THE Irish polo team recently travelled to the Newport International Polo Series held in Rhode Island USA, making their 24th consecutive appearance at the event.

Wicklow Polo Club were defending a title they had won for three years running, with the travelling Irish squad scoring a 14 -10 win after an intense six-chukka contest against the USA.

Ireland’s top female player Siobhan Herbst, was joined by Caroline Keeling, Colm Kelleher and Davo Stone, while team USA comprised of Charlie Bullis, Chip Stiegler, Dan Keating and Peter Friedman.

Davo Stone landed the first point for Ireland in the opening seconds, with the USA responding with points by Stiegler and Keating before the end of the first chukka.

A seven-minute game delay followed when a pony ridden by one of the Irish players inadvertently stumbled, resulting in an injury to the horse. The injured horse was removed to Glen Farm stables by equine ambulance for veterinary care, while the player sustained minor injuries and resumed competition.

Defense was tight in the second period with Bullis and Kelleher scoring a point for each team. Further scores followed for Ireland’s Colm Kelleher, with Stiegler and Bullis responding for the USA who held a half- time lead of five points to four.

The second half saw USA continue to edge in front, before the Irish took control in the fifth chukka. All four Irish team members scored points including a double for Herbst, with Keeling, Kelleher, and Stone also getting on the score sheet.

Bullis added a single score for the US before the bell, but Ireland continued their streak into the last chukka.

Herbst and Stone added two goals apiece and despite further US scores for Friedman and Bullis, the final bell rang with Ireland claiming the cup with a final score of 14 points to 10.