Inaugural Polocrosse Extreme Cup Hailed a Success

The inaugural Polocrosse Extreme Cup, which was held on the 11th and 12th of August, was hailed a huge success by all concerned and even the weather decided to play ball as the event was basked in glorious sunshine and hundreds of spectators turned out to watch. The event saw club sides from across the UK compete at five different grades and also the event hosted the UK versus USA Under 21 test match series and saw two thrilling test matches between the two sides.

Over 170 players competed at the event including the test match teams and the Pony Club teams that took part in a one day Pony Club competition on the Sunday and all of them were very positive in their feedback about the grounds, the organisation and the event as a whole.

The highlight of the event was the test matches which were exceptionally hard fought. The test match on Saturday saw the UK win by just two goals as they crept away from the USA in the final chukka to win 20-18. They started the brighter of the two sides and their ladies section built them a five goal lead in the first chukka but after that the USA, pulled themselves back into the match and the USA lead by one goal going into the last chukka. However, the UK men’s section did just enough to come back and win it by two in the last chukka.

On the Sunday again the UK got off to the stronger start and though the USA threatened to come back in the middle the UK did start to pull away towards the end to win 26-18, despite losing Simon Amor at the start of the eighth chukka after he was sent off for two minutes after giving away two free goals for wild swings in quick succession and the umpires decided to send him off as well. Apart from that moment Simon was probably one of the best UK players over the weekend, while for the ladies Emily Gilfillan and Layla Henshaw were both impressive. The pick of the USA players were their two number 3’s, Caroline Gardiner for the ladies and Derek Rumel for the men.

In the club competition the A grade went to the Irish raiders, Carrickmines, the club side who had travelled all the way from Ireland to compete in both the A and B grade competitions. They won the A grade in a final against Kent. It started close but Carrickmines stretched away at the end against a Kent team that had opted to bring out some of its former greats such as Sam Sics and Oscar Harding rather than its current top string. Joanne Lavery was the pick of the Irish as she collected best number 1 and best horse for Castanka.

In the B grade it was Rugby who won again in a carbon copy of the final that took place at Cotswolds three weeks before. They overcame Vale Impi in a very close fought battle which just saw Rugby win it at the death by two goals. Luke Lossberg picked up another best number 1 trophy to add to his growing collection.

In the C grade it was Welsh Dragons who triumphed against Arden. Arden fought hard for the whole match and it was very even with the Welsh Dragons just creeping away with it at the end. Arden will take some consolation though from Chris Milburn winning best number 1 and picking up best horse for Luna.

In the D grade it was Canterbury Colts who overcame a spirited Cotswold team and also collected all the best numbers for Henry Burrows, Laura Mills and Jennie Chilton.

In the E grade it was a Vale Impi one two and picked up all the best numbers, while Kent achieved the same result in the Juniors. In the Pony Club competition the winners were Whaddon Chase with Essex and Suffolk as runners up.

Overall, the event was great success and we would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who made it possible, the sponsors, the officials who helped us, the players and all the people who turned up to watch. Now we are just considering if we want to do it all again next year! Watch this space!

Full Results