Royal Pahang edge Cameron Highlands in polo thriller
by Peter Ibrahim Abisheganaden. Photos by Natasha Mustapha
Royal Pahang confirmed their status as favourites in the RSPC-RMPA International Polo League Tournament when they edged Cameron Highlands with a last minute goal. It was a thrilling match that Royal Pahang had led early on then looked like losing as Cameron Highlands came back strongly to lead with only seconds left to play.
Royal Pahang had a 4 to 2 1/2 goal lead at half-time
But a goal by Craig Wilson and 60 yard penalty converted by Ubarjarra in the 3rd chukka brought Cameron Highlands back into the game. Cameron Highlands ended the chukka just half a goal down at 5 – 4 1/2 down. Game on.
Cameron Highlands started well in the 6th chukka and shot to a 6 1/2 – 5 lead. “Bar” scored a spectacular goal, chasing down his own shot and leaning out to flick it in from an acute angle while his pony was jumping out of the way of the goal-post. Royal Pahang then clawed one back by Ignacio du Plassis. With Cameron Highlands leading by half a goal and with less than a minute to go Royal Pahang took control of the ball from a throw-in. Craig Wilson was desperately trying to defend but couldn’t get a shot on the ball as Pueblo Gienazu ran it all to the goal to earn a hard fought victory for Royal Pahang.
Royal Selangor Polo Club also recorded their second straight win in this tournament as they beat Ranhill in an excellent match. They led 5 1/2 – 4 after 2 chukkas. Juan Roman was outstanding on the gray pony Donna Luze in the 3rd chukka, but it was in the 4th chukka that RSPC put the game away. They raced out to a 9 1/2 to 5 lead. With the match won, RSPC took their foot off the pedal and allowed Ranhill to come back with two goals to finish the match 9 1/2 to 7.
Dato’ Mohamed Moiz played very well at back for Royal Selangor, while Edham Shaharuddin had a good game at No. 2, man-marking Huzaini Yunos and breaking up Ranhill’s midfield. Argentine +4 goaler Juan Roman was again outstanding at the No 3 position for Royal Selangor.
Thailand Polo inflicted a 7 1/2 – 4 defeat on league leaders Singapore Polo Club in the first match of the day. Carlos Pando and Justo Amuchastegui outfought Singapore’s Selby Williamson and Sattar Khan for control of the game. Singapore Polo Club, winners of the 1st league tournament in June in Singapore, has now lost two games on the trot and, like Ranhill are out of the final of this tournament.
The four other teams all have a chance of making it to Sunday’s final. Royal Selangor and Royal Pahang each have 4 points from two wins. Thailand and Cameron Highlands have a win each. Royal Pahang has the seemingly easier draw, facing Singapore Polo Club on Friday. Royal Selangor faces Cameron Highlands who has one win and who must win to seal a place in the final. Thailand Polo will be looking for their second win when they take on Ranhill in the other match of the day.
Text by Peter Ibrahim Abisheganaden, photos by Natasha Mustapha are copyright of Equestrian.Com.My