White Crane Black made history at Guards Polo Club on Sunday, claiming their first Aston Martin Prince of Wales Championship Cup with a convincing 9-6 victory over defending champions Monterosso. The triumph marked a perfect conclusion to the 2025 UK high-goal polo season.
A Star-Studded Final Performance
Jasmine Calvert-Ansari’s impressive 20-goal team, anchored by the experienced David Stirling, delivered when it mattered most. The victory was particularly sweet as it came against Monterosso, who had lifted this very trophy in 2023.
Young American player Mackenzie Weisz proved instrumental in White Crane Black’s success. His clinical penalty conversions and sharp field play earned him the Aston Martin Most Valuable Player award. Meanwhile, teammate Felipe Dabas saw his 11-year-old mare Mentirose take home the Best Playing Pony prize after stellar performances in the second and sixth chukkas.
Monterosso’s Valiant Challenge
Alessandro Bazzoni’s Monterosso team faced an uphill battle without their talisman Ignacio Toccalino. Alfredo Bigatti stepped up admirably as the team’s number two, providing crucial support for Diego Cavanagh, who covered ground at pace throughout the match.
Young English talent Will Harper delivered an outstanding fifth chukka performance, showcasing the depth of British polo talent on the international stage.
A Match of Two Halves
The contest remained finely balanced at half-time with White Crane Black holding a slender 5-4 advantage. The fourth chukka proved pivotal as Weisz extended their lead through both penalty and field goals, whilst Monterosso’s attacking forays failed to convert.
Despite Harper’s brilliant fifth-chukka goal for Monterosso, Dabas responded with a spectacular strike to restore White Crane Black’s two-goal cushion. A late penalty conversion from Weisz in the sixth sealed the victory, though Bigatti’s trademark long-range effort provided a fitting finale for the runners-up.
Aston Martin’s Spectacular Debut
This marked Aston Martin’s first year as title sponsor, bringing unprecedented glamour to the tournament. The luxury car manufacturer showcased an extraordinary collection including the iconic DB5 Goldfinger, the world’s first super tourer DB12, and the breathtaking Vanquish Volante.
Players swapped their polo ponies for horsepower of a different kind during pre-match introductions, being driven onto the field in these automotive masterpieces.
Supporting Cast Shines
The morning’s subsidiary final saw Enrico Meneghetti’s Quianto Capital Polo Team defeat Tunde Karim’s Shoreline 8-6. Despite losing captain Fran Elizalde to injury early on, Shoreline fought valiantly with substitute Alejo Aramburu throwing himself into the contest. Teodoro Lacau earned Most Valuable Player honours for his commanding performance.
Tournament Reflection
Eight teams contested this year’s championship, with every match delivering competitive polo under the summer sun. The sell-out crowd at Guards Polo Club witnessed a fitting climax to what has been an exceptional season of high-goal polo.
Final Teams:
- White Crane Black: Jasmine Calvert-Ansari (0), Mackenzie Weisz (6), David Stirling (8), Felipe Dabas (6)
- Monterosso: Will Harper (4), Alfredo Bigatti (7), Diego Cavanagh (8), Alessandro Bazzoni (1)
The victory represents a significant milestone for Calvert-Ansari’s polo ambitions and establishes White Crane Black as a force to be reckoned with in future high-goal competitions.
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