Thrilling Game at Royal County of Berkshire
Chris Hyde’s debut outing as a ten goaler didn’t quite go the way he’d planned in the thrilling sole game of the Paul Castle Challenge Trophy.
Sifani started strongly with Nico San Roman and Chris Hyde alternating goals, finishing the first chukka 7-2. Gaucho fought back through superb play from Berkshire newcomer, Harold Hodges, who had teamed up with Adolfo Casabal and Faisal Al-Rifai bringing the scores to 10-10 at half time. Gaucho extended their lead in the third chills with all three players respectively making the score sheet, but Hyde lead the fight back for Sifani tying the scores at 20-20 during the fourth chukka. However, a penalty one for Gaucho in the last 30 seconds sealed their victory in the first high goal arena game of the season. Charlie Burrows of drybrow kindly donated prizes. Gaucho had previously warmed up for this first serious match with a convincing win in The El Rosario Trophy exhibition match at Druids Lodge on Saturday 31 October, and look set for a successful season.
The tournament is played for the trophy named after late Paul Castle, best known in polo circles as the patron of the Metropolitan team, who were particularly noted for their presence in the medium goal scene, both on grass and especially in the arena.
Sifani (15): Hilali Noordeen (1), Nico San Roman (4) & Chris Hyde (10)
Gaucho (15): Faisal Al-Rifai (3), Harold Hodges (5) & Adolfo Casabal (7)
Photograph: The victorious Gaucho team (l-r) Harold Hodges, Faisal Al-Rifai and Adolfo Casabal with Charlie Burrows of DryBrow. Courtesy of RCBPC
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