WELLINGTON, FL – Adam Snow scored the game-winner, but high-goal patrons John Goodman, Tim Gannon and Dawn Jones were major contributors as the United States defeated the United Kingdom 5-4 in a four-chukker benefit match Saturday at International Polo Club Palm Beach.

The polo match was part of “An Afternoon of Polo and Evening of Elegance” to benefit the British Forces Foundation. Following the match more than 150 guests attended a cocktail reception, catered dinner and auction. Dame Celia Lipton Farris was International Honorary Chairman.

Snow stole a pass and dribbled to goal with 2:17 remaining for the winning goal. The United Kingdom had a chance to tie the game but Julian Hipwood’s shot was just wide with six seconds remaining.

One of the polo highlights was Goodman’s 120-yard forehand that virtually split the posts with 4:57 left in the fourth chukker to give the United States a 4-3 lead. After the United Kingdom took a 2-0 lead, Gannon began the American comeback on a 10-yard forehand with 1:48 left in the second chukker. Snow then scored two goals in the third chukker to tie game at 3-3. Jones, subbing for her husband, Tommy Lee, played aggressively the entire game, causing numerous turnovers.

The British Forces Foundation was founded in 1999 by Jim Davidson, who is Chairman of the Trustees. HRH The Prince of Wales is the Patron and the Lady Thatcher is the President. The British Forces Foundation was formed "to promote the Armed Forces through charitable means by supporting the well being and esprit de corps of all serving personnel through quality entertainment." The British Forces Foundation’s aim is to encourage top performers from show business to go around the world to entertain servicemen and women in all three services on operations.

Goodman and Gannon have played polo in England for several years and believe this is the first of an annual event that will continue to grow.

“An Afternoon of Polo and Evening of Elegance” occurs during the centennial celebration of the Stanford Financial Group – U.S. Open Polo Championship. Historically, the U.S. Open has always been the grand prize of polo in North America. It is one of only three tournaments played at the 26-goal echelon, the highest-rated tournament in the United States. The first U.S. Open title game was played in 1904 at Van Cortland Park in New York City where the Wanderers defeated the Freebooters 4 ½-3, the lowest scoring final in the history of the tournament. The centennial games continue through the month of April concluding with the championship game on Sunday, April 18 at 3 pm.

The International Polo Club Palm Beach is at the forefront of a new era in the storied history of high-goal polo in the United States. International Polo Club Palm Beach is the first new polo club to be built in decades, and it has fulfilled a long-standing void for a facility dedicated solely to high-goal professional polo. Designed in tropical, “Caribbean-Colonial” style, it combines old-world charm and new-world comfort.

The International Polo Club Palm Beach is located at 3667 120th Avenue South, between Pierson Road and Lake Worth Road in Wellington.

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