A bustling Lawns 2 set the stage for Talandracas to face La Dolfina Murus Sanctus (LDMS), in the last quarter-finals of the Gold Cup, on Sunday the 14th of July. Both teams were battling it out to raise The Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Memorial Trophy, set up in memory of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, founder, owner, and chairman of King Power Duty Free, who tragically lost his life in 2018.
Rosendo Torreguitar (5) rode out in the number one shirt for Talandracas, with 10-goaler Pablo Pieres in the number 2 shirt, Alejandro Muzzio (7) at 3, and Edouard/ Hugues Carmignac at Back. Corrine Ricard (0) wore the number 1 shirt for LDMS, with Alfredo Bigatti (7) at 2, Marcos Araya (6) at 3, and 9-goaler Adolfo Cambiaso at Back.
The much-anticipated game saw close play from both teams, however reigning Queen’s Cup Champions Talandracas ultimately secured victory in an extra chukka. The game commenced with a goal apiece for both sides in the first chukka, the second saw two goals for LDMS but an incredible hattrick of goals by 10-goaler Pieres meant Talandracas pushed into the lead 4-3. Pieres continued to show his skill in the third with another goal, though quickly reciprocated by Araya, but a brilliant goal by Hugues Carmignac left his team up 6 goals to 4 going into halftime.
After a brief break, the teams continued their battle, with the fourth chukka seeing not much change with another two goals for each side. Talandracas started to pull ahead again in the fifth with a goal by Pieres and Torreguitar, despite a brilliant goal by Bigatti, going into the final chukka 10 goals to 7. With all to play for in the last LDMS showed incredible teamwork to turn the tables of the game, with four goals to put them ahead of Talandracas, however an amazing last-minute goal by Pieres called for an extra chukka. With the crowds on the edge of their seats the action continued to unfold in the extra chukka, but a costly foul against LDMS resulted in a successful penalty conversion by Pieres to result in Talandracas taking the coveted last semifinals place, 12 goals to 11.
The Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Memorial Trophy, was presented to a gracious Eduard Carmignac, by King Power polo player Will Harper. The Best Playing Pony Rug was presented to ‘Sky’ played and owned by Adolfo Cambiaso.
