Final Scores; Dubai 14 - 11 UAE Polo | Venue: Cowdray Lawns 1
The Quarter Finals began in the British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup on Saturday 9th July, with the top-ranked Dubai Polo Team facing UAE, followed by Great Oaks LL versus Scone in elimination play on the Lawns grounds.
Tournament scoring leader Camilo Castagnola continued his exceptional performance in the tournament by opening the scoring and giving Dubai Polo Team the early lead.
A goal from teammate Jeronimo del Carril from the field was offset by goals from UAE’s duo of Tomas Beresford and Bartolome Castagnola Jnr from the penalty line to end the first chukka tied at 2-all. Featuring a battle of the brothers between the two Castagnola’s in the remainder of the half, Bartolome Castagnola Jnr scored three unanswered goals as UAE struck first in an attempt to hand Dubai Polo Team their first loss.
However, storming back with three consecutive goals, Camilo Castagnola brought the game even again. With each team looking to push themselves into the lead before the end of the half, a high-scoring third featured just two goals from Bartolome Castagnola Jr. In comparison, Dubai Polo Team moved five goals across the line, including one from Rashid Albwardy, to hold a 9-6 lead.
Relying on the momentum established in the third chukka, the Dubai Polo team continued to score at a frantic pace, generating offence from both the field and the penalty line. Scoring four of the first five goals in the second half, the Dubai Polo Team received contributions from Castagnola and Del Carril and Matt Perry to extend their lead further to six.
Displaying a fight over the final two chukkas, UAE’s Beresford sent a 30-yard penalty through the posts along with a field goal from Lucas Monteverde Jnr. However, UAE still found themselves trailing by three and a difficult task in completing the comeback with one chukka to play. Scoring UAE’s fourth straight goal, Beresford helped his team inch closer, but Camilo Castagnola hit his game-high tenth goal of the match as Dubai Polo Team took their place in the semifinals with the 14-11 victory.
Cowdray Gold Cup 2022 Quarterfinals Gallery
Photographer: Mark Beaumont
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