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eyes; what seemed to be a straightforward
match suddenly turned into the most exciting
game of the tournament. The fifth chukka
was hard fought, but La Indiana were able
to maintain their one-goal advantage (9-8).
All eyes were on Cambiaso as players
rode back onto the field for the sixth and
final chukka; the Argentine has a reputation
for coming through in the last seconds
– a supernatural ability to shine brighter
in moments of tension. He didn’t disappoint.
He tied the game before fighting every
opponent on the field to win the ball again.
As the final bell rang, he charged towards
Opposite:
Rodrigo Ribeiro
de Andrade in the centre,
chased by Tincho Merlos,
left.
This page:
A flying
Ben Soleimani in black
and Merlos on the left
goal, avoiding hooks and ride-offs, and
sent the ball flying between the posts
– his determination leaving teammates,
opponents and spectators in awe. RH Polo
won the final 10-9 and claimed their first
high-goal title.
The defeat fell heavy on La Indiana.
After losing in the final seconds before the
end of the match last year, it was bitterly
disappointing.‘La Indiana is an established
team, we proved that last year,’ explains
Merlos.‘It was bad luck we lost today, but
this isn’t over. La Indiana is here
to win and to play well.’
The prize-giving drew an atmosphere of
respect and admiration, as polo fans pushed
forward to see Cambiaso claim his tenth
Queen’s Cup title. But Beresford was MVP of
the final.‘It’s a dream come true,’ he shared.
‘My father [Charles Beresford], uncle [Gabriel
Donoso] and great-uncle [Lord Patrick
Beresford] all won the Queen’s Cup; it’s an
honour to be on the trophy with them.’
The 21 year old has undoubtedly learnt
from Cambiaso:‘Adolfo is an unbelievable
player, completely unique in how he sees the
game; he creates space where it seems there
isn’t any. I try my best to make room for him.’
