Cartier Queen’s Cup – Day 2
El Remanso 9 – 8 King Power
A golden goal in an extra, seventh chukka saw the Hanbury brothers El Remanso team defeat Ton Srivaddhanaprabha’s King Power on day 2 of the Cartier Queen’s Cup. This was an interesting game as King Power started strongly, leading 3-0 at the end of the first chukka, thanks to goals from Ton and Marcos di Paola. Incredibly, this team then failed to score in the next two chukkas, allowing El Remanso to not only get back into the game, but take the lead 4-3 at half-time. Neither team could then comprehensively dominate this game though and El Remanso clung to their one goal advantage until Alejandro Muzzio scored a double in the final chukka. This forced extra time and a golden goal scenario which Charlie Hanbury successfully converted.
Somerton Polo 10 – 9 HB Polo
The all pro Somerton Polo, a new squad to the high-goal this year, stated their campaign with a win. They defeated the Pailloncy brothers HB Polo 10 -9 in an untidy match that was too close to call for all six chukkas. Although Somerton may have won, they did not have the perfect start as they were without Richard Le Poer. However he was excellently substituted by James Harper who scored 4 of his team’s 10 goals and Richard assures us he will be back for Somerton’s next game on Sunday for the Kerry Packer Trophy, against the always impressive Dubai.
It is early days in this tournament though – with players and ponies getting into their stride on the grounds at Guards Polo Club, Coworth Park and the private grounds – and both of these teams will have benefited from getting their first game out of the way.
Tomorrow’s games
Dubai Polo v UAE Polo at Dubai at 12 noon
Talandracas v Salkeld at Guards at 3pm
All the games will be streamed live via www.guardspoloclub.com courtesy of PoloCam Productions and Horse Play TV. If you are watching at a ground you can pick up the commentary at 90FM.