Bendaharas win 67th FIP Ambassadors Cup in Malaysia
Monday, 20 April 2009 12:46
The Bendaharas needed to win this match to win the tournament, while for Laksamana, a draw would be enough for the tournament victory. The match went right down to the final bell as the Bendaharas ended Laksamana’s unbeaten run in the 67th FIP Ambassadors Cup which concluded at the Royal Selangor Polo Club on Sunday.
Laksamanas had two patrons and two Ambassadors on their team. Tan Sri Hamdan and Harald Link played with Ambassadors Teodoro Calle of Ecuador and former 6 goaler Russell Corey of USA.
Ted Calle got the opening goal inside the first minute for the Laksamanas, but it was the only time they would have the lead in the match.
FIP Ambassador Peter Prendiville of Western Australia organised the Bendaharas of Jagdeep Kairon / Hadrisham, Yudie Fazly / Steve Hagger and Ameer Jumabhoy superbly as they sought to neutralize Calle’s Laksmanas. It was Peter’s best match of the tournament.
Ameer Jumabhoy (pictured left in blue) took over his father’s place in the game as FIP Ambassador Asad had to return to Singapore. They might have been big boots to fill, but the RMPA’s Young Player of 2008 showed that he has the talent to do it. Ameer played a blinder, impressing with his stickwork and finishing, both of which has improved. He scored four very good goals. The Bendaharas led 4-2 at halftime with three goals from Ameer and the opener by Peter Prendiville. At 6-3 at the end of the third chukka, Laksamana looked buried. If the Bendaharas thought they had the match wrapped up, they didn’t count on Ted Calle’s fighting spirit. He was virtually a one-man team as he dragged Laksamana back into the match with three goals in the final chukka.
Bendaharas still had the lead at 7-6 but with Calle calling the shots, it was touch and go in the last minute.
Peter Prendiville stepped up when he was needed and took control. He picked the ball up from a broken play on the left wing at centre field and took it all the way to the Laksamana goal, finishing in style. That gave Bendahara the victory they needed to win the tournament.
In the other FIP Ambassadors Cup match the Temenggongs got the better of the Mahkotas 7-6 in another thrilling match.
The Mahkotas had the services of Australian Ron Wanless, Hennie Conraad / Dato’ Johan Ngo, Tengku Dato’ Faisal and FIP Ambassador Mathias Guerrand-Hermes who was superb at the No 3 position. Ron Wanless’ game improved yet again as he showed what a played he must have been before he lost his left eye in an accident last year.
The Temenggong’s had Quzier Ambak / Tengku Sharafudin, Lim Beng Kiat / Daryl Yeap, Dato’ Beh Chun Chuan and FIP Exco member and Ambassador Bruce Colley.
The score was tied 4-4 at half-time. It was Temenggong’s three unanswered goals in the third period that won them the game. The Mahkotas came back with two goals in the final period, but the Temenggong’s held on for the win.
In a lower goal four chukka match that was played over two days, Hang Tuah beat Hang Jebat 7-3 ½. Hang Tuah were Toh Muda Rizal Ramli / Yudie Fazly, Ling Beng Kiat, Mohd Zekri and Quzier Ambak. Hang Jebat was made up of Steve Hagger, Daryl Yeap, Jagdeep Kairon and Tengku Sharafudin.
Minster of Youth and Sport Datuk Ahmad Sharbery Cheek gave away the prizes to all the players. The RMPA had ceremonial pewter keris for the Ambassadors, and songket and handicrafts for their wives.
The FIP Ambassadors had many good things to say about their Malaysian tour. Personally, it was very nice to be thanked by the FIP Ambassadors in the way that they did. I’ve had communication with Peter Prendiville going back to 2003 about Malaysia rejoining FIP and playing a regional role. On Saturday the RMPA stated its intention to bid to host the FIP World Cup Zone D qualifier in 2011. That was the culmination of the work we have done over many years to bring Malaysia back into the international fold. It was very satisfying to be able to show the FIP Ambassadors what we have in Malaysia and for Malaysia to retake her place at the forefront of Asian polo.It was a very good tournament that the visiting and local players enjoyed. Hopefully Malaysia will have more great tournaments such as this with a regular Ambassadors Cup.
Related Links:
Laksamana scores second win in 67th FIP Ambassadors Cup
http://www.equestrian.com.my/updates/278-laksamana-scores-second-win-in-67th-fip-ambassadors-cup
FIP Polo Ambassadors play at Putrajaya
http://www.equestrian.com.my/updates/273-fip-ambassadors-play-at-putrajaya
FIP Polo Ambassadors play in Malaysia
http://www.equestrian.com.my/updates/265-fip-polo-ambassadors-play-in-malaysia
RMPA Photo Gallery: FIP Ambassadors Arrival and Polo in Pahang:
http://www.rmpa.org.my/gallery/photo_albums.php?id=21
To see a small gallery of George Gill's photos, please go to:
http://www.rmpa.org.my/gallery/photo_albums.php?id=22
