BERENBERG BANK UNITED SERVICES CUP & HACKETT INTER-REGIMENTAL FINAL: JULY 15 2007

GUARDS Polo Club bore witnes to the most thrilling finale to the Chapple Cup Series in the history of the tournament as the CSPA and Eastern Circuit United States Polo Association clashed in the ultimate decider.

Having each drawn blood – first the CSPA at Sandhurst and then ECUSPA at the Hackett Rundle Cup Day – there was all to play for as the sides met in the United Services Cup match sponsored by Berenberg Bank.

The winner of the Cup would also be crowned champions of the three-match Chapple Cup Series – never before won by a touring team. In fact the ECUSPA have tried four times unsuccessfully to lift the coveted trophy and were determined to go for broke on their fifth attempt.

Leading their challenge was six-goaler Nacho Figueras who was joined by John Muse, John Goodman and Juan Salinas-Bentley. They were up against the CSPPA's Maj Cann, Lt Col Hunter, Lt Col Stanhope-White and Capt Vestey.

With all to play for it proved an incredible match, played at a huge pace, which kept the spectators on the edge of their seat until the final bell of the final chukka. With just seconds left on the clock it was the CSPA's win for the taking but a last gasp goal gave victory to the American side by eight goals to seven and a half.

The jubilant touring team were quick to celebrate what was an historic result and one they had been waiting for nine years or more. The consolation for the CSPA side was that two-goaler Lt Col Nick Hunter was named best player on the field - playing like a professional four or five goaler in the game of his life.

There was more action on the field with the Hackett Inter-Regimental Final between the Household Cavalry Regiment and the Royal Wessex Yeomanry. It was a walk in the park for RWxY who won the game by nine goals to three and a half.

O/Cdt Jamie Horton was in eye-catching form scoring at least four of the nine goals and he was justly awarded the Jack Pringle Trophy for the player best playing up to his handicap. Ironically, Horton is set to join the Household Cavalry Regiment shortly.

For the Berenberg Bank United Services Cup and the Hackett Inter-Regimental Final photo galleries click here