Young England storms to Whitbread victory

Victory was snatched back in the final seconds of an incredible game between Young England and Young Argentina on Saturday 27 July during International Day at Guards Polo Club.

Young England – who started with 1/2 a goal on the board owing to the difference in handicap – played a blinder to keep their rivals at bay until late in the final chukka, when the relentless attacking play from Young Argentina finally carried them to a half-goal lead with a minute to go.

As the teams lined up for the final 60 seconds, it could have bee a heartbreaking defeat for the home side, and the tense crowd watched on as Guerrero took possession of the ball, but a back hand from Louis Hine gave Will Harper the opportunity to bring the ball around and gallop towards the goal for England’s final chance.

A nearside touch from Ned Hine took the ball to the left, where Guerrero who took possession with a backhand towards the centre, beautifully met by Tommy Severn who took the ball forward under pressure from Argentina and scored a stunning neck shot to put England back in the lead 10.5-10. “I don’t believe what’s happening here – my word, he’s got it!” was the shout from commentator Greg Keating that echoed the emotions on the field, as the clock ran out and an ecstatic Young England side celebrated a fantastic victory in the Windsor sunshine.

We were delighted to be joined by Henry and Serena Whitbread to present The Whitbread Tankard on behalf of the Colonel Whitbread Trust, continuing the long history of this coveted trophy, which was donated to the HPA in 1956 and has been a Young England fixture since 2007.

It was a Tommy Severn whitewash as he stepped forward to claim both the KBIS Best Playing Pony title for Lovelocks Glowworm, a 9-year-old mare bred in Argentina, in addition to the Most Valuable Player prize.

Ned Hine’s Secret Applause, a 13-year-old by Sakhee’s Secret, picked up the Best Playing ROR rug presented by Retraining of Racehorses. Secret was a winner under rules for Michael Dods and has certainly found her perfect second career in polo.

You can watch the match again for free with HPA TV – no sign-in required!