A fierce showdown is set to be unleashed at Beaufort Polo Club, home to the Evolution Test Match, the first of England’s internationals. This first 27-goal battle, pitching England against Argentina, hits the Gloucestershire grounds on 24 June.
Argentina is pulling out all the stops to retain her title after clinching last year’s inaugural match (9-7); 10-goaler Adolfo Cambiaso will lead the charge as captain. The news has set polo circles abuzz: it is believed the Evolution Test Match will mark the first time Cambiaso — a familiar face on the British circuit — flies the Argentine team flag against England on British turf.
“Playing against Cambiaso is a different ballgame — he’s half animal and half machine,” said Luke Tomlinson, who, with brother Mark, is a strong contender for England’s line-up, to be announced on 2 June. “It will be a tough game,” he added. “The opposition will be extremely well mounted and all very good value for their handicaps.”
The test match will be tagged by an all-female game, England Ladies vs a Rest of the World side, with the day’s action culminating in a party hosted by Kensington nightclub Boujis.
The three Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) matches also include the Cartier International (Guards, 30 July) and Cowdray test (28 August). The fixtures were last year boosted by car manufacturer Audi’s pledge to sponsor the England team for three years.
If you want to cheer on England at Beaufort, get your tickets soon. Car passes, £15; stand seats £20; or a “lunch tent package” (includes car pass, champagne/Pimms reception, luncheon, afternoon tea and reserved stand seat) costs £120 per head or £1,100 for a table of 10.
Gates open at 11.30am on 24 June, with the test match kicking off at 3pm and ladies’ action at 5pm.
Contact (tel: 01666 880510) or visit www.beaufortpoloclub.co.uk
