What at times felt like a fantasy has become a reality. England – and the world of polo as a whole – is very much looking forward to an intense season. The British Government announced that as of Monday, June 1, sports may be played behind closed doors, and this statement has been confirmed.
Although an official announcement from the HPA about how polo will adapt to the measures is pending, one thing is for sure – Saturday’s news encouraged patrons and players to travel to England. Therefore, in the last 48 hours, teams of all levels have been confirmed, and more news is expected.
In terms of the English high goal, six teams have been confirmed so far, and there are high chances that a couple more will confirm their participation. One of the most important developments is Adolfo Cambiaso’s comeback following a year absence from the British high goal in 2019. He will be representing La Bamba de Areco, a team that has been renamed Next Generation Polo Team. He will be playing alongside David Stirling for the first time in England; they will be joined by Cambiaso’s son, Poroto. Adolfo and his son have already played together this year, in the World Polo League, winning the two tournaments that were able to take place.
For Park Place, runner up of the two last editions of the Queen’s Cup, 2020 brings a new challenge. The team’s core members are the Pieres brothers, Facundo and Gonzalito, undoubtedly one of the most successful partnerships of the last 15 years. Together they have won the most important tournaments in Argentina, England and the US. They will be joined by Kian Hall, who, among other achievements, claimed the Queen’s Cup in 2016, with Dubai. Another strong foursome will be Dillon Bacon’s Great Oaks, whose lineup will feature the Castagnola brothers, current title holders of the Gold Cup. Camilo, the younger brother, is currently injured, so it is yet to see how this will affect the team.
David Paradice’s Scone is another team to watch – the Australian organisation are current title holders of the Queen’s Cup. This year, Ollie Cudmore will be joining Nico Pieres and James Harper. On the other hand, German player Patrick Maleitzke is ready to compete at the highest level in his team Schockemohle, alongside Jaime Garcìa Huidobro and Diego Cavanagh.
Monterosso will also be armed and ready. This will be Alesandro Bazzoni’s fourth consecutive season in the high goal. He will be joined by Cubi Toccalino, Guillermo Terrera, and Jerónimo del Carril.
High goal action is on the horizon! Get ready!
2020 HIGH GOAL ENGLISH SEASON – TEAMS:
Great Oaks: Dhillon Bacon, Barto Castagnola, Camilo Castagnola, Santiago Laborde.
Monterosso: Alessandro Bazzoni, Cubi Toccalino, Guillermo Terrera, Jero Del Carril.
Next Generation Polo Team: Jean Francois Decaux, Poroto Cambiaso, Pelon Stirling, Adolfo Cambiaso.
Park Place: Andrey Borodin, Kian Hall, Gonzalo Pieres, Facundo Pieres.
Schockemohle: TBA, Patrick Maleitzke, Jaime García Huidobro, Diego Cavanagh.
Scone: David Paradice, Ollie Cudmore, Nico Pieres, James Harper.
CALENDAR – 22 GOAL:
Prince of Wales Trophy (Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club): June 12-20. (World Polo Tour Challenge Cup).
Trippetts Challenge (Cowdray Park Polo Club): June 13-20.
Gold Cup for the British Open (Cowdray Park Polo Club): June 23 – July 19. (World Polo Tour Grand Slam).
Warwickshire Cup (Cirencester Park Polo Club): July 18-26. (World Polo Tour Challenge Cup).
Queen’s Cup (Guards Polo Club): July 28 – August 23. (World Polo Tour Championship Cup).