FROM the opening moments of the Horse Show Tournament four goal final for Horseware and Polo Wicklow until just before the final bell, the match for the Novices Cup, one of the oldest in the AIPC collection, looked like a sure win for Horseware.

Opening with an average team handicap of three goals, Horseware came onto the field with a half-goal advantage against Polo Wicklow’s team average of four, an advantage that would place Tom MacGuinness’ team in the lead until the last second, do-or-die goal was scored on a penalty free hit by James Connolly.