11th July – Match reports Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup for the British Open Polo Championship
By Katie Vickery, Editor, Fantasy Polo.
RH 12 vs 11 Talandracas
An intense 7 chukka match delighted the crowds at Cowdray Park Polo Club as a bevy of polo superstars took to the field in a close game of cat and mouse polo. It was tight throughout, with the goal difference never more than 2 and the lead switching between the teams. Every time that Talandracas scored to even up the game, RH answered within seconds to retake their lead. After an injury in the 4th chukka, Adolfo Cambiaso came off to be replaced by Julian de Lusarreta. Talandracas took full advantage of the handicap difference to score 3 quick goals and take the lead 8-6 at the end of the 4th. However the dynamic changed once again when De Lusarreta was swapped out for Hilario Ulloa who led the RH comeback in the 6th chukka. Beresford tied the match up at 11-11 with seconds before the final hooter pushing the match into overtime. A throw in by the RH goal mouth looked like an easy win was in store for RH, but Talandracas fought hard, Sapo Caset taking the ball up the field only to lose it once again, Andrade capitalising with a big, angled, under-the-neck goal to win 12-11.
Match Progression:
2-1 3-1 4-4 6-8 9-9 11-11 12-11

Sommelier 10 vs 9 Monterosso
Another extremely close game saw Monterosso battle Sommelier for their position in the league ranking. Although both through to the quarter finals after two wins apiece, a win for Sommelier gave them a higher place and supposedly an easier run. A 7 chukka, down to the wire match saw tempers run high as the lead switched throughout the game. A field goal heavy match with only 2 penalties (one 30 yarder each), it was an exciting and fast-paced game. It finished on the 6th chukka bell at 9-9 and went into a nail-biting extra chukka with so many chances at goal! Finally a goal 3 minutes into overtime from Fred Mannix sealed the win for Sommelier at 10 goals to 9.
Match Progression:
1-4 1-4 4-4 6-4 6-7 9-9 10-9