Vikings and Talandracas claimed wins on the opening day of the British Open Gold Cup at Cowdray Park Polo Club, set in West Sussex, England. The tournament sees thirteen teams, up to 22 goals, compete.
First, Vikings beat Emlor by 13 goals 11, before Talandracas took a 13-8 win over BP Polo to take the Carlos Gracida Trophy, in a tribute to the unforgettable Mexican player. There was an unfortunate moment in the match, however, where a collision between Diego Cavanagh and Juan Martin Nero resulted in a broken ankle for the latter. Nero was replaced by Nicolás Pieres. The Trenque Lauquen local must now undergo surgery.
The Gold Cup resumes on Wednesday, June 30, with a match between Monterosso and Great Oaks Les Lions, at 1pm (Ambersham 3).
The Gold Cup final is scheduled for Sunday, July 25.
SUMMARY – TUESDAY, JUNE 29
VIKINGS 13-11 EMLOR
Vikings: Siri Evejmo-Nysveen 0, Chis Mackenzie 6 (2 goals), Sebastián Merlos 8 (4), Juan Martín Zubía 8 (7). Total: 22.
Emlor: Spencer McCarthy 1 (2 goals), Alfredo Bigatti 8 (1), Agustín Merlos 7 (7), Max Charlton 6 (1). Total: 22.
Score Vikings: 4-1, 5-4, 7-6, 9-7, 10-9, 13-11.
Umpires: Jason Dixon & Tim Brown.
Third Man: Julian Appleby.
BPP UK: Emezeta Cocinera, ridden by Juan Martín Zubía.
TALANDRACAS 13-8 BP POLO (Carlos Gracida Trophy)
Talandracas: Edouard Carmignac 0, Marcos Araya 6 (2 goals), Diego Cavanagh 8 (3), Camilo Castagnola 8 (8). Total: 22.
BP Polo: James Beh 1 (1 gol), Joevy Beh 3, Alejandro Muzzio 8 (5), Juan Martín Nero 10 * (1). Total: 22.
*Nicolás Pieres subbed in for Nero after his injury.
Score Talandracas: 3-1, 6-2, 7-3, 9-4, 13-6, 13-8.
Umpires: Peter Wright & Jason Dixon.
Third Man: Julian Appleby.
BPP UK: Van Rebelde, ridden by Camilo Castagnola.