The European Polo Play-offs have just ended at the Santa María Polo Club in Sotogrande in Southern Spain - where England and Spain have made it through to the Mexico World cup in 2008.

This prestigious European event, appointed by the International Polo Federation (FIP) and the Royal Spanish Polo Federation, provided exciting encounters. From the start of the competition on April 20 and for its duration, Spain and England lived up to their status as favourites, and on the last and decisive day, the match between them was crucial.

Left to right. Mr. Simon Tomlinson, T. Morley (5), E. Hitchman (3), Mr. Patrick Guerrand-Hermes, Mr. Nicolás Álvarez, N. Vestey (3), G. Meyrick (3)

Italy’s comfortable win over France in the first match of the last day of the European polo playoffs left the competition open, and later, in an enthralling last match, England went up against Spain. The match could lead to the elimination of either of the two teams. A Spanish victory would have knocked the English out. A big difference in goals in favour of the English could have put an end to Spain’s world championship aspirations. However, despite the superiority that England demonstrated throughout the match, helped by notably better mounts, the final result of 9-6 (2-1, 5-4, 7-4, 8-5 and 9-6) allowed both teams to reach the coveted qualifying positions.

Both England and Spain secured their places in the Mexico World Championships, to be held in April 2008. The Spanish team played a balanced game with outstanding performances from the captain, Nacho Domecq, and Mario Gómez, who is about to start the English season with the La Clarita team.

The atmosphere at the stands of Santa María Polo Club was outstanding, particularly during the last week of the competition. Mexico is now the big challenge to look forward to.

Images and Video of the event visit La Bocha