit which he placed accurately between the posts. Confido weren’t letting the game slip away and Hitchman was next to find the goal putting the score at 4^1/2-3 to Ojo Caliente by the end of chukka two.

After a half time reset and team talk, Confido picked up the pace considerably halfway through the third chukka. Jonny Good scored Ojo Caliente’s sixth goal of the game at the start of the chukka. However the ball came out of play over the boards giving a spot hit to Confido which was hit high between the posts by Ed Hitchman. Ojo Caliente responded to a little bit of pressure and Zac Beim found his way to the goal to put Ojo Caliente ahead again by two and a half. However, Confido were unrelenting with Hitchman, Brokensha and Merrick all scoring to put Confido ahead for the first time. The score was 7-6^1/2 as the third chukka came to an end.

Confido, having by now found their rhythm, gained momentum in attack with Hitchman scoring again. A couple of Confido fouls gave Clarkin another two penalty opportunities. The 60-yard hit was put wide but he successfully converted the 30-yard penalty. Confido were undeterred and continued strong in attack with Hitchman finding the goal yet again to put a ninth Confido goal on the scoreboard. The final whistle blew with Confido winning the game 9-7^1/2.

The Texaco Trophy, a stunning silver horse, was presented to Creighton Boyd and the X-Zony Best Playing Pony rug was awarded to 8-year-old mare Izaloo, played by George Meyrick and owned by Richard Tyrone.

THE HEYSHOTT FINAL CUP

Eight teams entered the Club’s third 6 goal tournament of the season. Peter O’Rourke’s Strategic Help for Heroes made it to the Final to play against Gallagher. Peter O’Rourke wore the number 1 shirt for his team with Alice Servaes at 2, Matt Evetts at 3 and Corentin Mahe at Back. Clare Milford-Haven played at number 1 for Gallagher with Britt Shaw at 2, Alfie Hyde at 3 and Bautista Sorzana at Back.

The first chukka saw both teams struggle to get the ball between the posts with just one goal from Corentin Mahe for Strategic Help for Heroes. Gallagher fouled to give away a 60-yard penalty opportunity, however Mahe hit the ball wide. Gallagher were also awarded a penalty in the form of a Safety 60, however Bautista Sorzana was unable to concede the goal opportunity. The score at the end of the first chukkas was 1-0 to Strategic Help for Heroes.

The second chukka saw Gallagher miss several opportunities to score with Bautista Sorzana hitting the ball wide on three occasions, unable to get the ball between the posts. Strategic Help for Heroes had a more productive chukka with Alice Servaes scoring their second goal of the game. The chukka ended with a score of 2-0 to Strategic Help for Heroes. 

Despite a slow start Gallagher came back considerably stronger in the second half with Sorzana scoring no less than three goals including one 30-yard penalty. Alfie Hyde also had a constructive chukka taking the ball to goal to score another two goals for Gallagher. Corentin Mahe was able to score for Strategic Help for Heroes, however control of the scoreboard had been relinquished to Gallagher for the first time in the match. The score was 5-3 as the chukka came to an end. 

Gallagher continued to dominate into the fourth and final chukka. Possession switched between the two teams but Gallagher gained more possession and were able to get the ball up to the Strategic Help for Heroes goalmouth on numerous occasions. Several opportunities were missed by Alfie Hyde and Bautista Sorzana, however Sorzana managed to place the ball between the post once more. Britt Shaw scored the final goal of the chukka putting Gallagher three goals ahead. The final score was 7-3 to Gallagher who were presented with the Heyshott Cup. The X-Zony Best Playing Pony rug was awarded to Serafina, played by Bautista Sorzana and owned by Catrina Baker. 

Photos by Mark Beaumont. Click here to view the full galleries.