Best of Brits Update From The Southern Hemisphere
Despite rain during the week, there has been a lot going on out in Argentina.
The British La Quinta team started as they mean to go on with an impressive 12-6 win over La California in the Copa Municipalidad de Pilar on Wednesday 28 October. The team, made up of Tomlinson brothers Luke and Mark with number one, Ollie Cudmore, and back, 6 goaler, Jacinto Crotto, made a formidable foursome as they rode on to the field to face all-Argentine opposition. After a slow start, the game picked up and strong defence from Crotto, coupled with the brotherly intuition of the Tomlinsons, saw goal after goal demonstrate the strength of the only Brit dominated team in the tournament. The Final takes place on 12 December and Polo Times will be following our home-grown heroes all the way through.
The first mixed tournament of the season started on Sunday 1 November at La Ensenada. The first round of matches proved a mixed bag for the Brit ladies playing in this unique tournament. With three ladies on each team and one male pro, the rules are slightly adapted to make for more open and fairer play. The male pros are not allowed to score from within the 60 yard line, nor can they take penalties or hit-ins. The first match of the day saw Annabel McNaught-Davis and her team defeated 5-3½ by La Providencia Smart House. However, in the second match, Hazel Jackson, Hana Grill, Iara Reynoso and Ivan Gaona won easily against the home team, La Ensenada. With the high level of players and teams, this is set to be an exciting tournament. Hazel spoke to Polo Times, saying “It’s fantastic to be playing such a high level of polo and on such good fields out here in Argentina. We’ve got some tough teams coming up but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
This week will see the start of The Ellerstina Gold Cup, the 22 goal tournament played at the beautiful Ellerstina Polo Club in Pilar. This exciting tournament goes on for two weeks and is a chance for patrons to get involved and compete in top level polo out in Argentina.
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