Thu 11th Jun 2026The Queen’s Cup Final is Set with Aureus vs Balanz CapitalTwo thrilling, extra chukka Semi Finals set the scene for a mega match up
The huge crowds that gathered at Guards Polo Club on Wednesday 10 June were treated to more than a few showers and rainbows. 14 chukkas of fast-paced, heart in the mouth polo had the supporters shouting and cheering, out of their seats to watch as the pressure mounted for all four teams in the Semi Finals.
First up it was crowd favourite, Aureus vs British Open for the Cowdray Gold Cup champions La Dolfina/ Marques de Riscal. Led by Poroto Cambiaso the team in red took the lead in the first half, playing a clever game and making great use of Alejandro Aznar up front to fully stretch the Aureus defence as they endeavored to cover every man. Luckily, a four-man strong team and all performing at their best, they were able to keep within touching distance of La Dolfina/ Marques de Riscal, never letting them get too far ahead despite incredible interlocking plays from Prado and Poroto. Trading goals in the final chukka, Aureus were not going down without a fight and with Cavanagh, who had a great game, powering through an equaliser at 10-10, the game went to extra chukka down at the Aureus end of the field.
A scuffle in front of goal, a nifty little play from Cavanagh and a pass up to Coventry had Aureus within touching distance of The Kerry Packer Trophy and when the two goaler picked up a bouncing ball in the air and tapped it confidently through the posts, the crowds went wild and Aureus took the first spot in The Cartier Queen’s Cup Final.
Next up, it was a fierce and fast-paced battle between two Castagnola brothers. Dubai started well, pulling away and making it look easy to neutralise the hereby undefeatable Lorenzo Chavanne and Jeta Castagnola duo. The horsepower on show was something else as Barto Castagnola stormed the field over and over again. While Balanz Capital never took their eye off the ball and never let Dubai relax, it certainly seemed that the guys in green would be the confident winners when they went into the fifth chukka 10-6 up, looking on course to continue their journey to their seventh Queen’s Cup win. But one should never underestimate the ‘Jeta factor’ and a determined push from the boys in blue saw them equalise in the last, pushing the match to the day’s second extra chukka finish. Luck was on the side of the newcomers as a 30 yard penalty went to Balanz Capital and Lorenzo Chavanne fired through goal number 42 of the tournament so far, to take the win and confirm Balanz Capital’s place against Aureus in Sunday’s Final.
The Final will take place on Sunday 14 June at 3:30pm after The Subsidiary Final (teams tbc) at 11am.
The Cartier Queen’s Cup Final Teams:
Aureus (22): Jake Coventry (2), Mark Tomlinson (5), Diego Cavanagh (8) & Teo Lacau (7)
Balanz Capital (22): Claudio Porcel (0), Camilo ‘Jeta’ Castagnola (10), Ned Hine (5) & Lorenzo Chavanne (7)
Photograph: Ned Hine of Balanz Capital was awarded Most Valuable Player after his performance was key to his team’s success. By Art of Polo
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