The semifinals draw of The Queen’s Cup, Guards Polo Club’s premier competition, in Windsor Great Park, England, have been already set on Sunday June 9, after the two remaining quarter final games. Talandracas and Black Bears were victorious over Desert Palm and Cibao La Pampa, respectively. Both lineups will clash in semis on Wednesday June 12.
Although the still undefeated Talandracas remained in the lead thoroghout the six chukkas of play, the match was a close contest; by the start of the last chukka, the French foursome had a two-goal advantage over the Emirati lineup (9-7). Based on a solid teamplay, Talandracas managed to hold Desert Palm back to outscore them 3-1 in that final episode, that led them to earn the third spot in the semifinals.
Up next, it was Cibao La Pampa who got off to a stronger start, by winning the two first chukkas. While Guy Schwarzenbach’s and Co. bounced back in the third chukker, Cibao La Pampa remained on their tail. By half time they closed the gap to just one goal (5-6). However, a determined Black Bears battled back, and controlled the match and the scoreboard in the two remaining chukkas. At the end of the day, luck was on Black Bears’ side, and they will go head-to-head with Talandracas, next Wednesday. Black Bears was also presented with the trophy of the day, the Gerald Leigh Cup.
The Queen’s Cup sees nineteen teams up to 22 goals, in participation.
THE QUEEN’S CUP – QUARTER FINALS #2 – SUNDAY JUNE 9
TALANDRACAS 12-8 DESERT PALM
TALANDRACAS*: Hugues Carmignac 0 (1 gosl), Rosendo Torreguitar 5 (4), Pablo Pieres 10 (4), Alejandro Muzzio 7 (2). Total 22.
*1 goal on Penalty 1.
DESERT PALM: Barto Castagnola 9 (4 goals), Ali Albwardy 0*, Rufino Laulhé 4 (1), Matias Torres Zavaleta 8 (3). Total: 21.
*Subbed in by Luis Aznar.
Score Talandracas: 3-2, 4-2, 7-4, 7-5, 9-7, 12-8.
Umpires: Ben Turner & Jason Dixon.
Third man: Tim Bown.
BLACK BEARS 10-7 CIBAO LA PAMPA
BLACK BEARS: Guy Schwarzenbach 2, Hazel Jackson 2 (1 goal), Gonzalo Pieres 8 (2), Facundo Pieres 10 (7). Total: 22.
CIBAO LA PAMPA: Juan Pepa 1 (1 goal), Gonzalo Ferrari 7, Benjamin Panelo 7 (6), Guillermo Terrera 7. Total: 22.
Score Black Bears: 1-2, 2-4, 6-4, 6-5, 8-5, 10-7.
Umpires: Gastón Lucero & Peter Wright.
Third man: Ben Turner.
The Queen’s Cup will resume on Wednesday June 12 with the semifinals (grounds yet TBC):
12pm, Kerry Packer Trophy: King Power vs. La Dolfina Great Oaks
3pm, Hubert Perrodo Trophy: Talandracas vs. Black Bears
The final of the Queen’s Cup is due on Sunday June 16.
THE QUEEN’S CUP Teams & Fixture
Cover photo by Pablo Ramírez.