Les Lions Capture Thrilling Victory over Next Generation
The fourth day of play in the 2020 Prince of Wales Trophy produced an exciting match between Next Generation and Les Lions at Les Lions Polo Club, with Les Lions capturing their second victory and spoiling the debut of Adolfo Cambiaso, alongside son Poroto, in the narrow 9-8 win.
Building on his success from last year with Dubai and in the Argentine Triple Crown with La Natividad, Bartolome Castagnola led a proficient Les Lions attack with five goals. A hard-fought game was determined by the proficiency of Les Lions in open play, outshooting Next Generation 17-12, while also holding their opponents to just 33% shooting. Surviving the late run downfield from Adolfo Cambiaso, Les Lions remained undefeated, capturing the 9-8 victory.
In the early stages of the game, Les Lions claimed the lead behind two goals from Santiago Laborde as he came forward from the back of the game as part of a relentless offense that resulted in Les Lions outshooting Next Generation 5-1 in the opening chukka. Fighting their way back in the game, Next Generation converted three of their six shot attempts to finish the half, led by two goals each from David Stirling and Poroto Cambiaso. Castagnola scored a goal from the field and the penalty line to keep pace with Next Generation on the scoreboard, trailing by just one at 5-4 in an evenly matched game.
At the start of the second half, Les Lions continued their efficient offense, exploding for four goals in the fourth chukka on perfect 2 for 2 shooting from the field and the penalty line. Three goals came off the mallet of Castagnola, while Dillon Bacon converted in the #1 position giving Les Lions a slim one-goal lead. Stirling looked to singlehandedly keep Next Generation in the game, scoring his fourth and fifth goals of the game as the outcome was to be decided in the final chukka. With plenty of chances on both sides of the ball, Next Generation was unable to convert any of their three attempts, giving Les Lions the opportunity to capture the victory. With little time remaining, a final goal from Dillon Bacon secured the thrilling 9-8 victory for Les Lions, while a late push from Next Generation was stifled as the final bell sounded.