ALFI Investments Win High-Scoring Affair Against Murus Sanctus
With teams trying to secure their spot in the quarter-finals of the 2018 King Power Gold Cup, the second last day of group play saw ALFI Investments defeat Murus Sanctus 15-14 at Cowdray Park Polo Club.
The high scoring match saw the two teams score in different ways, with Murus Sanctus generating half their offense from the penalty line, while ALFI Investments controlled open play, scoring 14 of their 15 goals from the field. Despite the large advantage in goals from the field, 15 fouls for ALFI Investments compared to just 3 for Murus Sanctus, kept their opponents in the game. The duo of Facundo Sola and Gonzalito Pieres scored all but one of Murus Sanctus’ goals but ultimately, it was the proficiency from the field for ALFI Investments, shooting an impressive 14 for 18 from the field that proved to be the difference in the narrow one-goal victory.
ALFI Investments raced out to the early 3-1 lead behind two goals from Nico Pieres and one from George Deverall. The fast-paced offense continued into the second chukka, with the teams converting every opportunity in a flawless chukka that saw both teams score three goals on perfect shooting from the field and penalty line. Foul trouble for ALFI Investments proved to be a factor throughout the game, with Murus Sanctus taking full advantage of their opportunities through the first two chukkas. Missing their only penalty attempt of the game, Murus Sanctus still fought their way back into the game in the third chukka on the back of Gonzalito Pieres and Facundo Sola, reducing the deficit to one goal to trail 8-7 at halftime.
The foul trouble continued to affect ALFI Investments’ chances in the game as five fouls in the fourth chukka provided Murus Sanctus with another penalty goal, along with additional possessions to help them take a two-goal lead. ALFI Investments quickly responded in the fifth chukka, holding Murus Sanctus to zero shots from the field, while Nico Pieres scored his fifth and sixth goals of the game in a four-goal chukka. Entering the final chukka with a one-goal lead and quickly extending it to two goals just a minute in on a goal from Deverall, ALFI Investments saw Murus Sanctus’ Gonzalito Pieres score back-to-back goals to bring his team back into a tie. Inside the final minute, ALFI Investments Jack Hyde was able to break away on a run and convert the scoring opportunity to send his team to victory.