The New South Wales Championship Trophy, the Countess of Dudley Cup, since being presented in 1910, has arguably become one of the most coveted trophies in Australian Club Polo. The trophy was named after the wife of William Ward, the second Earl of Dudley, who served as Governor General from 1908 to 1911.
The Countess of Dudley presented the silver cup at the inaugural tournament in 1910. It was intended to be a perpetual challenge trophy open to all member clubs of the New South Wales Polo Association and to clubs that are members of kindred associations in other states.
This year, there are 12 club teams competing for this prestigious trophy.
Tournament Conditions:
- Each team will play within their pool for the first 3 games.
- 2 points for a win, 1 point for a draw and 0 points for a loss.
- The winners of Pool A,B,C (based on margins if points are tied) will progress to the Countess of Dudley semi finals. If margins are equal, a penalty shootout will occur.
- To decide the fourth team for the Countess of Dudley Cup semi finals, the next best loser from any Pool based on points and margins will also progress. If margins are equal, a penalty shootout will occur.
- After that, the next four best teams from any Pool based on points and margins will progress to the Hector King semi finals. If margins are equal, a penalty shootout will occur.
- The four bottom teams based on points and margins will progress to the Garvin Cup semi finals.
- ·A suitable umpire pony must be provided from both teams tacked up and ready 10 minutes before at the centre table. Failure to do so will incur a $200 fine.
Welcome Drinks Thursday 26 September
The NSW Polo Association would like to invite all to a welcome drinks event for the Countess of Dudley Cup teams at the Royal Richmond Hotel on Thursday, 26th September from 6:30 pm. The evening will feature a warm reception for the participating Dudley Cup teams and a shirt presentation for the NSW Junior team in preparation for the upcoming NSW Junior Championship. The championship will take place at Scone Polo Club on Wednesday, 9 October, where they will compete against the visiting South Island team.