Jemalong Polo Club Win The Kerry Packer Challenge Cup

A dynamic lineup of players spread across 10 teams competed in this year’s Kerry Packer Challenge Cup, displaying their skills across 22 thrilling matches. Let’s dive into the knockout stages and relive some of the tournament’s most captivating moments.

Participating Teams 

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Semi-Final 1: Jemalong Polo Club vs White Deere Park

Date: 14 March

The first knockout game between Jemalong Polo Club and White Deere Park was a ticket to the finals. White Deere Park looked pretty strong for almost the entire game, but little did they know that Jemalong Polo Club was saving its strength for the final stretch. They scored four goals in the final round and made an astounding comeback to pave their way into the finals.

Winner: Jemalong Polo Club ( 11-9 )

Semi-Final 2: Larapinta vs Standing Rock 

The second semi-final was held on the same day, featuring the Larapinta and Standing Rock teams. The lead went back and forth this game between the two teams, and by the end of the second-to-last round, Standing Rock was marginally ahead in points. In the concluding chukker, Larapinta added three more goals to their scoreboard to take away the lead and qualify for the finals, where Jemalong Polo Club was waiting for them.

Winner: Larapinta ( 10-9 )

9th & 10th Place: Action Metal Recycling vs Ellerston Blue 

Date: 15 March 

The battle for ninth and tenth place in the tournament was contested between Action Metal Recycling and Ellerston Blue. The latter began with a points advantage, but Action Metal Recycling remained unfazed. Dominating the second half, they unleashed a flurry of goals across the field, building an insurmountable lead by the end of the fifth chukker—one that Ellerston Blue struggled to overcome in the final round.

Winner: Action Metal Recycling ( 10-6.5 )

Subsidiary Final: Ellerston White vs Garangula

Date: 16 March 

The final day arrived. The first game was a subsidiary final played between Ellerston White and Garangula. This game was a close contest, with Garangula having the upper hand by the end of the first half of the match. Coming back strong into the contest, Ellerston White took away the lead in the next round and maintained it by the end of the fifth and last chukker.

Winner: Ellerston White ( 8-7 )

Final: Jemalong Polo Club vs Larapinta 

Date: 16 March 

Two magnificent teams, Jemalong Polo Club and Larapinta, were contesting for the title. For all rounds, the former team could keep Larapinta at bay. Controlling each phase of the game phenomenally, Jemalong Polo Club showcased how high-pressure matches should be played and became the undisputed Kerry Packer Challenge Cup champions.

Winner: Jemalong Polo Club ( 10-7 )