Sainte Mesme and Dubai are through the championship match of the last and the most significant leg of the 55th. Torneo Internacional de Polo, the Copa de Oro Ayala. In the semifinals, played on Wednesday August 25, Sainte Mesme beat La Dolfina Marqués de Riscal and Brunei, respectively, and the two lineups will go head-to-head for the title on Saturday August 29, at Ayala Polo Club, in Sotogrande.

Sainte Mesme built their victory during a remarkable first half against La Dolfina Marqués de Riscal, by displaying a fantastic team play that allowed them to earn an impressive 7-3 lead, by the end of the third chukka. Although their contenders bounced back and managed to close the gap to one goal, Sainte Mesme were wise enough to control the game and the scoreboard, in order to widen their advantage as quick as possible, and claim the first ticket to the final.

This final will mean a great deal to Sainte Mesme – it’s the first time they will be able to play the high goal Copa de Oro. But they do know what is winning in Sotogrande – in 2020 they claimed the medium goal Copa de Plata. Besides, the current lineup includes Carlos María Ulloa, who already won this trophy, precisely in 2022, with Dubai.

Up next, Dubai and Brunei clashed in the second semifinal. Dubai, the runner up of the high goal Copa de Plata Terralpa, seized the reins during the first half, through an oiled attack and producing as much goals as possible. But after half time, Brunei made a remarkable comeback and closed the gap to just one goal; however Dubai replied quickly. Led by and outstanding performance delivered by Gonzalo Ferrari, Dubai sealed the deal in an intense last chukka.

Dubai won their last high goal Copa de Oro Ayala three years ago; now, they aim to repeat the success, and with Barto Castagnola in the lineup again. But they will have a tough opponent, Sainte Mesme. Chances are, this final will be a remarkable one, indeed.

THE FINAL OF THE HIGH GOAL COPA DE ORO AYALA WILL BE STREAMED LIVE ON POLOLINE TV HERE.

High goal Copa de Oro Ayala – Teams & Fixture

Cover photo by Matías Callejo / Prensa Minuto 7 & Ayala Polo Club.