Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup for the British Open – Final

El Remanso vs King Power Foxes- Jaeger LeCoultre Gold Cup Final

 

The final of the prestigious 2017 Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup saw King Power Foxes defeat El Remanso 13-8 at Cowdray Park Polo Club, to win the title for the 3rd consecutive year.

 

Led by the performance of MVP James Fewster, King Power Foxes altered their attack after the opening chukka, using a fast-paced team attack to stretch the field and utilize the strong play of youngsters Fewster and Hugo Taylor. Receiving passes downfield as well as blocking for the two 10-goalers in Facundo and Gonzalito Pieres, King Power Foxes were able to shoot an efficient 11 for 16 from the field, including perfect 5 for 5 shooting in the second half.

 

The usual potent passing attack of El Remanso was kept in check as King Power Foxes were able to mark their opponents downfield and limit the scoring chances for Charlie Hanbury and Oliver Cudmore, in large part due to their positional defence and horse power throughout the game.

 

Hanbury opened the scoring in the first chukka with a nearside backhand, which was quickly followed by a goal from Harper as El Remanso gained an early 2-0 lead. The strong defence to offence transition El Remanso had used throughout the tournament was proving to be effective early. However, Gonzalito Pieres answered for King Power Foxes, finishing a nice neck-shot to get his team back within one goal by the end of the chukka.

 

King Power Foxes stepped up their play in the following two chukkas, led by three goals from Facundo Pieres, as the hard work from Fewster and Taylor provided the space necessary for the King Power Foxes attack. Meanwhile, El Remanso struggled to maintain consistent possession and generate enough scoring chances as they missed all four shot attempts in the 2nd and 3rd chukkas. Fewster’s 1st goal of the day along with a Gonzalito Pieres goal to finish the 3rd chukka resulted in King Power Foxes extending their lead to three, taking a 6-3 lead into halftime.

 

The start of the 2nd half was key for King Power Foxes as a quick goal from the opening throw-in for Gonzalito Pieres, extended the lead to four goals. Winning four of five throw-ins in the chukka, King Power Foxes were able to utilize those possessions, converting all three shot attempts, while limiting the chances of a stunned El Remanso team that seemed one step late the entire match. 

 

El Remanso made a final push in their comeback attempt in the 5th chukka, with James Harper converting 2 of 3 penalty attempts and James Beim adding his first goal of the game, but King Power Foxes displayed a strong team defence with all four players marking the El Remanso players effectively. Trailing by four heading into the final chukka, El Remanso was unable to get within striking distance of King Power Foxes as goals from Fewster and Gonzalito Pieres sealed the 13-8 victory.