10th Jun 2007
by Juan Pedro Cambiasonathan
Thailand Polo confirmed their early favouritism by edging Royal Pahang by just half a goal in a close fought encounter on the 2nd day of the RSPC Masters Polo Tournament. Led by 7-goaler Hernan Tasso, who was ably assisted by 6-goaler Carlos Pando, Thailand toughed out a rain-interrupted match where the lead changed with every goal till the final chukka. 7-Goaler Jose Rivas was outstanding in the middle of the park for Royal Pahang, driving them to the end. With less a minute to go Jose threatened to win the match on his own but was thwarted by the strong Thailand defence.
Harald Link had a good game for Thailand, man-marking Tengku Amir and doing his bit in defence. In the second chukka a saved a certain goal, hitting a sweet tail-shot to clear the ball. Nicholas Kosmatos also had his star-turn. His came in the first chukkas when Tasso turned the ball near his own back line and found Pando breaking away on the wing. Carlo held the ball up till Nicholas came flying past, then released the ball into his path. Nicholas stroked it once, then hammered it through the goal from 60 yards out.
In the 2nd game of the day, BRDB pulled off an upset to beat Cameron Highlands by 8 goals to 7. BRDB (+9) and Cameron Highlands (+11), were both under the minimum handicap of 12 goals for this tournament. With the match played off-the-stick, the higher handicap and foreign pros Craig Wilson of New Zealand and Selby Williamson of South Africa appeared to give Cameron Highlands the advantage. It started that way, but with BRDB captain Dato' Mohamed Moiz commanding a team game, and Edham Shahruddin and Shaik Reismann in flying form, BRDB got themselves back into the game. They came back to tie the score at 3-3, 5-5, then drew away in the 3rd chukka with goals from Peter Abisheganaden, Shaik Reismann and Edham Shaharuddin. Cameron Highlands came back strongly in the final chukka but were too late, losing by a solitary goal.
In the only match on Saturday, Royal Pahang ripped Ranhill Polo apart, winning 8 to 2 1/2. Jose Rivas was so in control, never rushing, always in a steady canter as he orchestrated Ranhill's demolition. Ranhill did start well, playing team tactics that saw all four players involved. Saladin Mazlan was making his return to competitive polo after more than 7 years away. He gave away a few fouls as he adjusted to the pace of the game, and it was the penalties that was Ranhill's undoing. Of Pahang's eight goals, five were scored by Rivas from penalties.
There was more bad news for Ranhill as their 5-goaler Huzaini Yunos aggravated a riding muscle injury. He was attended to three times by the paramedics and eventually Ranhill conceded the game with about a minute remaining. Huzaini is unlikely to continue in this tournament.
Ranhill have till Tuesday to find a replacement for Huzaini as they face a charged up BRDB team then. Cameron Highlands will look to get their tournament back on track as they face Thailand Polo on Wednesday. They will have little rest as they face Royal Pahang the next day, while Thailand Polo play BRDB.
Next weekend will see the final three matches of Thailand vs Ranhill on Saturday 16th June, while on Sunday 17th June Royal Pahang play BRDB while Cameron Highlands plays Ranhill.
With so much unseasonal rain, the tournament has been played so far at Taman Equestrian Putrajaya. Please keep checking this website for information on where matches are being played.