A scorching hot Bank Holiday Monday saw White Crane Black take on defending champions La Hechicera on Lawns Two for the 15-goal Cicero Cup Final.
Riding out at one for White Crane Black was Jasmine Calvert-Ansari (0), with Marcus Cork (3) at 2, 6-goaler Mackenzie Weisz at 3 and Felipe Dabas (6) at Back. In the Blue shirts for La Hechicera was Pablo Galante (0) at 1, Nico Escobar (6) at 2, Ned Hine (5) at 3 and British 4-goaler Malcom Borwick at Back.
The first chukka saw very even play from both sides, with an early 40-yard penalty from Weisz giving White Crane Black the advantage. However, an impressive backhand goal from Borwick brought the scores level again before Weisz struck once more with a last-second goal to finish the first chukka 2-1 in favour of White Crane Black.
Chukka two told a similar story, with a spot-hit goal and a successfully converted penalty rewarding Weisz with a further two goals. Escobar responded with an under-pressure shot on goal to keep La Hechicera within touching distance at 4-2.
Despite another early penalty from Weisz, La Hechicera made a big push in the third chukka with back-to-back goals from Escobar, followed by another strike from Borwick just before the buzzer, leaving the scores level at 5-5 going into half-time.
The fourth chukka saw a further two goals from young Weisz to raise his tally to an impressive seven goals, but a couple of costly fouls from White Crane Black awarded Hine and Escobar penalty opportunities to keep the scores level at 7-7 going into the final chukka. The fifth chukka saw the first goalless period for both sides, with determined defence from both teams, ultimately calling for an extra chukka to decide the fate of the tournament. With spectators on the edge of their seats, the extra chukka featured attacking play from both sides, however a brilliant team goal finished by Escobar ultimately secured an 8-7 victory for La Hechicera.
The Cicero Cup was presented to a delighted Pablo Galante, by Don Fransico Escobar, grandfather of Nico Escobar. With the X-Zony Best Playing Pony Rug being awarded to the beautiful Black mare Montemar Karma, played, owned, and bred by Mackenzie Weisz.
