The semifinals of the British Open Gold Cup took place on Wednesday at Cowdray Park Polo Club. After two hard fought games, Next Generation and Les Lions/Great Oaks, emerged victorious to secure a place in the final.

First up, Next Generation took on Park Place Vaara. The first half was dominated by Jean-François Decaux’s team, which secured an 8-5 lead by halftime, but Park Place Vaara bounced back and outscored Next Generation to make the score 11-10 in their favour with one chukka left to play. Next Generation pulled together in the last, and thanks to Diego Cavanagh’s crucial contribution (he replaced an injured Pelon Stirling), they sealed the deal with a 13-11 victory.

Next, Les Lions/Great Oaks faced Park Place in what was a thrilling contest. Park Place held a narrow lead over the first half, until Les Lions/Great Oaks pushed back in the last. Andrey Borodin’s lineup had a chance to win the game, but they couldn’t quite control Jeta Castagnola, who scored the winning goal to secure a place for Les Lions/Great Oaks in the final.

Wednesday’s results mean that the much anticipated final will see the Cambiasos face off against the Castagnolas for the second time this tournament.

NEXT GENERATION 13-11 PARK PLACE VAARA

NEXT GENERATION: Jean-François Decaux 0, Poroto Cambiaso 4, Diego Cavanagh 8, Adolfo Cambiaso 10. Total: 23.

PARK PLACE VAARA: Zac Beim 1, Will Harper 3, Juan Britos 8, Hilario Ulloa 10. Total: 22.

Score Next Generation: 3-0, 6-3, 8-5, 10-9, 10-11, 13-11.

LES LIONS/GREAT OAKS 10-9 PARK PLACE

LES LIONS/GREAT OAKS: Dillon Bacon 2, Camilo Castagnola 7, Bartolito Castagnola 7, Santiago Laborde 6. Total: 22.

PARK PLACE: Andrey Borodin 0, Kian Hall 3, Gonzalo Pieres 9, Facundo Pieres 10. Total: 22.

Score Les Lions/Great Oaks: 1-2, 3-4, 4-5, 7-7, 8-8, 10-9.

The final of the British Open Gold Cup is set for Sunday, July 26:

3pm,  Next Generation vs Les Lions /Great Oaks.

BRITISH OPEN GOLD CUP: Fixture & Teams

PHOTO CREDIT: HELEN CRUDEN.