of our necks with the realisation it was most definitely Game On and the instructions from Garrie were clear we were not here to enjoy the experience we had to win at all costs Vendetta Style - lets go and show them what we can do said Jimmy Wood. Steven O’Kane was to be heard yelling “we are HPC , ” and Sebastian Tarnowski response “do I need to play” with the reminder from Garrie Renucci – “we are here to represent Ham Polo Club, let’s make them proud back home and stop being a wimp Tarnowski”.
As we walked the horses slowly together from the back of the field in line to the centre of the field it felt like it took forever, savouring the atmosphere, and by now William Crisp entertaining pre-match commentary confirming he had heard a rumour that two of the team were out till the very early hours, all that we could do was keep an eye on Tarnowski to make sure he made it to the centre of the field without escaping.
An early signal of what was to follow started with Steven O’Kane getting told off by William Crisp for taking selfies during the American National Anthem disrespecting the locals and leading to strong boos as he was introduced to the crowd. The Ride Off King was about to show the locals just how bad he could be.
Dressed impeccably for the occasion with polished boots, knee pads, crisp whites and our brand new HPC shirts, we began to feel confident despite USA having a team with a handicap higher than ours and playing on the flat, here we were “Game On and ready for Battle”, and battle we did with a no surrender attitude, after all we are British and this was our chance to reclaim the Silver Liberty Bowl for the first time in 3 years and show Polo Supremacy still remains in the UK.
Throughout the match the deafening noise of the very fair but majority local crowd rang in our ears. The smaller field and borrowed horses were all hurdles we had to clear to win this battle, or as Garrie Renucci preferred to call it “a Vendetta”. no surprise there as he turned up for the match in full Vendetta Camo and was seen gifting Vendetta Caps to members of the crowd in an attempt to win local support.
After 6 fast competitive, hard but fairly fought chukkas the crowd got what they came for and more with fast aggressive open polo with some great individual performances and team play with everyone on both sides contributing and giving their all including the horses.
After the final whistle and elation at the 13-10 victory there was still the final lap around the field to do with high fiving spectators who gave both teams a deserved standing ovation but there was more drama to come approaching the final length of the field, Sebastian had to retire with an injured hand such was the ferocity of the high fiving. Consoled by Jess and Steven in the team gazebo and realization of the dollars he was about to make giving photos and autographs, his tears soon dried up.
Finally the Presentation with Garrie Renucci stepping up to collect the prized Liberty Bowl to a flurry of champagne sprays and cameras in front of a huge crowd surrounding the podium, at this point we all felt a sense of pride. Boy did Ham do well and by this time had clearly won over the crowd who applauded loudly.
We were all extremely thankful for the opportunity of taking part in this, such an amazing experience with charming hosts and hospitality provided by Newport International Polo Club and the people of Newport, Garrie addressed the crowd with a thank you speech from the podium on behalf of the Victorious Team and thanked Newport Polo Club and the people of Newport for making us feel so welcome throughout our stay with a Schwarzenegger Cry of ‘We will be back’
As the match score filtered back to Ham Polo Club, Nicholas announced the score much to the delight of the local Sunday crowd at Ham Polo Club. For the team back in Newport a lobster barbeque and drinks with our new friends followed by celebrations back at the Cooke House followed by another after party at Big Cunha’s.
The team would like to give a special thanks again to Ham Polo Club for making this possible and the Crisps and Keatings for the their unbelievable hospitality.
HPC • THE LONDON POLO CLUB
67
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