Vodafone Ghana played a determined game to outclass their Virgin Atlantic UK counterparts 9 to 4.5 last Saturday in this year’s edition of the annual Independence Day Polo Cup.

Led by Harold Awuah-Darko, Captain of the Accra Polo Club, Vodafone Ghana made sure they avoided a third straight loss in this annual tournament which has taken place since Ghana gained independence from the UK in 1957.

As well as winning the huge trophy for emerging the 2012 champs, Vodafone Ghana’s Eric Gene was also adjudged Most Valuable Player with Laluna winning the Most Valuable Horse award.

The successful quest to avoid a third straight year’s loss is one that left the Accra Polo Club Captain excited beyond words when he lifted the trophy on Saturday night.

“I’m happy. We prepared better for the match and I’m excited we won. We were well coordinated and I think we took the UK team by surprise,” Mr. Awuah-Darko told ALL SPORTS exclusively at the height of his excitement.

The Virgin Atlantic UK team were gracious in defeat and even had the heart to dish out some hamper gifts to all players of the Vodafone Ghana team.

“We thank everybody for hosting us. It’s been a great time to be in Ghana and share in your independence anniversary celebrations. We’ve enjoyed every time and it was fantastic playing,” said Benjy Davis who spoke on behalf of his team.

Beyond their next competition against a team from Egypt next month, the Accra Polo Club are also poised to defend the Independence Day Cup come next year.

To set the stage for the anticipated cup defence in 2013, Harold Awuah-Darko tells ALL SPORTS they have already started working so they can win when they play as guests of the Ham Polo Club in the UK in July.

“Yes this year we played very well but we have to work even harder to make sure we defend eour title next year. We promise to beat then in the UK in July so as to put fear into them,” Mr. Awuah-Darko told us.