Final Scores; Murus Sanctus 11 - 10 Monterosso | Venue: Cowdray Lawns 1
Continuing doubleheader action in the British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup, Wednesday's matches kicked off with Murus Sanctus facing Monterosso on Lawns 1, followed by Vikings against Great Oaks LL at Les Lions.
With Murus Sanctus and Monterosso each looking for their first tournament victory, the crucial match-up began as the two teams traded goals from the field on contributions from Alfredo Cappella for Murus Sanctus and Matias Gonzalez for Monterosso. Taking advantage of Monterosso's early foul troubles, a three-goal second chukka allowed Murus Sanctus to seize one-goal lead-off penalty conversions from Marcos Araya and Capella.
Following a successful drive from Monterosso's Pablo Mac Donough, Murus Sanctus continued to find their offensive rhythm on back-to-back goals, including Capella's second conversion of the half and Facundo Sola's first. Despite a final push from Ignacio Toccalino in the field for Monterosso, Murus Sanctus's ability to outshoot their opponents early in the contest, combined with four penalty goals, gave them a 6-3 advantage at the half.
Cutting into their three-goal deficit, Monterosso emerged from the tent with goals from Pablo Mac Donough and Toccalino. Still, a strong response from Murus Sanctus' Capella in the field and Araya at the 30-yard line kept Murus Sanctus ahead 9-5. Taking over the fifth chukka of play, 9-goaler Mac Donough went a perfect 3 for 3 at the bar to convert for Monterosso for the first time in the match. Holding Murus Sanctus to just one penalty goal from Araya, a four-goal fifth chukka brought Monterosso back to within one.
Kicking off the final chukka of regulation, Mac Donough's seventh goal of the contest put Monterosso even with Murus Sanctus 10-all. Despite surrendering their lead with the possibility of overtime looming, Murus Sanctus' defence kept a driving Monterosso off the board for the remainder of the sixth chukka. Displaying grit and discipline in the final minutes of play, one last goal from Sola made all the difference to delivering Murus Sanctus their first tournament victory 11-10.
Cowdray Gold Cup 2022 Day 8 Gallery
Photographer: Mark Beaumont
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