The gripping finale of the Duke of Sutherland Cup supported by Stephen’s Polo Division and hosted by Cowdray Park Polo Club featured a memorable matchup between Ojo Caliente (Ana Escobedo, Felix Esain, Facundo Sola, John Paul Clarkin) and La Irenita Polo Team (Gilberto Sayao, Will Harper, Poroto Cambiaso, Matias Mac Donough). Delighting spectators on Lawns 1, the nail-biting contest came down to the final minute of play with a driving Esain delivering Ojo Caliente the 7-6 victory.
Matching each other stride-by-stride, the low scoring clash was largely defined by each team’s defensive performances, allowing just fourteen shots combined between the two in the first half. Featuring three off the mallet of Cambiaso for La Irenita Polo Team and a combined effort from Sola, Clarkin and Esain striking for Ojo Caliente, the determined competitors entered the break knotted 3-all.
Despite converting just one penalty goal on three attempts in the first half, Sola was back at the line in the fourth to lift Ojo Caliente temporarily back into the lead. Holding Cambiaso to a single goal in the fourth, La Irenita Polo Team responded in the fifth with two in the chukka, including a drive from Sayao to tie the match once more 6-all. With overtime looming, Esain capped off a successful day in the field that included five shots and two goals with his biggest contribution of the battle, hitting the game winner to seal the coveted title for Ojo Caliente 7-6.
Photo Credit: ©Mark Beaumont