England take on the Commonwealth in the Bryan Morrison Trophy at Hickstead

England take on the Commonwealth in the Bryan Morrison Trophy at Hickstead

England will face a team from the Commonwealth as they bid to win the Bryan Morrison Trophy, the Arena Polo International Test Match at Hickstead, for the third year in a row.

The two teams are due to clash at the All England Polo Club on Saturday 4 March, when England will be aiming to continue their run of home wins, following victories over Ireland in 2015 and the USA in 2016.

Captaining England this year will be 8-goaler Jonny Good, who is joined by Harold Hodges (6) and Adolfo Casabal (7). On the Commonwealth team, Jamie Morrison (7) takes up the role of Captain, alongside players Ryan Pemble (8) and Mikey Henderson (6).

With the handicap of both teams at 21-goals, both sides will start with a clean sheet – and polo fans look set to be treated to an evenly-matched, exciting game of Arena Polo.

All England Polo Club Chairman John Bunn says: “We’re delighted to be able to host this prestigious international Test Match once again, and are looking forward to seeing if England can lift the Bryan Morrison Trophy for the third year. England has only been beaten once in this match at Hickstead, and they’ll be looking to extend their record this year.”

Arena Polo is the winter version of the sport of polo, with three players per team instead of four. The arena is much smaller than a grass pitch, and shots can be played off the boarded sides of the arena. A larger, softer ball and no changes of end following each goal means the game is easy to follow, fast-paced and enthralling for spectators.

With the 12-goal challenge match held before the Bryan Morrison Trophy, polo enthusiasts can watch two top-class games of arena polo for just £5 per ticket. A post-match luncheon will also take place for players and supporters, with tickets costing an additional £49.50 for those wishing to attend.

The Polo Clubhouse will be open throughout the day, offering a range of refreshments, while the Clubhouse viewing platform offers an unrivalled view of the Arena.

Gates open at 10.30am. Full details and tickets are available at www.hickstead.co.uk

Suzanne Ashton

Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.