The only remaining polo club in Essex celebrated a memorable win at Rugby Polo Club at the weekend.

Ashfields Black Lions, who are based at Great Canfield near Dunmow, overcame several teams to clinch a place in the final against Rugby's ASP Architects team, who started as favourites to win the prestigious Rugby silver trophy.

They have been playing polo at Rugby since 1893, making it the oldest polo club in the country, which made the Lion's win all the more impressive.

The final was played over four chuckas at a fast pace, and Rugby took a first chucka 2-0 lead.

The Ashfields Black Lions held firm and were rewarded for their determined play with three goals to be in the lead 3-2 at half time.

Straight after the restart a series of quick breaks from Ashfield's Andrew Mathies and Karl Ude-Martinez saw their lead stretch to 6-2.

The Architect's scored just one last minute goal to leave the Essex team deserved winners of the Silver Cup by a 6-3 margin.

For people interested in polo, Ashfields are staging their annual tournament this weekend (August 19 and 20). Play starts at 1pm, entrance is free with a licensed bar and food available.

For more information, telephone Andrew Mathies or Paul Piddington on 01371 876060.

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