Final Scores; Dubai 17 - 14 Park Place | Venue: Brooks Field
Taking their first of two matchups against Murus Sanctus and Scone, Dubai Polo Team continued to establish themselves as frontrunners against a 1-1 Park Place team still trying to find their offensive continuity. Breaking out to an early lead, three goals on three shots from Dubai Polo Team's leading scorer Camilo Castagnola set the tone for the high-scoring affair.
In a second chukka with a flurry of action, a combined six goals between the two teams resulted in all but one scored from the field. Offensive contributions from Francisco Elizalde and Facundo Pieres finally got Park Place onto the scoreboard, but Dubai Polo Team continued to respond to remain ahead 6-4. The fast-paced match suited Dubai Polo Team's high-pressure style, leading to back-to-back conversions for Castagnola at the 30-yard line. Despite a successful drive from Park Place's Elizalde, their ability to score only once in the chukka on four shots proved costly, as Dubai Polo Team took a 9-5 lead into the half.
Regrouping in the break, Pieres came out strong, scoring two goals for Park Place. Still, Dubai Polo Team's offensive firepower allowed them to extend their lead further on Castagnola and Rashid Albwardy's tallies, keeping them ahead by five. Needing a big chukka to pull themselves back into contention, 10-goaler Pieres stepped up once more to score three of Park Place's four goals to shrink the deficit to three.
In a final high-scoring chukka of play, two more off the mallet of Dubai Polo Team's Castagnola resulted in his game-high tenth goal. A final push from Park Place, including Pieres' ninth goal, tried to close the gap, but ultimately Dubai Polo Team's ability to score 17 goals propelled them to the 17-14 victory to improve to 3-0 in the tournament.
Cowdray Gold Cup 2022 Day 9 Gallery
Photographer: Mark Beaumont
More Game Action Pictures on Instagram @dubaipolosport
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