Emlor and RH Polo with Strong Debuts in 2018 Cartier Queen’s Cup
The second day of play in the 2018 Cartier Queen’s Cup saw RH Polo put forth a dominant performance, defeating Les Lions 11-6 at Les Lions Polo Ground, while Emlor defeated Monterosso 12-10 on the Castle Ground at Flemish Farm.
A high intensity match saw RH Polo finish with a resounding win over Les Lions, behind the efforts of Rodrigo Andrade and Sapo Caset. Utilizing a fast-paced style, RH placed Les Lions under pressure on both sides of the field but avoided fouling to keep the game in open play. Despite winning an impressive 16 of 20 throw-ins, Les Lions was unable to turn the extra possessions into goals, as they shot just 2 for 8 from the field in the game.
RH Polo raced out to a 6-3 lead in the first half, with Caset scoring 4 of his team’s six goals, while Ben Soleimani and Martin Podesta also scored a goal each. Joaquin Pittaluga was the only Les Lions player to find the scoresheet in the opening half, as he converted both penalty attempts and added a goal from the field to keep his team within reach. Missing four of their five shot attempts, Les Lions remained composed as they trailed by just three entering the second half.
The second half followed the script from the first half, with RH Polo maintaining their lead as Andrade made his impact felt in the game. Controlling play and adding two goals, Andrade fuelled the RH attack that converted four of their nine shot attempts to extend their lead. Shooting problems continued to be an issue for Les Lions as they shot at goal just three times in the second half, converting only one. RH Polo found themselves committing fouls late in the game, resulting in Soleimani receiving two yellow cards but the outcome was all but decided by the sixth chukka as RH Polo completed the 11-6 victory.
The second match of the day proved to be an entertaining match, as Emlor and Monterosso provided a fast, open running game with plenty of goals. Emlor was led by Tincho Merlos’ eight goals in the game, while the support of Diego Cavanagh was also crucial to Emlor’s success. The duo of Ignacio and Santiago Toccalino were equally effective in the game as they combined for eight goals, as little was decided between the two teams. Both teams shot 10 for 18 from the field, with the difference ultimately coming from the penalty line, as Monterosso was held without a penalty shot, while Emlor converted two of their four attempts to claim the victory.
A back and forth opening chukka saw the teams trade goals, placing a 2-2 tie on the scoreboard but it was Emlor that broke away in the remainder of the first half. Scoring five of the next six goals, Emlor built a 7-3 lead, behind the work of Merlos and Cavanagh, as Nacho Gonzalez protected defensively. The final three chukkas saw continuous runs by Monterosso to try and get within reach as Santiago Toccalino was able to find space for break way runs. Any stretch by Monterosso was quickly responded to by Emlor as they maintained a three-goal advantage into the final chukka. Two final goals from Santiago Toccalino weren’t enough as Cavanagh scored late in the game to seal the 12-10 victory for Emlor