Tue 4th Jun 2019La Martina Varsity Day Oxford retain prestigious trophy
Oxford retained the prestigious La Martina Varsity Trophy on Saturday 1 June, defeating old rivals Cambridge 15-1. On handicap Oxford were the stronger team, but this match is traditionally played open, and the dark blues did not disappoint. What gave Oxford the advantage on this day was that they played well as a team, always supporting and ensuring that someone was in the right place to receive a ball. Whilst Cambridge had a huge mountain to climb, they maintained a positive attitude throughout and managed to at least make it onto the scoreboard with a successfully converted penalty from Charlie Hamilton. Oxford's Tamara Gibbons was named La Martina Most Valuable Player while team mate Charlie Hitchman, who had scored the majority of Oxford's goals, received the Best Playing Pony prize for his Dutch Warmblood, 19-year-old gelding Canario, who had originally been bred for eventing. Oxford also won the Old Blues game, narrowly defeating Cambridge 4½-4. However, the Cambridge Ladies restored honour in the second Ladies Varsity. They convincingly won their match over the Oxford Ladies 8-3. The other prominent match on this day saw the annual schools test between Eton and Harrow. Harrow retained this trophy 12-4½, thanks to some impressive play from Harrow's Captain, Hugo Taylor. A full report will follow in the next issue of Polo Times. Are you already a subscriber and would like to share the Polo Times love with friends and family? Click here to send a gift subscription today! Photograph: four matches were played over the 2019 La Martina Varisty Day. By ©www.imagesofpolo.com  |