Desert Palm secured their second victory in Group One with a tough win over Adebayo Karim’s Shoreline team. Desert Palm were favourites on paper to win this match – they already have a win under their belts – but Shoreline made them work hard to secure this win. They kept pace with Desert Palm for much of the match, ensuring that they could capitalise on any opportunities that might come their way. However, Shoreline failed to make the most of Barto Castagnola being sent to the sin bin for two minutes in the fifth when the score was reading 8-7 to Desert Palm. In fact it was Matias Torres Zavaleta who found the flags for Desert Palm! The sixth was a tense affair as both teams had chances. With two minutes left of this match Rufino Laulhe, cool under pressure despite his young age – he is only 14 – fired through a penalty two to give Desert Palm a comfortable, three-goal advantage. Then in the final minute of the match Castagnola delivered a big hit to secure Desert Palm’s second win of the tournament, with an 11-7 scoreline.
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The second match of the day was an equally tense affair with both teams looking for that all-important first win of the competition. Noor Khadra’s Green Gates took the honours but only just. In fact this game was marred by endless whistles and penalties, denying both teams the opportunity to play open, fast-flowing polo. Green Gates had a narrow advantage, 6-5 at half-time. Meanwhile, Jean Paul Luksic’s Gaston battled every step of the way and brought themselves level (12-12) with just 30 seconds left to play. So when the bell rang the teams had to play the additional 30 seconds, during which Fran Elizalde fired through the winner for Green Gates.
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Photo credit – Pablo Ramirez