Cibao La Pampa/Murus Sanctus claimed a narrow 9-8 win over Jindal Steel/La Dolfina, and ran out the champions of the Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy, one of the most significant tournaments of the high goals season in England. The final took place on Saturday May 16 at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, in Winkfield, near Windsor, known at The Berkshire. The competition saw twelve teams up to 22 goals, partake.
Jindal Steel/La Dolfina, with Adolfo Cambiaso in the lineup, had a better start, but Cibao La Pampa slowly came closer in the score, until they reached a 5-all in the third chukka. However, Jindal Steel/La Dolfina managed to re-take the lead (7-5) in the fifth, but in the sixth chukka, a determined Cibao La Pampa/Murus Sanctus tied again, 8-8, in the last chukka to send the contest to an extra chukka. That’s when Juan Pepa ran quickly to the goalposts to seal the deal.
PRINCE OF WALES TROPHY – FINAL – SATURDAY MAY 8
CIBAO LA PAMPA/MURUS SANCTUS 9-8 JINDAL STEEL/LA DOLFINA (extra chukka)
Cibao La Pampa/Murus Sanctus: Juan Pepa 2 (3 goals), Carlos Ulloa 7 (2), Paco de Narvaez Jr. 8 (3), Ollie Cudmore 5 (1). Total: 22.
Jindal Steel/La Dolfina: Naveed Jindal 0, Rufino Merlos 6 (2 goals), Gonzalo Ferrari 7 (3), Adolfo Cambiaso 9 (3). Total: 22.
Score Cibao La Pampa/Murus Sanctus: 0-2, 1-3, 3-4, 5-5, 7-8, 8-8, 9-8.
Umpires: Jason Dixon & Howard Smith.
Third man: Tim Bown.
MVP: Ollie Cudmore.
BPP: Antu Wallung Rumba, ridden by Paco de Narvaez Jr.
Regarded as one of the most significant and competitive contests played on English soil, the Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy was played for the first time in 1986 at the club founded by the late Bryan Morrison, in 1985. Morrison, the renowned music mogul, who has managed the careers of several rock icons, such as Pink Floyd, The Jam, The Bee Gees, The Police and George Michael, among others, had a true passion for polo, as well. The club was officially opened by the then HRH The Prince of Wales, today His Majesty King Charles III, who also was named its first member.