Presentation of the 2008, Cartier International.Thierry Latimier of Cadenza, Luke Tomlinson, England polo team, Malcolm Borwick, England polo team Sir Christopher Hanbury of the HPA, HRH The Prince of Wales, Arnaud Bamberger of Cartier, Mark Tomlinson, England polo team, James Beim England polo team Jeremy Hicks of Audi UK.
England, supported by Audi UK, ran out the winners of the 2008 Cartier International, beating Australia 10 - 9, to lift the Coronation Cup on Sunday 27 July 2008.
The match, which took place in glorious sunshine at Guards Polo Club, Windsor Great Park, was watched by some 30,000 spectators including HRH The Prince of Wales and a myriad of celebrities from the worlds of fashion, music and film who were largely entertained in the Cartier marquee.
It was the second time in three years that England had played Australia for the Coronation Cup. The last time, in 2005, Australia won after the match went to a sudden death, extra chukka [1]. This time, however, the tables were turned as an excellently prepared England team stepped out onto the turf.
The first blood went to Australia’s Damien Johnston, who scored as a result of some inspired play led by Ruki Baillieu. Audi England’s team captain, Luke Tomlinson, was not going to be outdone and quickly equalised. James Beim (who will go up to a deserved seven goal handicap [2] at the end of the season) hit an unbelievable cut shot right between the posts to give the home side a 2-1 lead going into the second chukka.
Luke Tomlinson showed great ball control and composure to push Audi England 3-1 in front. Mark Tomlinson scored as a result of a beautiful pass sent to him by his brother, Luke. Ruki Baillieu managed to claw a goal back for the boys from Down Under at the end of the period.
It was Baillieu again who scored for Australia at the start of the third chukka, taking them to within a goal of England. But once again, England team captain and eventual winner of the Most Valuable Player accolade, Luke Tomlinson, scored for his team right on the button. By half-time England were leading the Australians 5-3.
Australian captain, Glen Glimore, finished some magnificent play by his team with a well deserved goal, taking the Australian team to within a goal of Audi England. Ruki Baillieu mounted on a pony so fast it looked like a Derby winner and scored the equaliser for Australia. Their level pegging did not last long. On-form James Beim scored an awesome goal that was the result of some fabulous teamwork between him and the Tomlinson brothers. Just before the end of the fourth chukka, Australian Ruki Baillieu worked his magic to tie-off the scores at 6-6.
With all to play for, Audi England made a cracking start to the fifth chukka with a flurry of goals from Mark and Luke Tomlinson and James Beim. Suddenly England had opened up a three goal advantage and looked to have the match sewn up. Once again it was Baillieu who narrowed the gap with another magnificent effort for Australia.
England’s Malcolm Borwick controlled a badly bouncing ball to re-extend his team’s lead. Australia’s Robbie Archibald, who until then had had a quiet match, took control of the ball to score, whittling England’s lead down to two goals.
Play was interrupted as three streakers invaded the pitch but the incident was dealt with swiftly and Glen Gilmore slotted another one away for Australia. However, time had run out for the team from Down Under and Audi England reclaimed the Coronation Cup.
Speaking after the match Audi England’s Luke Tomlinson said: “It was a thrilling game. Both sides were very evenly matched and, although Australia was being mounted by Ellerston, the horse-power was pretty even too.”
England team manager, Andrew Hine said: “The new management structure that is in place has helped enormously. We’ve a good number of team practices and video training sessions.”
England coach, Javier Novillo Astrada said: “Our team tactic was to be very organised especially in defence. We knew that our opponents would be very attacking but also extremely good at defending”.
John Tinsley, Chairman of the International Committee at the Hurlingham Polo Association said: “It was a really very close match and nail-biting, particularly towards the end. The new management structure has paid huge dividends and it was a joy to see the new style of open polo and the quartet playing as a team”.
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