Keeping the historical tradition of competitive international rivalry alive, the tenth edition of the Townsend Cup between USA (Andrew Scott, Pelon Escapite, Tommy Biddle Jr.) and England (Toby Bradshaw, Eden Ormerod, Jack Hyde) was held on Saturday, October 26, at New Bridge Polo & Country Club in Aiken, South Carolina. First played in 1923, the John R. Townsend Challenge Cup is one of the world’s most prestigious high-goal arena polo tournaments. The transatlantic match has been contested as a single game since 2008 on alternate years with the Bryan Morrison Trophy, a complimentary tournament held by English invitation.
Bosting an overall 8-1 record in the Townsend Cup entering Saturday’s showdown, the stars and stripes’ collective chemistry and tenacity proved unstoppable. Led by a nine-goal performance from captain Tommy Biddle Jr. and complimented by a commanding defense, the USA team galloped to its ninth John R. Townsend Challenge Cup title.
“You love to represent your country. You live to do that. I’ve been very lucky to play quite a number of times for the U.S. You want to give your best effort and go out and do as best as you can do.” – USA Team Captain Tommy Biddle Jr.
Joining forces once more with previous Townsend Cup champion Escapite (2019, 2021), four-time victor Biddle Jr. (2011, 2015, 2017, 2019) elaborated on the chemistry between the two arena veterans, “Pelon is really good at being aggressive. He’s good at controlling the play and he’s a lot of fun to play with. Sometimes we don’t have to say anything to each other, we just look at each and know what’s going on.” Familiar with the talents of newcomer Scott from playing at New Bridge, Biddle Jr. continued, “Andrew’s strength is that he’s aggressive, he’s hungry, he wants to do well. It’s his first time representing the U.S. in this event, so he’s going to try and do a really good job. He’ll work hard, he’s a very good listener. He’s played a lot outdoors with Pelon and myself, so he knows what we expect of him.”
Awarding the challengers one goal on handicap, a quick goal from English team captain Hyde opened the scoring for a 2-0 advantage. Responding for the red, white and blue, back-to-back goals from Scott and Escapite ended the first chukker tied 2-all. In a flurry of action during a high-scoring second period, all six players in the arena reached the scoreboard. Making a statement for the USA, Biddle Jr. made his first two-pointer of the match off a Penalty 4. England’s Hyde matched the pace on a two-point Penalty 4 of his own. Tied 7-all in the final moments of the chukker, Biddle Jr. sent a booming shot down the arena with the perfect angle and spin needed to hit the backboard of the goal and send USA into the break ahead 9-7.
Competing in his sixth Townsend Cup, 55-year-old Biddle Jr. showed no signs of an aging game. Driving USA’s offense with five goals in the first half, Biddle Jr. spoke to his evolution in international events, “I just bring the experience now. I’m not as quick, I’m older. I’m the oldest guy in the whole thing. But I think the experience and having captained the team in the Townsend Cup numerous times should bring everybody together.”
Kicking-off the second half with a goal from England’s Ormerod, teammate Hyde sent a Penalty 4 to the goal mouth for a narrow 10-9 edge. Quickly making up the deficit, a two-pointer from Biddle Jr. vaulted USA back into lead. Following a goal by Escapite to end the third period, USA entered the final chukker with a 13-11 lead. Displaying exceptional defense against an attacking English team, USA kept their opponents off the board and added goals from Escapite and Biddle Jr. to seal the 15-11 victory.
Earning his fifth Townsend Cup title, Tommy Biddle Jr. was named Most Valuable Player. Grey mare GC Wera, played by Pelon Escapite in the second and fourth chukkers and owned by Gabriel Crespo, was awarded Best Playing Pony.
As the official apparel supplier of the USA team, U.S. Polo Assn. outfitted the Americans with jerseys and saddle pads.
The Townsend Cup is now available On-Demand. Guest commentator and arena legend Tom Goodspeed joins the broadcast alongside USPA Polo Network’s Toby Wayman, providing in-depth knowledge and insights into the sport.WATCH NOW
