Three universities made history last Sunday hosting the inaugural Claire Lucas Cup. 12 feisty femmes from Oxford, Cambridge and St. Andrew’s battled it out at Kirtlington Park Polo Club for the prestigious title of Champions in the first University level Ladies’ Tournament. The competition was fierce.

 

The first match of the round robin saw Oxford victorious over Cambridge, with a score of 3-0. Wilhelmina von Blumenthal was on fire, scoring two of the Oxford goals. The second match was won by St. Andrew’s 7-0, winning Cambridge the wooden spoon of the tournament, after a strong and persistent fight from the all S team.

 

The final match, between Oxford and St. Andrew’s, was fought furiously, with outstanding performances from all players. Again, Oxford’s Wilhelmina von Blumenthal seemed to have the ball glued to the stick, popping in two goals with ease and grace. Hannah Middleton-Cope and Vicky Fenner of St. Andrew’s also proved to be rather handy with a mallet, scoring a goal each in quick succession to put the teams on even ground.

 

But performance of the day must go to Aurelia Vandamme who, after falling off and injuring her ankle, took the ball out of the line-up and stormed down the pitch to score Oxford's winning goal; earning herself the title of MVP. Prizes, provided by La Martina, British Polo Gin and Women in Polo UK, were awarded by Claire Lucas herself, making for a wonderful end to a thrilling day celebrating women’s polo.