Riding for Emita Polo Team, with Emma Wood, Tamara Fox and Heloise Wilson Smith, the result of the subsidiary (runners-up) final game was a very close fought 6-5 in favour of opponents Jamjars Polo Team, but the score did not reflect the performance of Emita, and Anna in particular. On this occasion the team was coached by Nina Clarkin (sister of Tamara) and one of only a half dozen female players with a handicap of 10 goals. Clarkin is also Anna’s playing hero and former mentor who it was apt that a smart strike from Anna opened the scoring within minutes, although the goal was subsequently disallowed for an infringement.
After that, the play was end to end, but it was a goal literally in the dying seconds from nine-goal ranked Milly Hine that sealed a win for Jamjars. By this point Anna had scored another goal herself and made an outstanding overhead save of a Hine struck penalty to keep Emita in the running during the third chukka. All of Emita’s goals came from open play, Jamjars however, only scored their last in that fashion, all their other goals were penalty conversions.
“Although it was a very exciting match, with both teams on top form and playing well, it was giving away those penalties that eventually made the difference,” said Clarkin. “Emita played well individually and as a team, but today a couple of decisions didn’t go their way and those fine margins are the difference and unlucky for our team.”
Kristina Karailieva, who owns the string of ponies ridden by Anna, was fulsome in her praise of the Australian. “Anna has ridden beautifully throughout her stay here, and today she has absolutely matched her opponents while still doing her best job on my ponies. I do not let just anyone ride them, they take a long time to produce, and one bad experience can ruin a good pony, but Anna couldn’t have done a better job.”
“It has been an incredible experience…”
Dowling herself is on her way back home to get her own string of ponies fit for the new Australian season after their field break but after the match, Anna spoke about her time in the UK.
“It has been an incredible experience playing alongside Heloise, Tamara and Emma for these few tournaments. I have learnt a lot from such outstanding players, and the opportunity to take to the field with them has been special.
“In yesterday’s game, it did take us a moment to get into our rhythm but once we did, it felt like we were all locked in and we started to play some nice open polo. It was great to play against Jamjars in a free flowing, fast paced match and congratulations to them on their win.
“It was especially amazing to have Nina Clarkin as our coach for yesterday’s match. Nina is one of the best female players there is, and has ever been. Nina is not only a fabulous coach, but a very professional and down to earth person, who I have looked up to since I was little.
“It has been a pleasure to play for Emita, and so a big thank you to Emma Boers for her support. Emma has created a great business with her polo shop and I was thrilled to play for her team! I would also like to say a massive thank you for the support from my manager Katrina Bignasca, Marco Valeri – KEP Italia, as well as from Keith and Charlotte at Bannaby Angus. Lastly a big thank you to my family for their ongoing support in my polo career.”
Anna Dowling is protected by KEP Italia helmets.
RESULTS:
BRITISH OPEN POLO CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE COWDRAY GOLD CUP was won by UAE Polo Team against King Power with a score of 9:7. Jamjars Polo Team placed third, with Emita Polo Team fourth.
Full results can be found here.
Source: Showjump Info press release
