TOWNSEND CUP
TOURNAMENT HISTORY
The Townsend Cup, an international arena tournament was created by the Indoor Polo Association and first played in 1923 as a result of the boom and talent of American arena players. England readily accepted the United States’ invitation and the inaugural tournament was played as a best record five game series. The Americans swept the competition claiming the first three matches. The tournament then fell into abeyance until recent years when the United States Polo Association revived the tradition. The tournament has since been played as a single game on alternate years with the Bryan Morrison Trophy, a complimentary tournament held by English invitation.
Last held in 2021 at New Bridge Polo & Country Club in Aiken, South Carolina, USA (Winston Painter, Geronimo Obregon, Pelon Escapite) defended their international title, topping England (Julian Daniels, Eden Ormerod, Robin Ormerod) 18-15 to add an impressive eighth American engraving on the prestigious Cup. Read article here.
Keeping the historical tradition of competitive international rivalry alive, the United States and England are set to face-off once more in South Carolina for the tenth edition of the Townsend Cup. Boasting a distinguished 8-1 overall record, the United States will attempt to claim their ninth John R. Townsend Challenge Cup, while their English opponents battle to reclaim the title for the first time since 2013.
Captaining USA in 2024, Tommy Biddle Jr. is joined by two talented teammates, two-time Townsend Cup champion Pelon Escapite and newcomer Andrew Scott. Biddle Jr. has competed in the John R. Townsend Cup Challenge five times, securing the title on four occasions, with 2013 marking his only defeat. In 2019, he celebrated the victory alongside Escapite. Frequently competing at New Bridge, Scott has notable arena achievements including the 2023 Division I Men's National Intercollegiate Championship title, making him a strong addition to the American team.
Representing England, Jack Hyde will be assuming the role of captain. Hyde triumphed over Biddle Jr. in the 2023 Bryan Morrison Trophy and will be joined by returning player Eden Omerod, eager for 2021 redemption. Rounding out the team is newcomer Toby Bradshaw, who recently showcased his talent in the 2024 International Intercollegiate Arena Challenge Cup, where he led his team to a 16-11 victory over the USA.
As the official apparel supplier of the USA team, U.S. Polo Assn. is proud to outfit the American team with jerseys and provide saddle pads.
Photo: 2021 Townsend Cup Champions Pelon Escapite, Geronimo Obregon, Winston Painter, presented by Southeastern Circuit Governor Billy Raab. ©Larry Johnson
