A glamorous crowd was out in force for the thrilling Wirral Ladies’ Cup at Cheshire Polo Club, near Tarporley

Slivers of blue sky and warm summer weather greeted 200 marquee luncheon guests, spectators and players for the first of Cheshire Polo Club’s headline tournaments, sponsored by Pearson Financial Management.

For the final of the Wirral Ladies’ Cup eight players and their beautiful ponies lined up for the throw-in before the tournament between Chester Polo and A.W. Jenkinson. Chester quickly opened the scoring but A.W.Jenkinson struck back and the score was pretty even until half time. The spectators were then invited by commentator Robin Sturch to ‘tread in’ the divots, rather like that famous scene in the film Pretty Woman.

As spectators recharged their champagne glasses, the third chukka began with determined players mounted on fresh ponies. Chester then took a slight lead mainly due to their good team work and accuracy in front of the goal. This strategy helped Chester to gradually build up an unassailable advantage, to become the winners eight goals to three, resulting in their retaining the magnificent Wirral Ladies’ Cup.

The trophy and prizes were presented to Richard Thomas, patron of the winning team, by Oliver Pearson on behalf of the sponsors. Jamie Thomas was awarded the Most Valuable Player accolade for his excellent polo skills and as polo is horse-led, there was a Best Playing Pony award for Fox Cub, owned and ridden by New Zealand three goal professional Jonny Coddington.

Guests then took their seats for the Jubilee Cup Subsidiary Final, which was played out between three teams: Dettagli v Rockefellers v The Four Amigos (this is referred to as an American Tournament). The Cup was won by Rockfellers, and the prizes were presented to patron Nicky Mayhew, by Oliver Pearson. Local boy Henry Smith from Tarporley was awarded Most Valuable Player. Best Playing Pony was Venus, owned and played by Lenny Cunningham playing for Dettagli.

After an exciting day watching polo, guests attended an after party in the marquee organised by Cheeky Chilli Events. Evening revellers rocked to entertainment provided by Six 15 Events. The Cheshire crowd was out in force to celebrate the start of another exciting summer season at Cheshire Polo Club.