SUFFOLK’S first staging of an international polo match for decades was a roaring success as thousands turned out to enjoy the sun-drenched spectacle.

The extravaganza at Ipswich’s Trinity Park handed its organisers - Suffolk Agricultural Association (SAA) - a major boost just weeks after the abandonment of part of the Suffolk Show.

But this time the weather was much better - thousands lined the polo pitch to enjoy picnics as the action went on around them.

In the main game England beat Australia 10 to 8.5 after Norfolk had earlier defeated their Suffolk rivals 6.5 to 5.

Peter Over, chairman of business development at SAA, hailed the success of Saturday’s event which he said attracted up to 6,000 people.

He added: “It’s not only a boost for Suffolk, it’s the first international polo game played in Suffolk.

“It’s a massive boost for the association, who were disappointed after losing the second day of the Suffolk Show.

“But we have had to regroup and today we have reaped the rewards with this beautiful weather - everyone is happy.”

The polo event was the brainchild of Mr Over who worked with former SAA president Lady Tollemache to organise the event.

He added: “I’ve been to a lot of polo games and I was impressed by them and I thought it would be great to have one in Suffolk.

“When I spoke to the polo authorities 18 months ago about this you could never have dreamt then that it would attract so many people.”