Murus Sanctus-La Magdeleine Win High-Scoring Match Against Great Oaks LL
A thrilling game opened the tenth day of play in the Cartier Queen’s Cup with Murus Sanctus-La Magdeleine receiving and converting a Penalty 3 attempt in the dying seconds to capture the 16-15 victory over Great Oaks LL at Les Lions.
Driven by the 11-goal performance from Sapo Caset, Murus Sanctus-La Magdeleine emerged victorious in a match that featured an impressive offensive display from both teams. Great Oaks LL shot an accurate 67% from the field while also converting all three of their penalty attempts, but the end-to-end action resulted in the highest scoring game of the tournament so far. Murus Sanctus-La Magdeleine relied on their duo of Caset and Sola who accounted for all 16 of their team’s goals, while Great Oaks LL deployed a balanced attack with all four players scoring at least four goals. In a game decided by the narrowest of margins, Murus Sanctus-La Magdeleine’s advantage from the penalty line led to the 16-15 victory.
Effectively coordinating their two-man game in the first chukka, Caset and Sola combined for four goals and two assists to take the early lead on Great Oaks LL. With quick runs to goal, Murus Sanctus-La Magdeleine held the early advantage from the field, but Great Oaks LL responded in the second chukka with constant pressure from fast, passing attack to attempt eight shots on goal, resulting in all four players finding the scoresheet. Guillermo Terrera added a second goal to complete a strong chukka for Great Oaks LL, but Murus Sanctus-La Magdeleine managed to hold onto a one-goal lead. Carrying over their momentum from the second chukka, Great Oaks LL scored the first three goals of the third chukka with their well-rounded attack to push into the lead and complete the half with the 9-8 advantage.
The high-powered game continued into the second half with both teams continuing to score at a rapid pace, but it was Great Oaks LL’s accuracy around goal that allowed them to extend their lead. Converting both field shots along with two penalty conversions, Bartolome Castagnola helped propel Great Oaks LL to a three-goal lead with two chukkas remaining. However, with goals coming in quick succession, Murus Sanctus-La Magdeleine fought their way back to tie the score at 14-all, setting up an exciting final chukka. Sola and Terrera traded field goals as time ticked down and with 15 seconds on the clock, Murus Sanctus-La Magdeleine picked up a turning foul to go to the penalty line with a chance to win the game. Caset converted the Penalty 3 for his eleventh goal as time expired before the players made it back to the throw-in and leaving the 16-15 score in favour of Murus Sanctus-La Magdeleine.
UAE Polo Team First to Three Wins in Cartier Queen’s Cup
Moving to the top of League One in the Cartier Queen’s Cup, UAE Polo Team became the first team to reach three wins, remaining undefeated after the 12-7 victory over Talandracas on the Queen’s Ground at Guards Polo Club.
Making their mark as a team to watch, UAE Polo Team conceded the first goal and then never trailed after that point, producing another strong performance from the field and the penalty line. Holding Talandracas to just 4 for 18 shooting from the field, UAE Polo Team’s was anchored by Tomas Panelo and Tommy Beresford, allowing just seven goals as part of a tournament-best defense that has conceded just 8.0 goals per game. Polito Pieres effectively directed play, collecting two assists while shooting 100% on three shots for UAE Polo Team to help secure the 12-7 victory.
An evenly matched opening chukka began with a penalty conversion for Camilo Castagnola quickly being followed by a conversion for Beresford. Exchanging field goals, Talandracas and UAE Polo Team moved in and out of a tie until UAE Polo Team scored four unanswered goals in a dominant second chukka. Two goals from Beresford along with one each from Pieres and Catalina Lavinia left Talandracas stunned and facing a four-goal deficit. Cavanagh’s first goal ended UAE Polo Team’s run, but inaccurate shooting prevented Talandracas from pulling any closer, trailing 7-3 at halftime.
A determined effort from Talandracas was led by Castangola as he provided a goal and an assist in the fourth chukka in hopes of reducing the gap on the scoreboard. While they were able to inch a goal closer, Talandracas’ inaccurate shooting in the second half, converting two of their 10 shots, prevented them from challenging UAE Polo Team late in the game. Displaying an organized defense, UAE Polo Team added to their lead thanks to the play of Beresford, who produced four unanswered goals to finish with a game-high seven and secure the 12-7 victory for UAE Polo Team as they remain undefeated with a 3-0 record.