The all new layout of the 9th British Beach Polo Championships, unveiled at Sandbanks over the weekend, proved to be a hit with the crowds that soaked up the atmosphere over the two days of the event.
Sandbanks Beach welcomed thousands of people on 8th and 9th July as visitors enjoyed top international polo players competing against each other to win this years’ title.
Teams included Clogau, Jets, Piper-Heidsieck and Saxe Coburg all competing for this year’s title. Team Jets were victorious winning the title in a thrilling final against Piper-Heidsieck with the final score a close 9 – 7.
This year saw three universities in action on the polo arena, Oxford, Oxford Brookes and Exeter, and two exhibition matches from the Pony Club with players as young as 11 showing off their equestrian skills in front of the huge crowds. All of this added to the spectacle that kept the crowd entertained throughout the afternoon.
Back by popular demand was Women’s Beach Volleyball with England taking on Poland over the course of the weekend. England came away triumphant after a thrilling final beating Poland to take this year’s REVO Sand Slam.
Johnny Wheeler, event organiser said: “We have been overwhelmed with positive comments this year from both regular and new visitors to the event. The changes we made to the layout worked in everyone’s favour. There were more viewing areas for all visitors during the day, and our hospitality and VIP guests loved their private terraces that looked out over the polo arena with the beautiful coast line forming the amazing back drop. The parties in the evenings had a great vibe, Trevor Nelson brought the house down on Saturday night.
“We can’t wait for next year. It’s our 10th anniversary and we are planning to celebrate this in style.”
Jamie Morrison from Jets said: “It’s always a pleasure to play in front of the enthusiastic crowds at Sandbanks. To come away with the title makes the weekend even more special – bring on 2017.”
The chosen charity for this year’s event was The John Thornton Young Achiever’s Foundation. They raised money from bets placed on the ever popular Machine vs Beast race which saw the fastest polo pony take on a Porsche Cayenne across the sands. The pony galloped to glory showing that four hooves are better than 4WD on sand. The charity were delighted with the money raised and are ensuring this goes to help local youngsters achieve their potential
Next year’s 10th anniversary event will be held on the 7th and 8th of July 2017.
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