The Heyshott Cup Final concluded on Saturday 17 July on River Field, set against the backdrop of the Cowdray Ruins and bustling with pre-Gold Cup excitement, as Gould faced Stonehurst in a highly anticipated final.
Riding out at 1 for Gould was George Gould (0), with Finlay Blackwell (0) at 2, Jack Aldridge (2) at 3, and Jimmy Wood (4) at Back. Wearing the number 1 shirt for Stonehurst was William Roberts (0), with Dominic Jones (0) at 2, Nick Clague (3) at 3, and Ed Hitchman (3) at Back.
The opening chukka saw very even play from both teams, but it was Hitchman who struck first with a perfectly converted 40-yard penalty. Wood quickly responded with a breakaway goal for Gould, leaving the scores level at 1-1 heading into the second chukka.
The second chukka proved pivotal for Stonehurst. Hitchman produced an impressive hat-trick of penalties following a series of mistakes by Gould. At the same time, Roberts capped off the chukka with an under-pressure goal, sending Stonehurst into halftime with a commanding 5-1 lead.
Wood sparked a comeback for Gould in the third chukka with an opening run to goal followed by a successful 30-yard penalty. However, Hitchman once again proved unstoppable for Stonehurst, slotting home another goal just before the buzzer to take his side into the final chukka leading 6-3.
The fourth and final chukka saw goals dry up as both teams produced intense defensive play. Despite Gould’s efforts to close the gap, Stonehurst held firm to secure a deserved 6-3 victory.
A delighted William Roberts and Dominic Jones received the Heyshott Cup from Susie Gould. The X-Zony Best Playing Pony Rug was presented to Curious, played by Ed Hitchman.
