Match Report for Edinburgh League Semi Final
On Wednesday the 26th of November the Semi Final of the Edinburgh league took place. It was set to be a big match for the St Andrews Polo team. Having got through the earlier stages of the league with relative ease this was now a cut-throat "conquer or die" match. Spurred on by Ralph's drum and bass playing continuously on the drive down the team was now psyched for an aggressive and fierce match.
Having tacked up the ponies and eyed up the opposition, the team donned their battle faces and entered the arena for the first chukka. St Andrews got off to a bad start with the Edinburgh team quickly scoring soon after the line out and then again soon after that. The score standing at 2-0 to Edinburgh prompted a new strategy from Ralph consisting simply of the phrase: "kill 'em". The effect of these words was seen immediately by the many spectators as St Andrews started to dominate once again. With George and Ralph now on spectacular form for St Andrews, two goals were quickly scored (not sure who scored which, but they certainly wouldn't have looked out of place in a high goal match). The bell for the second chukka went with the score standing at 2-2 leaving much to be played for in the second chukka.
With a strong Edinburgh team this was proving to be a highly competitive match. The tactics for the second chukka was to ensure our team did not foul in anyway shape or form. This proved to be an effective strategy as the Edinburgh team slowly began to come unstuck and the penalties started coming our way, thus enabling clear shots at goal. After a few missed attempts the points started to mount once again for the St Andrews team, with the score standing at 4-2 to St Andrews by the end of the second chukka. The fans were screaming at this point and I think there might even have been a streaker!
With confidence now installed in the St Andrews team and the Edinburgh team looking considerably worried at the start of the third chukka; it was now time to destroy. This was a beautiful chukka to watch for the many St Andrews fans as the team dominated for the entirety of the chukka with another two goals scored. The Edinburgh team were now fouling left, right and centre. It was simply up to us to hit the target (there were many missed attempts with both George and Ralph sending balls soaring sky high out the arena!) The score stood at 6-2 at the end of this chukka meaning Edinburgh would have to have an extraordinary fourth chukka to ensure they qualified for the final - an enormous task.
The fourth chukka was a slow moving one with both sides considerably tired at this stage, and nor were they helped by the rapidly fading light. Edinburgh spurred on with new energy (probably having had to resort to a serious pep-talk!) quickly scored, however this was to be the last time. St Andrews held themselves well and ensured that no more goals were conceded. With George's arms struggling and in pain due to his mighty steed the strategy was simply about defending, thus no more goals were scored. The final bell went - St Andrews were victorious! The euphoria in the arena could have been linked to one of DJ Tiesto's concerts, with Ralph and George crying tears of joy.
The final result was 6-3 to St Andrews, with George, Ralph, and Alex scoring two goals each.
Team consisted of Alex Nicholson, Ralph Anderson and George Mackintosh.
(written by Alex Nicholson)