BRDB-Elevation defeats Royal Pahang in epic RSPC International final

Saturday, 06 June 2009 21:37

BRDB-Elevation underlined their claim to become the top polo team this polo season with a fantastic win over Royal Pahang Polo Club in the final of the RSPC International at the Royal Selangor Polo Club this evening. 

Satinder Garcha got BRDB-Elevation off to a flying start with a super solo goal, dribbling in from the left wing.  As BRDB-Elevation shot out to a quick 4-1 lead in the first chukka, they seemed firmly in control of the match.  But Royal Pahang came roaring back to tie the score at 4-4 in the 2nd chukka with magnificent play by South Africans Selby Williamson and Chippy Watson. 

Martin Ravina was outstanding for BRDB-Elevation, controlling things from the back and prompting lightning attacks with long balls to Shaik Reismann, Edham Shaharuddin and Satinder Garcha.  Satinder scored a neck shot from 80 yards out as BRDB-Elevation again took control of the match at 7-5. Royal Pahang just kept coming back, tying it at 7-7 and 8-8 in the final chukka.  It was worthy final, one of the most exciting in recent years, as it went right down to final bell, with BRDB-Elevation winning by 9 goals to 8 over a gallant Royal Pahang team.

For his outstanding efforts, Martin Ravina was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament.

In the match for 3rd place, Harald Link's Thai Polo just edged RMPA International debutants Head Hunters by 5 1/2 to 5.  Hernan Tasso and Carlos Pando combined well for Thai Polo.  Patron Harald Link and his daughter Caroline had solid games for Thai Polo.  Martin Garrahan was outstanding for Yeo Kuo Lee's Head Hunters.  He was the playmaker for Sattar Khan and Joevy Beh.  Martin even scored a penalty 5B, a hit from the centre with an amazing shot.

Yesterday La Sarita crushed Jogo Polo 8 1/2 - 4 to take 5th place, while Ranhill Polo finally got a win, beating III Lounge 9 - 4 1/2 for 7th place in the tournament.

By winning the Thai Open in January, BRDB-Elevation has two wins from two International League tournaments and lead the RMPA International league with maximum points.  Royal Pahang are five points behind as they head to their home tournament.  The Royal Pahang Classic is the next RMPA International League tournament, from 20th to 27th June at the Royal Pahang Polo Club in Pekan, Pahang.

Related Links:

Photo Gallery: RSPC International Polo Tournament 2009
BRDB-Elevation and Royal Pahang lead RSPC International qualifying