HRH The Duke of Cambridge led the Audi quattro team to a 7-6 victory over Audi ultra at the first Audi Polo Challenge of the season at Chester Racecourse Polo Club. Scoring three goals for his team over the course of the game, The Duke claimed his third consecutive Chester Audi Polo Challenge title and demonstrated top form to kick off his 2013 polo season.
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Over 300 VIP guests including Naomie Harris, Jeremy Irvine, Douglas Booth and Jon Culshaw were treated to an exhilarating match between highly talented players.The Audi quattro side comprised The Duke of Cambridge, Tabitha Woodd (young female player), Malcolm Borwick (England polo professional) and Nina Clarkin (the world’s highest handicapped female player) Their oppostion, Audi ultra, were Adriano Agosti (regular player), Richard Thomas (the CEO of Chester Racecourse), Andrew Hine (former England Captain) and George Meyrick (up-and-coming young England player).
As the game began, it was Audi quattro’s Malcolm Borwick who was the first to find the posts, giving his side an early and important lead. However, seconds later Andrew Hine had answered for Audi ultra, making the scores level once again. To the excitement of the crowd, the next player to make a difference was none other than The Duke. Having picked up a pass from his teammate Tabitha Woodd, the commentator explained to the crowd: “A good polo team plays as a team, it is not a game for individuals”. Both teams added to the scoreboard once more before the end of the first chukka allowing Audi quattro to hold on to a one goal lead.
Returning to the field for the second chukka, Audi ultra’s George Meyrick was obviously keen to close the gap, firing the ball straight through the middle of the goal. Soon after, The Duke scored for the second time in the afternoon. For the remainder of the chukka, both sides made attacks and although Audi ultra was awarded a 60 yard penalty following a foul by the opposition, neither team managed to alter the score.
Following half time, both teams were back on the pitch and undoubtedly determined to get that next, very important goal onto the scoreboard for their side. The Duke was still on form following the half time break, sending a nearside shot straight through the goal to give Audi quattro a two goal advantage and adding a third goal to his own personal tally. George Meyrick then closed the score to just five goals to four in favour of Audi quattro, but following in style was a goal by Nina Clarkin, regaining a two goal lead for Audi quattro.
Cantering onto the pitch to begin the final chukka of this high scoring match, Andrew Hine added not one but two quick goals for Audi ultra and, with just four and a half minutes of play remaining, the scores were level and it was impossible to call the winner.
Now under pressure to perform, the Audi quattro team worked to produce one more crucial goal just before the final whistle, giving The Duke and Audi quattro a deserved third victory in the Chester Audi Polo Challenge.
Following an astonishingly close match, the players were invited onto the podium to recieve their trophies. Martin Sander, Director of Audi UK, then presented Fields in Trust, ESSA and Mountain Rescue (three charities selected by The Duke) with donations on behalf of Audi.
After the presentation, guests were invited to enjoy a delicious three-course dinner titled ‘The Taste of Summer,’ by two star Michelin chef Michael Caines before being treated to further entertainment by Scottish singer-songwriter Amy MacDonald, as well as a DJ set by duo Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Richard Jones (Me and Mrs Jones).