Matias Vial was the architect of the La Familia victory, smoothly turning from strong defence to sharp attack. Nacho Ithurburu provided a quickness up front that Royal Pahang struggled to cope with. Andres Vial showed his familial understanding with brother Matias with some excellent passing.
Dato’ Mohamed had a good game, running hard, and working for the other players. As a team, La Familia showed few chinks in their armour. The played excellent defence, and broke quickly into a hard-running offence, whenever they had a chance.
Royal Pahang fell afoul of the umpires Matias Baibiene and Pepe Araya in the third chukka. Three unanswered goals turned the game firmly in La Familia’s favour. Then, it was a matter of defending their lead and playing out the game, which they did very well.
La Familia kept a two-goal cushion till the last chukka as they strode out to a 10-6 lead, before easing up for a second consecutive Thai Polo Masters win, and a nice move to the top of the RMPA International League table.
It has been two years since we have had Royal Pahang playing in a final, and many years since they faced their old friends and rivals, La Familia. HRH Prince Hassanal was deservedly awarded the Most Valuable Patron prize of a Franck Dubarry timepiece.
Rayulea, a 7 year old Bay Argentine Mare, played by Matias Vial, was adjudged the best playing pony. It was selected by Gines Bargallo from Michael Taylor, and is owned by La Familia.
Tang Polo defeated Thai Polo 5 – 4 in the subsidiary final, while Jogo Polo slumped to another defeat in their wooden spoon match.
Related Links:
Thai Polo Semi-Final Repeats
Thai Polo Masters 2020
A New Tang Dynasty
Close qualifiers in Thai Polo Open
Thai Polo Open 2020
