THE annual Christmas tournament for the Cosimo von Dungern Cup had a family flavour to it this year as grandfather Micky Herbst, daughter Siobhan and Robert Patton on the Polo Wicklow A team took on Marco Herbst, Jamie McCarthy and granddaughters Kate and Ciara on the Polo Wicklow B team. Sean Reynolds, Dennis Connolly and Hector Medrano made up the Rits team. Played over two days, the Polo Wicklow A team emerged victorious, winning both matches on both days.

The last match of the year, held on New Year’s Eve, marked the debut of new club member Richard Fagan as he, Santiago Torrequitar and his son Rochi representing Spain went up against Aiden Farrell, Micky Herbst and Ruth O’Brien. O’Brien was substituted in after the last-minute withdrawal of Dennis Connolly.

The scales did not quite balance out so there was a swap of some players for chukka two and the match resumed. The changed team brought the best out in R.C.I. student O’Brien and the result was a tight match in which the win went to Spain, eight goals to seven.

The first match of 2015, played over two days and 12 chukkas, saw the Rits team play Polo Wicklow. It began with a very quiet first chukka but exploded into an exciting exhibition of speed and skill. By the sixth chukka, there was only one goal between the teams.

Aidan Farrell took Marco Herbst’s place on Sunday and the competitive spirit grew even stronger. Steam rose from both horses and riders and missed goals were compensated for by double pointers from behind the 50m line. After 12 incredible chukkas, the final score line was 26 to 26.