THE MDINA GLASS CAWNPORE CUP
Saturday 8th June, 2103
Malta Polo Club
On Saturday 8th June 2013 the top players from The Malta Polo Club faced each other in the ultimate match of the Season for The Cawnpore Cup, sponsored by Mdina Glass, Lacoste Noir By VJ Salamone Marketing LTD and Gasan Mamo insurance . The event is the highlight of the Malta Polo Club’s calendar, and this year’s event proved to be an exciting spectacle of fast and competitive play between the highest available handicapped members of the Club.
The elegant crowd of polo enthusiasts and supporters were treated to a thrilling match, watching the play from the Club House and Chukkas restaurant, whilst enjoying the late afternoon sun, a Taittinger Champagne bar, and a fine display of classic cars from The Old Motors Club to enhance the setting. Expert commentator Daniel de Petri Testaferrata provided a fluid and entertaining commentary throughout.
The exhilarating match comprised of 4 chukkas and proved to be closely fought to the very end, made even more so by the quality and skill demonstrated by the players and their ponies.
Both Team Lacoste (Patrick Filletti) and Team Mdina Glass (Martin Arrigo, Captain) set the pace with a goal each in the first chukka. Newcomer, Ben Farrugia (Mdina Glass) narrowly missed scoring with an impressive uncontested run up to goal, only to have the ball hit the post and run out. (Patrick Filletti substituted by Adamu in the closing minutes of the first chukka due to injury).
In the second chukka a superb goal was scored by Matthew Mifsud, playing in The Cawnpore Cup for first time, much to the delight of the crowd who were totally absorbed by the fast play and sportsmanship involved, in addition to some superb play by Chris Delia, who delighted the crowd with his mid-air shot to goal.
With a ½ Goal advantage due to ‘Handicap’ difference at the start of the match, it seemed almost inevitable that Team Mdina Glass with their tight team discipline would take home the honours, but Team Lacoste was having none of it and defended their goal with ingenious team play and interaction. The third chukka yielded a goal from each team by the Team Captains (Martin Arrigo) Mdina Glass / (Karl Galea) Lacoste.
The final chukka commenced with Team Lacoste in the lead the by only ½ a goal, whilst Team Mdina Glass had nothing to lose and gave no quarter to the opposition. Each side had near misses at goal as the seconds counted down to the end of the match, which ended with victory to Team Lacoste over Team Mdina Glass at 3 goals to 2½.
Referees Karl Cassar and Mark Darmanin carried out a splendid job of ensuring smooth, safe, and continuous play in this fast paced match, whilst George Lyttleton adjudicated as ‘Third Man” Umpire.
Most Valued Player was awarded to Chris Delia (Team Mdina Glass) for his superb team play and skilled defence.
Best Pony awarded to ‘Nautica’ (owner Kim Muscat) for astounding action in the final chukka.
Following the presentation of the Cawnpore Cup by the Hon. Stefano Buontempo, Parliamentary Secretary for Research, Innovation and Sport to the victorious Team Lacoste, a superb celebration dinner was held trackside, enjoyed until the early hours by a chic crowd of polo enthusiasts and Malta Polo Club members.
Teams:
Lacoste: (1) Matthew Mifsud, (2) Jeremy Besancon. (3) Patrick Filletti, (4) Capt. Karl Galea
Mdina Glass: (1) Ben Farrugia, (2) Chris Delia, (3) Capt. Martin Arrigo, (4) Alfie Manduca