2021 Savile Cup
Lightning-Fast Savile Cup Final Martin Waddy Reports
T
he Final of the 2021 Savile Cup at picturesque Omihi was a hard-fought, fast, controlled match, played to the sound of encroaching thunder and lightning cracking on the distant Canterbury Hills. The match was tightly held at 5-5 until the final chukka, when Mystery Creek notched up a gear. The highlight goal was from seven goaler JP Clarkin, who galloped the full length of the boards at racehorse pace, controlling the ball with precision. As the storm drew closer, the final two penalty goals went to Mystery Creek, taking the score to 8-5.
Christchurch Teal were unable to hold the score even, despite the fine play of Number 1 Pete Dormer scoring two goals, Edward Elworthy Jones (winner of The Prince of Wales Cup for Most Promising Player) and the hard-hitting Glenn Sheriff (Captain) and Glen Armstrong at the back. Mystery Creek was strengthened by the partnership between JP Clarkin and Kit Brooks, whose years of experience playing together meant they could read each other’s play blindfolded, well supported by young talented player Zac Keyte and Garth Fraser playing number two.
Reports
Mystery Creek clean up
NZ Polo Secretary Emma Dormer gallantly awarded cups and prizes in the teeming rain supported by President Allan Browne and Past President Richard Hunt, until the final rainbow signalled the end of the tournament. The Savile Cup Handicap winners, Auckland 9, played Christchurch Green 6 in a hotly contested game, with Christchurch unable to match the partnership of cousins, Thomas Hunt and Simon Keyte.
Mystery Creek, winners of The Savile Cup
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Polo Times, April 2021
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