Dubai, La Bamba and Cowdray victorious in Sunday’s League Matches
By Antje Derks
Dubai squeaked their victory against Broncos 13 – 12 in a match that saw two substitutions, but a lot less whistle blowing.
Broncos patron, George Milford Haven was replaced by Black Bears patron, Guy Schwarzenbach due to an on-going riding muscle injury. Pablo MacDonough suffered a suspected broken nose during the second chukka after his face made contact with the ball. After an examination by the doctor felt he couldn’t carry on and so Juan Martin Nero came on as a substitute.
The match was close and flowed reasonably well, mainly due to the fact the referees didn’t blow their whistles quite as much as in previous matches. Santiago Chavanne played a superb match and had a chance to level the game for Broncos, but missed a spot hit with less than a minute before the final bell.
There was a slight altercation at one point during the match, where a goal from the Broncos was indecisive because the ball landed on the line, however after consideration, the umpires decided to allow it.
Rumour has it though that Dubai are appealing for two incidents under rule 22, so far though nothing is official.
La Bamba beat Ravensbourne by one goal, 11 – 10. The match was very up and down with Ravensbourne trailing for most of the way. They finally woke up in the final chukka, but by then it was too late despite some fantastic play by Pite Merlos.
The final match of the day was also arguably the best. Cowdray took on and beat Talandracas 13 – 12 in extra time. New Zealand team captain, John