On Sunday July 23, UAE Polo were crowned the champions of the prestigious British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup for the first time in their rich career, after beating Dubai 12-11, following a remarkable championship match. Lukin Monteverde, produced the winning goal in the last seconds of play to secure UAE the coveted title, which was his first, as well.
It was a final that was up to the task, played by probably the teo best teams of the tournament. UAE got off to a stonger start, reaching a commanding 4-0 lead at the end of the fourth chukka. Rashid Albwardy scored Dubai’s first goal at the end of the second chukka.
From then onwards, the contest was much more balanced; while UAE seemed a more solid lineup, Dubai dominated the throw-ins. But UAE did a very good job in defense, while Dubai struggled to score. But having the ace of spades is, indeed, quite an additional advantage, and that’s why Dubai maintained their hopes alive. However, UAE managed to hold their opponents back.
The sixth and last chukka was the most remarkable moment on English soil. With only a minute and a half remaining in regulation time, an unstoppable Camilo Castagnola produced three unanswered goals to secure Dubai their first lead of the match. But UAE replied quickly, through a penalty conversion by Tommy Beresford and, after a perfect pass from Barto Castagnola, a memorable run by Lukin Monteverde ended up between the goalposts to have the deal said and done.
Therefore, Barto Castagnola, who took MVP honkrs, claimed the British Open for the second time, while for Kayley Marie Smith, Lukin Monteverde and Tommy Beresford it’s been their first.
THE BRITISH OPEN POLO CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE COWDRAY GOLD CUP WAS STREAMED LIVE BY COWDRAY TV, PRODUCED BY POLOLINE TV.
British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup , finsl, Sunday July 23
FINAL BRITISH OPEN POLO CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE COWDRAY GOLD CUP: UAE POLO 12-11 DUBAI (en Lawns 1)
UAE POLO: Kayley Smith 0, Lukin Monteverde 6 (3 goals), Barto Castagnola 9 (2), Tommy Beresford 7 (7). Total: 22.
DUBAI: Camilo Castagnola 10 (6 goala), Rashid Albwardy 2 (1), Beltrán Laulhé 3 (2), Rufino Bensadon 7 (2). Total: 22.
Score UAE Polo: 3-0, 4-1, 5-4, 8-6, 10-8,12-11.
MVP: Barto Castagnola.
BPP: Solar. Player: Barto Castagnola.
BPP Amateur Player: Chalo Galaxy. Player: Rashid Albwardy.
Top Scorers of thr tournament: Camilo Castagnola (Dubai), 54 goals.
Top Scorer Amateur: Garvy Beh (BP Polo), 8 goals.