This weekend is the final weekend of polo for the 2017 Season at HPC, The London Polo Club. The weekend starts with the final of the Peggy Healy Trophy tomorrow morning. On Sunday we have the final of the David Healy Trophy along with the Farewell Cup. On Sunday morning the day will start with the dog show at 10:30 am. on the Jubilee Ground. To end the day the annual Grooms Race and Fancy Dress Chukka will take place.
Last Week at HPC
Players' Dinner
On Friday evening the players' dinner was held in the pavilion. Club Chairman Nicholas Colquhoun-Denvers gave his speech and then presented the Player of the Year award to William Healy. The Alan Wyatt Fellowship award went to Charlie Ham, The Chairman's Most Improved player was Stephen O'Kane and HPA Umpire of the Year went to Freddie Ventura. Annie Colquhoun-Denvers then presented the most Improved Lady Player (Annie's Trophy) to Rebecca Drake. After the main awards Benjie Davis presented the auction and the evening raised a generous amount for Sarah Tallents' charity Polo Pastures. To round up the evening the humorous and satirical Billy Awards were presented to their lucky recipients.
Billy Walsh Final
For the last Tournament of 2017 The Billy Walsh had five teams entered. Jacaranda were the first through to the final with convincing wins in both their matches. Vendetta came from behind in their first match against Braemar Farms for a strong win and then booked their place in the final after a win over Loafers with a high margin score. On both teams performances in the group games it was hard to pick a favourite for the final.
This set the scene for a tight encounter in Sunday's final. Once the ball was thrown in Jacaranda got to work the fastest notching up a 4-1 lead. Jacaranda player Hamza Mawaz linked well with Ed Banner-Eve with both players looking hot off their handicaps. Garrie Renucci's team were not about to roll over though and came back into the second chukka with a point to prove. Jimmy Wood marshalled his one goal prodigy and Gold Cup winner Jimbo Fewster well. Fewster with a helicopter at the wait on the Jubilee ground took no time in helping his team to pull back the scores to just one goal behind Jacaranda by the final chukka.
Unfortunately for Vendetta the final minutes saw them fall the wrong side of the umpires whistle. Jacaranda capitalised on this with some unbelievable play from Mawaz who at this point was playing as if he had just doubled his handicap. By the final bell Jacaranda still had a hold of the scoreline to take the final silverware of 2017.
Watch back the Billy Walsh Final between Jacaranda and Vendetta
Billy Walsh Subsidiary Final
In the Subsidiary Final, Vantage took on Loafers. Both teams had met earlier in the tournament with Vantage winning by just a goal. In the rematch Vantage put in a much stronger performance winning this time convincingly. Vantage professionals Ed Morris-Lowe and Josh Clover having played many times before together showed a strong partnership on the field to help their team to the win. Loafers player Ed Courage accepted the floating seat trophy on behalf of his team.
Watch the subsidiary final between Vantage and Loafers
Tiger Tops Trophy
Braemar Farms faced Jet Set after the first two matches on Sunday. The match was close with great play from both teams. Jet Set just edged out for the win at the final bell.
Watch back the Tiger Tops Trophy between Braemar Farms and Jet Set
HPC will be hosting a Dog Show on Sunday at 10:30 am. on the Jubilee Ground. For more information click here.
Ebony Polo Day
Watch the ebony polo match here.
On Saturday afternoon Ebony Polo held an afternoon of polo at the club. The event was to raise money for their fantastic cause. watch back the video from the main match above.
House of Nobel Correction
Contrary to our report House of Nobel Champagne was only being represented by Michael Gruber. The Champagne was created by Philip Nobel of the illustrious Nobel family famous for the Nobel Prize.
Highlights from the drone of the House of Nobel Trophy