PARK PLACE LIFT THE PRESTIOGIOUS TROPHY
Park Place confirmed their status as the leading 15-goal team in the UK after winning the Royal Windsor Cup. In a thrilling game on The Queen’s Ground. Andrey Borodin’s team defeated Charlie Wooldridge’s Twelve Oaks 8-7.
There had not been much air between Park Place and Twelve Oaks throughout these five chukkas, played in the presence of HM The Queen, HRH the Duke of Edinburgh. Strong defensive play from both sides stopped either team running away with this game and ensuring a fast and competitive match for the many spectators.
South African international Chris Mackenzie, later named the MVP, gave Park Place a 6-4 lead at half-time and when team-mate Juan Britos converted a penalty in the fourth, it looked as if Twelve Oaks’ chances were over. Charlie Wooldridge’s team had other ideas though. A successful penalty was followed by some brilliant play from Chris Hyde in the fifth and final chukka. He found some space in a huddle of players, creating a clear path to goal to level the scores.
This final had been a fitting end to the UK’s leading 15-goal tournament – but Mackenzie put paid to that. He fired through a ball on the bell to guarantee that it is Park Place’s name that will be added to Guards Polo Club’s oldest trophy. The pony Mackenzie was playing in this chukka, Crystal, was later named the BPP. This nine-year- old mare had also been played by Chris in the second chukka. In a generous gesture, Mackenzie invited Crystal’s groom, Amber Jacob, to receive the BPP prizes from HM The Queen.
An earlier match, for the subsidiary Mountbatten Trophy, saw a win for Maximillian Kirchhoff’s Armis Snake Bite. They beat Henry Porter’s GSA 11-9 on The Duke’s Ground.
The day concluded with the elegant parade of the championship winners from the neighbouring British Driving Society Show. Both HM The Queen and HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, who had watched the parade from the Royal Box, spent time with each winner after presenting them with their winners’ rosettes.