Contributed by Peter Ibrahim Abisheganaden
http://www.equestrian.com.my
The second day of play at the Royal Pahang Classic saw three close matches. In the first match Royal Selangor Polo Club came from 1½ goals down with four minutes to go, to beat Singapore Polo Club 5½ – 5. Ranhill continued their resurgence at this tournament with a hard fought win over Thailand Polo. In the final match of the day Royal Pahang scored a thrilling victory over Cameron Highlands with a final minute goal by HRH Prince Rashid of Jordan.
Singapore’s +8 goaler Diego Arraya scored three penalties, and Sattar Khan got two from open play, but it was not enough to stop a Royal Selangor team that was on fire in the first and last chukkas.
Playing in his hometown of Pekan, Edham Shaharuddin was determined to show his stuff. He come out firing and got two goals in the first. Argentine +4 goal professional Juan Manuel Roman got the other as RSPC took control of the match in the first chukka. They led 3½ – 2, with Singapore’s goals coming from a 60 yd and 40 yd penalties converted by Diego.
There was no score in a hard and fast second chukka.
In the 3rd chukka Singapore took the game to RSPC. Diego Arraya, who will play the Argentine Open later this year, started to take control. He converted another 60 yarder. He was also creating space for Sattar. Sattar took a pass from Diego and went all the way to give Singapore their first lead. Late in the chukka there was no call on Sattar as he stole the ball from Juan Roman to give Singapore a 1½ goal cushion going into the final chukka. Juan tried to make amends at the bell but his shot hit the pylon and went out to end the chukka.
Dato’ Mohamed Moiz was urging his players to focus and play. That they did. First Juan took control wide on Singapore’s 60. He turned it and showing great strength and belief, dribbled it all the way to goal. They were back in it with 3 minutes to go. Then Shaik Reismann fed Edham and the homeboy finished the match in style. RSPC has now won both their group games, while Singapore has surprisingly lost both of theirs.
In the second game Ranhill were too organised and too strong for a feisty Thailand Polo team, winning 7 – 5. Ranhill’s South American flavour Jose Klabin (Brazilian +4) and Romano Vercellino (Chilean +3) combined well with local chili Huzaini Yunos (+4).
Thailand started marginally better, but by half-time Ranhill were in control, leading by 4 goals to 3. Thailand drew level at 5-5 before Ranhill put it away in the final chukka with goals by Romano and Huzaini.
Royal Pahang versus Cameron Highlands was an intriguing match. Aging legend Gabriel Donoso (+7) has been imperious for Royal Pahang. He has a fantastic workhorse in Jorge La Marcha (+4). HRH Tengku Mahkota of Pahang has been playing solidly, and HRH Prince Rashid has been dependable in his hitting.
Cameron Highlands starts well with Brazilian +7 goaler Giorgio Junqueira scoring with a brilliant cut-shot. Royal Pahang come back with a couple of 30 yarders converted by Gabriel. He has a tap-in penalty in the second chukka as Pahang are well in control at 3-1.
Camerons aren’t done. Giorgio takes it all the way down the wing, then as he straightens for goal he looks like he has messed it up by going past, but a brilliant tail-shot brings Camerons back in contention.
Not to be outshone, his compatriot Ubarjarra has a brilliant 3rd chukka. He scores two field goals to give Camerons a 4-3 lead.
Gabriel and Giorgio both 60 yarders as the final chukka begins. Royal Pahang are fighting hard and win a safety 60 yarder. Gabriel hits it but it is defended well and goes out for another safety. Gabriel hits it and again it goes out off either Ubarjarra’s horse or his mallet. The umpires call a safety and Ubarjarra goes to remonstrate with them as he maintains it came off his horse’s hoof. The umpires stick to their decision. This time Gabriel elects to tap instead of hit, and goes all the way to level the score at 4-4.
In the final minute Jorge steals the ball from Cameron Highlands but misses his goal shot. The ball is bouncing around and Gabriel misses it. HRH Tengku Mahkota can’t hit it either and finally it is Prince Rashid who strides up and smacks home the winner. Royal Pahang win another thriller 5 goals to 4.