The Countess of Dudley Cup, since its presentation in 1910, has arguably become one of the most coveted trophies in Australian Club Polo. The trophy was named after the wife of William Ward, the second Earl of Dudley, who served as Governor General from 1908 to 1911.
The catalyst for the Countess of Dudley lending her name to the trophy was likely "Banjo" Paterson. With a profound personal interest in developing nursing services in the outback, the Countess engaged Paterson, already a national figure, to support her cause. As a prominent figure in Sydney polo circles, Paterson was well-positioned to seek a favor from her in return. The Countess of Dudley presented the silver cup at the inaugural tournament held in 1910.
This year, six teams will compete over two weeks for this prestigious trophy. The finals are scheduled to take place at Windsor Polo Club on Sunday, October 5th.
To view the teams playing please click HERE
To view the Draw please click HERE
Tournament Conditions
- Each team will play three league matches across the pools.
- 2 points for a win, 0 for a loss. All games must produce a result.
- The top four teams on points after league games will progress to the Semi Finals.
- If teams are tied on points for a spot in the Semi Final, a penalty shootout will occur.
- The bottom two teams will compete in the Subsidiary Semi Final.
- Each team must provide a suitable umpire pony at the centre table 10 mins before the game.
- Please make sure that all umpire ponies provided are suitable (i.e. not green, unfit, too fresh, or quirky). Any umpire ponies provided that are deemed unsuitable will result in a yellow card to the team captain and a $200 fine.
- Wet weather clause: 20% of entry fees will be retained in the event of cancellation.
- Ground fee refunds will only be applicable if games are cancelled by the tournament committee.