SA, India-B set for Polo title clash
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 28 2014 : South Africa, India-B (Manipur) stormed into the finals after scoring seven goals against their opponents while India-A, Unites States of America who scored six goals were ousted from the title race of the 8th Manipur Polo International organised in connection with the ongoing Sangai Festival by Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association at Mapal Kangjeibung (Imphal Pologround) today.

In the first semifinal today, India-B defeated India-A by 7-6 goals.

Defending champion, India-B could not opened their account in the first Chukker but India-A team opened their scoring through but Aman Singh in the 3.52 minute.

Two quick goals from P Ojit kept India-B in a comfortable position in the second Chukker.

P Ojit scored his double goals in the 0.25 and 1.52 minute.

S Bimol also shared one goal in the 3.53 minute.

Capt Aman Singh is the only scorer of the India-A.Therefore, at the end of the second Chukker India-B led by 3-2 .

As both the teams increased their attacking prowess in the third Chukker.

P Ojit and S Bimol scored one goal each for India-B in this Chukker also.

However, it was equalized by India-A through Vijay's double strike in the 2.08 and 3.19 minute.

So, till the end of the Chukker India-B still led by one goal over India-A. Interesting fourth Chukker was started by India-B through S Bimol with his 0.59 minute goal.

Teammate M Jawan also added another goal to lead the score by 7-4.But Akshay Malik pulled one goal back in the 4.30 minute then Askhil Sirohi reduced the score margin in 5.58 minute but his goal came too late in the day for India-A to press further and to bring them into the title race.

Their goal drought in fourth Chukker forced last year's runners-up title holder USA to leave title race of the 8th Manipur Polo International.

High hoped USA were defeated South Africa by sudden-death goal in the second semifinal today.

Jacob Brown setup the first goal for American in the first Chukker where South Africa were in nil.

South Africa started their scoring through John Eustaces' double in the second Chukker.

Danielle, Jacob Brown, Sebastian Aycinena scored one goal each for USA to lead over SA by 4-2 goals in the end of the Chukker.

The third Chukker was 2-2 tie for USA and SA.

For USA Sebastian Aycinena and Danielle scored one goal each.

Sean O'Sullivan and John Eustace also got their name in the score-sheet.

SA's Chukker was started from the fourth Chukker.

Scorers of the SA in the second semifinal match, John Eustace and Sean O'Sullivan scored one goal each.

USA were could not score even a goal in this Chukker.

Both the teams were in 6-6 draw during the normal Chukker.

Sean O'Sullivan of South Africa smashed the golden goal in the added Chukker to take them into the final match.

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