Hong Kong recorded an impressive 8-6 victory over England today, Wednesday 3rd October, in the Subsidiary Final of the Fortune Heights Super Nations Cup, securing $80,000 worth of sponsorship money and third place in the international competition.
Kicking off at the Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club, it was Hong Kong who started the better of the two teams, taking an early 2-0 lead inside the first four minutes, with Jose Donoso and John Fisher both converting scoring opportunities for the Asian side. As the opening chukka drew to a close, England’s James Harper got his team back into contention, finding a way through the opposition defence to halve the deficit.
The second chukka saw Hong Kong look to retain their two goal advantage, John Fisher scoring on both occasions, but England would not go away, hitting back after each of Fisher’s goals, thanks to a double from captain, James Beim. The game continued to follow the same pattern as Hong Kong twice increased their lead only for England to take the teams back to within a single goal of each other moments later.
In the final chukka Hong Kong’s persistence finally paid off, as goals from Chris Mckenzie and a fourth for Fisher, opened up a three point gap. England’s seven-goal player, Mark Tomlinson did score a consolation goal in the final minutes but it was too late for the team in white, as the final whistle blew seconds later.
Under-16 Tournament
An exciting game also ensued in the Under-16 tournament, as the youth team from England won a closely fought encounter 3.5 to 3, against South Africa. England started the game with a 0.5 point lead due to South Africa’s 1 goal handicap, which proved decisive as each team finished with three goals apiece at the end of the third and final chukka. England will now go through to the Youth Final against Argentina, whilst South Africa play out the Subsidiary Youth Final versus the USA, with both matches taking place tomorrow, Thursday 4th October.
The senior final of the Fortune Heights Super Nations Cup will be held this Friday 5th October between Argentina and the USA, kicking off at 14:00HKT, with live television coverage on TVB in Hong Kong. Games will also be shown, along with replays, at www.hurlinghampolo.com, www.tvb.com and www.us-polo.org on a delayed feed.
For further media information, please contact:
Rod Kohler
Revolution Sports + Entertainment
E: rod@revolutionsports.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)207 592 1207