Jaeger-LeCoultre

219
3826

• Show profile
• Show other posts

The Polo Match

Polo is played over the course of four ‘chuckas’ of seven and a half minutes each. A large clock (in this instance looking like a basic form of a Reverso) times the chucka and then re-sets.



The two teams were assembled especially for the charity match. In the blue shirts were the Adriano Agosti’s “Altamira” team; in the white shirts were the Jaeger-LeCoultre charity team assembled by Claire Milford Haven. Polo players carry a ‘handicap’ in much the same way as a golfer (only in reverse). A polo player is rated in terms of goals. The term "goal" does not refer to how many goals the player will score in a match but indicates the player's value to the team.

Before the match both teams walk to the centre of the field with the referee, the ball is then dropped, and play begins.



After hitting the ball, the chase is on, the polo pony is the equine equivalent of the small sports car, accelerate fast, brake, turn on sixpence, and then accelerate again. The agility and speed of the game makes it exciting to watch. It must be a blast to play.











The chase is on!









For the spectators there was the pleasure of the Perrier Jouet hospitality tent. This was entertaining on a grand scale and provided a welcoming and congenial atmosphere for polo enthusiasts and casual spectators alike. Good to see a number of prominent MJLC collectors, and participants at past PuristPro events. It was a great spectacle and although I know next to nothing about tactics and strategy in the sport, it was fun and entertaining to watch.











[A Belle Epoque – the art deco design of the bottles and the bar led itself naturally to the polo and the design of the Reverso itself].

The match ended with victory for the Altamira team. The match began with a half goal lead to the Jaeger-LeCoultre charity team because of the superior goal ranking for the Altamira team, but with the final score on the field being 5-4 in Altamira’s favour, this was a narrow victory for the blue shirted professional players. It was end to end play, played in a good spirit, and emphasis on entertainment.









[Guillain Maspetiol - UK Brand Director for Jaeger LeCoultre - presenting the Jaeger-LeCoultre Charity Polo Cup to Adriano Agosti’s Altamira team, to Adriano Agosti, and to the ‘Man of the Match’: Harry Wentworth (James younger brother)].
This message has been edited by 219 on 2010-09-15 01:40:33