10th Manipur International Polo tournament Australia down England to enter final
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 26 2016: Riding on a treble by Jock Mackay, Australia came from behind to edge past England 6-3 today to enter the final of the 10th Manipur International Polo tournament organised by Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association at Mapal Kangjeibung as part of the ongoing Sangai Festival.

The thrilling first semifinal match of the tournament today saw both teams making a cagey start.

However, Australia exhibited dominance right from the first chukker although the first blood was drawn by England through Alec Banner-Eve in just 49th sec of the first chukker.

10th Manipur International Polo tournament

Australia's Jock Mackay cancelled out England's lead as he scored the equaliser in 2.55' of the first chukker.

England took the lead once again in the same chukker as George Shelton struck one goal in the 3.15'.The lead, however, was short-lived as Alex Barnet of Australia levelled the score once again in the 3.30' of the same chukker.

Adam Tolhurst handed a dramatic lead to Australia in the 4.59' of the first chukker.

In the second chukker, England team failed to keep on the pace they set in the preceding chukker.

Although they pushed hard to find the leveller, their efforts went abegging.

On the other hand, Australia scored three goals in the second chukker.

Jock Mackay struck twice (28 sec and 3.15') to complete his treble while Adam Tolhurst hammered one goal again in the 6.38' of the second chukker to seal the deal for Australia.

Phil Seller of England banged in one goal in the 5.57' of the third chukker to reduce the goal difference.

Both teams struggled hard to score more in the remaining time.

However, the score-line of 6-3 remained unaltered till the end of the game.

The second semifinal of the tournament will feature India-B (Manipur) locking horns with reigning champions USA tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Women Polo Exhibition match was witnessed today between Green Team and Red Team.

Green Team and Red Team played out a thrilling 2-2 draw.

As the two teams tried to settle and tested each other, the first chukker went scoreless.

After the barren first chukker, Kh Tanna of Green Team opened the scoring in the 8th second of the second chukker.

Kh Habe of Red Team restored parity in the 3.6' of the same chukker.

S Langlen handed a lead to Red Team as she was bang on target in the 39th second of the third chukker only to be equalised by Rowena of Green Team in the 53rd second of the same chukker.

Even as the two teams made frantic attempts to take the lead none could succeed in making the breakthrough.