Resuming action in the British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup hosted by Cowdray Park Polo Club, Monday’s lone match-up pitted Monterosso against Black Bears. Each seeking their first win of League play, Black Bears ability to maintain pressure on both offensive fronts combined with a ten-goal performance from Juan Martin Nero delivered them the 14-10 victory.
Producing a relentless attack, Black Bears generated eighteen shots from the field while dialing in on defense to hold Monterosso to only four shots in open play. Keeping themselves in contention, Monterosso took advantage of their penalty opportunities shooting 100%, with all eight of their conversions coming off the mallet of Ignacio Toccalino. Utilizing their own penalty shooting, Black Bears went 7 for 8 at the line to combine with 39% shooting from the field to earn the four-goal win.
In a high scoring first chukka, a combined five goals saw Black Bears take the edge, as Nero lead the team in black with three. Trading conversions in the second, Black Bears were back on the attack in the third with Antonio Heguy initiating a three-goal run to take a 7-4 lead at the break.
Following back-to-back efforts from Black Bears’ Nero and Guy Schwarzenbach to open the second half, Monterosso found success from the field as David Stirling and Lucas Criado Jr. kept Monterosso within two. Furthering their late game momentum, Monterosso’s Toccalino went a perfect 3 for 3 at the line to bring his team within one entering the final chukka of play. Posting only four goals in the second half, Black Bears stepped up their offensive efforts in the sixth, featuring a run of three unanswered including two crucial conversions from Nero to stave off Monterosso and emerge victorious 14-10.
Photo Credit: ©Mark Beaumont