The most prestigious match of the Malta Polo Club season – the Cawnpore Cup – was played last weekend at Marsa.

This trophy match, which brought the season to a close, was first contested in 1901, in Cawnpore, India, some 115 years ago. Gifted to the Maltese club in 1947, the cup has been played for annually with the exception of the war years.

The highest handicapped players were eligible to figure in the Cawnpore Cup and this year’s teams included another fine selection.

Team Engel and Volkers Sara Grech, captained by Karl Galea, took a quick lead in the first chukka with three goals scored in the opening minutes (Galea 2 and Jean Vella).

The side was also aided by Patrick Filletti in defence, giving Team Brooks Brothers a clear indication of the task ahead.

Brooks Brothers responded in the second chukka with a late goal by captain Julian Mamo to go in for the break trailing by two goals.

Brooks scored two other goals as play resumed, through Mamo and Jeremy Besancon, with Christian Delia and Ben Farrugia providing a sound cover in defence.

However, E&V soon had victory in their sights after hitting back with goals by Martin Arrigo and Galea to move 5-3 ahead following some heated riding and penalties awarded against both teams.

With the comfort of a two-goal lead in the last chukka, E&V were not to be distracted and Galea was again on the mark for his fourth goal.

E&V won 6-3 and their captain was named most valid player of the match.

The umpires were D. Mizzi and M. Darmanin while G. Lyttleton was third man.

Malta President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca presented the Cawnpore Cup to the winning team.