In full swing, the 15-goal Out-Sourcing Inc. Royal Windsor Cup features an impressive 21 teams, all vying for one of the most prestigious tournaments on UK soil. Through seven days of play, all teams have played at least one game with seven remaining undefeated. Leading the way with 2-0 records are just four teams: Emlor Red, Bardon, Ferne Park and Black Bears as they look to separate themselves from the pack and secure their place in the quarterfinals.
The first team to two victories in the tournament were Sujan Indian Tigers, led by 7-goaler Juan Gris Zavaleta, who led the team with eight goals, while Jaisal Singh contributed four goals in the wins. Their unbeaten streak came to an end against a tough Black Bears team that captured the 13-6 victory. Capturing two convincing victories, Black Bears are proving to be a team to watch as the second half of league play begins. Ollie Cudmore has been a standout player, recording 11 goals through two games, nine coming from the field as part of a formidable duo alongside Patrick O’Dwyer.
While some teams win with their offense, that has not been the case with Bardon Polo Team who have showcased a dominant defense, conceding just three goals in each of their two victories. The tournament-best defense thus far has been led by Poroto Cambiaso and Isidro Strada, building on their chemistry from a run to the finals in the Cartier Queen’s Cup. Alongside Bardon Polo Team is a Emlor Red team that improved to 2-0 after holding Tchogan to just two goals in a 7-2 victory. Producing a balanced attack on both offense and defense that has seen contributions from all four players (Spencer McCarthy, Hugo Taylor, Richard Tyrone, Max Charlton, sub. George Meyrick), Emlor Red has won in two different ways in a high-scoring contest to open the tournament and then shortly following up with a strong defensive effort. Just one more victory stands between them and an undefeated record before the knockout stages.
With 21 teams and just eight spots available, the next four days of play will ultimately decide the teams who remain in contention for the Out-Sourcing Inc. Royal Windsor Cup. With a match-up against Twelve Oaks on Friday, Ferne Park is one victory away from securing a spot, relying on their elite duo of Joaquin Pittaluga and Marcos Araya. With the emerging play of young Louis Hine, Ferne Park will provide a tough match for any opponent for the rest of the tournament. For the remaining league contests, Four Quarters faces Oakley Court with both teams holding a 1-0 record, while Bardon Polo Team awaits El Rosario, who could also enter the game with a 2-0 record, setting up a must-win game for both teams.
League play concludes on Sunday, 4th July with the quarterfinals following on Wednesday, 7th July at Guards Polo Club.