Argentine Ladies win Davidoff Cool Water Cup at Palermo
After a few days postponement, the Ladies International for the Davidoff Cool Water Cup got underway on Monday 28 November at the AAP grounds in Palermo. The England team, with a women’s handicap of 27 goals and sporting kit from the newly launched Hurlingham 1875 brand by the HPA, took to the field to play against a slightly lower handicapped 25 goal Argentine team. The two sides had met once before earlier this year at Cirencester Park Polo Club when England had triumphed 5-3½. The tables however were well and truly turned on this occasion as England suffered a resounding defeat of 13-3 to Argentina. It was clear by the end of the second chukka that England were up against a tough line-up as Argentina sped forward with a score of 9-1.
Lia Salvo scored the majority of Argentina’s goals with a total of seven, three of which were penalties, teammate Paola Martínez added two further penalties whilst María ‘Mummy’ Bellande scored a further two field goals. It was noted that Mía Cambiaso was playing well above her 2 goal ladies’ handicap which contributed to the solid attacking game play of the Argentine team. Hazel Jackson stood out for the English team scoring one of the three goals adding to Tamara Fox’s field goal and Sarah Wiseman’s penalty.
Tamara Fox received the Fair Play Prize while Argentina’s Paola Martínez was awarded the Most Valuable Player Award for the best test-match player.
Argentina (25): Mía Cambiaso (2), María Bellande (7), Lía Salvo (9) & Paola Martínez (7) (Reserve – Clara Cassino)
England (27): Hazel Jackson (7), Tamara Fox (7), Sarah Wiseman 7 & Claire Brougham (6) (Reserve – Annabel McNaught-Davis)
Chukka scores: (2-0 goal advantage) 6-1, 9-1, 10-2, 11-3, 12-3, 13-3 to Argentina
Photograph: Sarah Wiseman showing off the perfect hook. By ©www.imagesofpolo.com/ Eduardo Grunberg