Action from the Challenge Cup match at the Marsa ground. Photo: Aldo Scicluna

The penultimate trophy match of the Malta Polo Club season was held last week.

Team Jeep and Team Engel & Volkers Sara Grech battled it out for the prestigious Challenge Cup – a trophy that dates back to 1870.

Captained by Julian Mamo, Team Jeep were hard pressed to make headway in the first chukka.

Play was tense and close with the strong wind providing a challenge to both teams. Trailing 2-0 into the second chukka, Team Jeep gained momentum thanks to two goals from Mamo and Matthew Brincat, demonstrating superior pony power and precision team play.

The third chukka showcased classic defending by Engel & Volkers Sara Grech, with Jean Vella and Miles Lockwood keeping the onslaught at bay and allowing playmaker Jeremy Besancon to equalise.

Mamo restored Team Jeep’s lead just before the end of the third chukka following a dramatic clash at the goalmouth.

In the final chukka, Alfie Manduca, for Team Jeep, dominated play with a series of backhand shots.

With the ball closely guarded by Patrick Filletti, it seemed to be a sure match win for the season favourites but in the final minutes, Karl Galea, Team E&V Sara Grech captain, fired two goals for a dramatic victory as Jeep’s winning run came to an end.

The Challenge Cup was presented to the winning team by Benjamin Grech, managing director at Engel & Volkers Sara Grech.

The presentation was followed by a reception trackside with an appreciative crowd of club supporters and polo enthusiasts.

The umpires were Christian Delia and Martin Arrigo while George Lyttleton acted as third man referee. Commentary was done by Caroline Lockwood.