The only match of the Quarter Finals which didn’t come down to a single goal, this match between Black Bears and Dubai Polo Team was quick and decisive. There was no stemming the flow of goals from Jeta Castagnola who who scored an incredible 11 of the 15 goals and showed once again why he is 10 goals. Even the power of the Pieres duo was not enough to make a dent and Dubai went into halftime leading by 5 goals. Black Bears fate was sealed as Dubai proceeded to almost double this lead in chukka 4 before they decided they were untouchable and relaxed down, presumably to avoid pushing the horses before the Semis that they will play on Wednesday against Talandracas.
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The final Quarter Final was arguably one of the season’s most thrilling games of the Gold Cup so far, with Queen’s Cup champions, Talandracas taking on La Dolfina Murus Sanctus. Talandracas led for most of the game, with a score of 10-7 by the fifth chukka. However, La Dolfina Murus Sanctus mounted a fierce comeback in the sixth chukka, narrowly taking the lead at 11-10. Refusing to give up, Talandracas fought back, with Polito Pieres scoring to level the game at 11-11, pushing the contest into an extra chukka with just seconds remaining. Polito then secured Talandracas’ place in the semifinals by converting a 60-yard penalty.
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3pm: Dubai vs Talandracas
Photo credit – Mark Beaumont