Talandracas Display Relentless Attack in Victory Over El Remanso
The eighth day of play in the 2018 Cartier Queen’s Cup featured just one game with Talandracas putting forth a relentless offensive attack to defeat El Remanso 9-7 at Zacara polo ground.
Outshooting El Remanso 21-11, Talandracas were able to score all nine of their goals from the field as they took advantage of broken plays from El Remanso to begin their attacks. The usually potent El Remanso passing attack struggled to consistently find their receiver as numerous backhands were intercepted throughout the game. Despite controlling open play, Talandracas committed nine fouls, resulting in six penalty attempts for El Remanso, keeping the all-English side in the game, but it was the inability of El Remanso to convert from the field in the first half that proved to be the difference as Talandracas finished with the two-goal victory.
A fast-paced opening chukka saw Talandracas play a well-controlled open style of play, with Hughes Carmignac and Alejandro Muzzio teaming up for both goals to gain the early 2-1 lead. After an even second chukka, Talandracas pulled away in the third chukka, extending their lead to three as El Remanso struggled to convert from the field, making just one of their eight shot attempts in the first half. Carmignac and Muzzio continued to be the offensive catalysts for Talandracas, scoring all their team’s goals in the first three chukkas, led by Muzzio’s four goals. Oliver Cudmore and James Harper converted a penalty 2 each to keep El Remanso within reach.
The second half continued in a similar fashion as El Remanso were able to generate few opportunities, while Talandracas continued to shoot at will, jumping on El Remanso turnovers to amass 21 shots in the game. Trailing by two goals with two chukkas remaining, El Remanso managed just one shot at goal to finish the game, with their only offense coming via the penalty line. Talandracas were unable to pull away completely in the game, making just one of their final seven shots, but continued to keep the ball in the attacking half, preventing El Remanso from mounting a comeback. A final goal from Muzzio, his fifth of the game, sealed the 9-7 victory for Talandracas as they improve to 2-1 in the Cartier Queen’s Cup.