A beautiful summers morning on 19th July set the stage for the British Ladies Open Championship Final, as Yagura faced Salty Polo in a landmark occasion for women’s polo. For the first time, the prestigious Ladies British Open Championship Final was played on the morning of the St. Regis Cowdray Gold Cup Final, marking a significant milestone for the sport.
Lining up for Yaguara was Lady Martina Lowe (1) at number 1, Myla Cambiaso (4) at 2, Mia Cambiaso (9) at 3, and Milly Hine (9) at Back. Salty Polo fielded Madison Rochlin (1) at 1, Bella Lavinia (4) at 2, Catalina Lavinia (7) at 3, and 10-goaler Nina Clarkin at Back. Owing to the handicap difference, Salty Polo began the match with a half-goal advantage.
The opening chukka saw early errors from both sides, allowing both Milly Hine and Nina Clarkin to convert 30-yard penalties. Salty Polo soon found their rhythm, with Bella Lavinia breaking through the defence to score a superb neck-shot goal with just over a minute remaining. She then carried the momentum into the closing seconds, with an end-to-end breakaway goal to give Salty Polo a commanding 3½-1 lead.
Yaguara responded immediately in the second chukka as Mia Cambiaso scored straight from the opening line-out. However, another Yaguara foul allowed Catalina Lavinia to restore Salty Polo’s margin from a 30-yard penalty. Hine then produced an excellent finish under pressure late in the chukka, narrowing the deficit to 4½-3 heading into the third.
The momentum shifted decisively in Yaguara’s favour during the third chukka. A well-worked team move, finished by Hine, brought the scores level before Myla Cambiaso broke clear in the final minute to score, giving Yaguara their first lead of the match at 5-4½ going into half-time.
After the half-time break, both teams returned with renewed intensity. An early Salty Polo foul handed Hine a 40-yard penalty, which she confidently converted. Bella Lavinia quickly responded with a composed goal under pressure midway through the chukka, but Hine struck again in the closing seconds to extend Yaguara’s advantage to 7-5½ heading into the final chukka.
With the title still hanging in the balance, both sides produced determined defensive displays in the fifth chukka. Catalina Lavinia converted a crucial 30-yard penalty to bring Salty Polo within half a goal and ensure a tense finish. Despite relentless pressure in the closing moments, Salty Polo were unable to find the equaliser, and Yaguara held on to claim victory 7-6½.
Lady Martina Lowe received the Ladies British Open Championship Trophy from Mariya Dykalo, Creative Director of Aspinal of London. The finalists were presented with wines from AIX en Provence, alongside gifts from tournament sponsors Le Chameau and Aspinal. Michael Prince, President, CEO & Board Member of USPA Global, presented a £2,500 charity cheque on behalf of U.S. Polo Assn. to Katy Hayward, founder of the Power of Polo charity. The Gusbourne Most Valuable Player Award was deservedly presented to Milly Hine for her outstanding performance and goalscoring contribution. The Cowdray Vikings Best Playing Pony Rug was awarded to Matuza Cassie, owned and played by Catalina Lavinia, and presented by The Hon. Mrs Lila Pearson.
