July got off to a bang with two Gold Cup matches entertaining the die hard mid-week fans. First up a surprise result which shows you can never predict or relax in the tumultuous UK season followed by an exciting match and a showcase of young British talent.
Match 1:
Queen’s Cup winners Park Place suffered a second loss in the qualifying rounds against Gaston Polo Team who have been getting stronger and stronger throughout the season. The match “underdogs” came out all guns blazing to secure an early lead which put them in good stead as Park Place struggled to find their rhythm. Gaston maintained their lead throughout, doubling Park Place’s shots to goal with an impressive 20 opportunities to score from the field of which they converted just 4, but it was enough to keep the possession positive and in their attacking half and to neutralise Park Place’s famously deadly accurate shooting. While Park Place made a valiant effort in the final chukka, it wasn’t enough to equalise and push to the extra chukka and Gaston celebrated their second win of the tournament.
Match 2:
Having won their first Gold Cup match Aureus GV looked strong heading into their second qualifying round match with Shane Finemore over from Australia to complete the team. But in a showcase of brotherly intuition, and at times mind reading, the young and exciting Signet/ Thai Polo team made up of the two Hine brothers, Teo lacau and Tommy Severn, gave a stellar performance to outwit, outrun and outplay the Argentine brotherly duo – the Panelos. While Aureus GV were consistent throughout, getting close in the 4th chukka, Signet/ Thai Polo had some trickery up their sleeves and strong team plays and strategic passing won them the day, converting 12 of an impressive 20 shots to goal to win 13-11.
Watch all Gold Cup matches here: https://cowdraypolo.co.uk/cowdray-tv/
Image credit Mark Beaumont
Stats provided by International Polo Academy