The following article was reported in England in the Telegraph newspaper;

Streakers help England polo team defeat Australia in the Coronation Cup

Perhaps it was down to the weather, with the Cartier International polo played in the sort of heat and humidity that was more Bondi Beach than Windsor Great Park.

By Mark Hodgkinson
Last Updated: 12:33AM BST 28 Jul 2008

Ice breaker: a male streaker is seen on a big screen during the Coronation Cup. More likely, it was down to the champagne. In a serious breach of polo protocol, three streakers ran on to the field to interrupt play for a minute or so, as England looked to close out victory against a strong Australian team.

You had to wonder what the watching Prince Charles made of the unscheduled nudity, and yet the England captain, Luke Tomlinson, disclosed that the male streakers could actually have helped the home side on the way to beating Australia 10-9 to win the Coronation Cup.

The streaking happened in the final chukka, the trio leaping out of the North Stand and on to the grass; two of them later returned to where they had come from, while the third was chased away by stewards. Tomlinson said that the ensuing laughter from the 25,000 spectators had eased the tension in his team and allowed his players to complete a rare English sporting triumph over Australia.

"To be honest, I didn't find the streakers distracting," said Tomlinson, who was voted the most valuable player of the match. "It may have actually been a good thing, as it introduced an element of humour, and that meant that the team could calm down a little. It was a good, open game – and there was some great horseflesh on show."

Unfortunately, there was more than horseflesh on show, with the streakers displayed on the big screen in the corner of the field.

An official said that they had violated the strict dress code, which for men is trousers and a collared shirt. "They wouldn't have been ejected from the park, but they would have been told to put their clothes back on, as they would have broken our dress code in the members' enclosure at Guards Polo Club," she said. "I hear the streakers could have helped the England team – however, we wouldn't recommend this as a tactic."

The only time Australia held the lead was in the opening chukka, when an unfortunate air-shot by an English mallet led to a score for the visitors. But England galloped to victory. At the close, Tomlinson threw his mallet into the air in delight.

The laughter continued at the prize-giving ceremony when the Australian captain, Glen Gilmore, presented Prince Charles with a didgeridoo. It was an afternoon of unexpected sights.
End of Telegraph Report.


The Coronation Cup has just finished at the Guards Polo Club in Windsor, England.

England beat Australia 10-9 in the Cartier International. It was a thrilling, fast, high quality game. A well fought contest.

Australia hit 9 behinds to England 4. The 3rd Chukka was not good for Australia. We lost 3 goals. Fought back but just not enough.

In the last 30 seconds an attempt at goal failed to tie Australia with England.

The game was extremely exciting & close with a superb level of horsemanship and skill displayed by all the players.

Congratulations to England.


Most Valuable Player:

Luke Tomlinson, England

Best Playing Pony:

"Nona", Ellerston horse played by Ruki Baillieu, Australia

Thanks to the kind generosity of Mrs. Ros Packer/Ellerston who supplied the mounts for Damien Johnston.

Congratulations to all.




The Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) has named the England team to face Australia at the Cartier International on Sunday 27th July at the Guards Polo Club, Windsor in England.

ENGLAND:
Luke Tomlinson 7
Mark Tomlinson 7
James Beim 6
Malcolm Borwick 6
England: Total 26 goals

AUSTRALIA:
Damien Johnston 6
Glen Gilmore 7
Ruki Baillieu 7
Rob Archibald 6
Australia: Total 26 goals.

This Australian team defeated New Zealand at the Test Match at Windsor on 30th March 2008. England defeated New Zealand in June so it will be a well fought contest between Australia & England.

The teams will be playing for the prestigious Coronation Cup at the Guards Polo Club.

England's Captain Luke Tomlinson said “It was a total team effort against New Zealand and we all know what we need to do to beat Australia. The Aussies will be extremely well mounted. We will need to be very disciplined and take our opportunities as and when they arise.”

As quoted on the Guards Polo Club website they describe this event as;
"The biggest polo day in the world! Royalty, celebrities and leading players combined with a 25,000 strong crowd make attending this event an experience you’ll never forget. Follow the highs and lows of the players as they gallop across the pitch, ride each other off or turn on a sixpence in pursuit of that all important goal."

Good luck to the Australian team!!