An exciting match between Monterosso and White Crane concluded the sixth day of the 2021 Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy, with a final chukka goal from Monterosso’s Alessandro Bazzoni leading his team to the 9-8 victory.
Facing a two-goal difference on handicap, Monterosso fought hard throughout the game to pull even, outshooting White Crane 23 to 12 thanks to an organized passing attack. Assisting on five of their eight field goals, Monterosso was led by five goals from David Stirling as they battled throughout the second half to close the deficit. Holding White Crane to just three field goals and 25% shooting allowed Monterosso to finally pull even in the second half with the extra shots on goal providing the opportunity for them to take the lead and hold off late pressure from White Crane to capture the 9-8 win.
An evenly matched opening chukka resulted in White Crane maintaining their two-goal lead as the two teams traded Penalty 2 conversions for the only offense in the first seven minutes. Effective in the #1 position, Jasmine Calvert-Ansari concluded a three-goal run for White Crane that game them a commanding 5-1 lead, but Monterosso slowly inched their way back into the game, when Stirling scored the final two goals of the half to bring Monterosso back within two.
Converting just two of their 10 shot attempts in the first half, Monterosso began to find the mark in the second half, increasing their accuracy to goal and pulling even for the first time at 6-6. Stirling and Ignacio Toccalino provided a strong duo for Monterosso, passing the ball effectively downfield. Despite being heavily outshot, White Crane remained even after consecutive Penalty 4 conversions for Nico Pieres kept the score tied at 8-8 entering the final chukker. At the start of the sixth chukker, Alessandro Bazzoni broke through for a goal to give Monterosso their first lead of the game at a crucial moment of the game. As time ticked down, Monterosso was able to keep White Crane off the scoreboard and hold on for the 9-8 victory.