Ireland are the new European polo champions after defeating France to win the gold medal in Berlin.

The team of Mickey Henderson, Stephen Hutchinson, Max Hutchinson and Creighton Boyd, came out on top by seven goals to four in a thrilling deciderat the historic Maifeld Olympic stadium in the German capital, which was the venue the last time polo was part of the Olympic Games in 1936.

Ireland had beaten hosts and red-hot favourites Germany in the semi-final and they maintained their superb form to win the gold medal in the championship final against France.

The moment when Ireland's Stephen Hutchinson realizes that he is a European Champion!! Incredible day for Irish Polo pic.twitter.com/OkT61V43XQ — Team IRL Equestrian (@TeamIRLEq) September 4, 2016

Germany took bronze after a play-off against Austria.

Ireland's Max Hutchinson's horse received the award for "the one that runs away" as the most impressive horse of the 206 that participated.

Europe's top eight polo nations took part in the championships with Ireland the only team to remain unbeaten throughout.