Polo: England team announced as USA visit Cowdray Park

Leading the 24-goal handicap England side is Luke Tomlinson, one of England’s highest-handicapped players at seven goals, who will play at back.

James Beim, who also plays off seven goals, has been called up to the No3 position. Malcolm Borwick, six goals, who takes the No2 position, is a seasoned England player and captained them against a combined South American team at Cowdray Park in 2011.

While Borwick, Beim and Tomlinson have featured in several of the Cowdray test matches, a new addition to the side is Ollie Cudmore, four goals, who is turning out for England at senior level for the first time. Cudmore started to play at the age of six and 2012 is his third season of high goal and he will be playing for the Richard Mille team in the Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup at Cowdray Park and the Cartier Queen’s Cup at Guards.

Playing on English soil in an outdoor polo match for the first time in 15 years, the USA team comprises Marc Ganzi (one goal) Paul Pieres (eight), Nick Roldan (seven) and Jeff Hall (seven), making up a 23-goal team.

The match will take place on the newly re-surfaced No1 ground at Cowdray’s Ambersham complex and Cowdray Park expects good spectator numbers.

Polo manager Chris Bethell said: “It is a great privilege to be welcoming the American team for their first international match on British soil for 15 years. I feel certain they will be impressed by our wonderful location and the excellent new surface which promises to play exceptionally well.”

Tickets are £15 per head, under-12s free. Arena-side picnic spots are available at £150 including eight entry tickets and parking for two cars. A retail village with food and bars adds to the attractions.

Book at www.cowdraypolo.co.uk or on 01730 813257.