Ayala found Gold
by Juan Cruz Diaz

Ayala beat Loro Piana-La Capilla 14-13 in an exciting final, and obtained the Jaeger Le Coultre Gold Cup, the closing tournament of the Sotogrande season in Spain, the most important in Continental Europe. Previously, and after an incredible match, Ahmibah beat Scapa 13-12 and claimed the Subsidiary Trophy Pedro Domecq de la Riva. 

Ayala took a wide advantage in the first chukker, which maintained during the whole game, supported mostly by a great performance by Alejandro Muzzio. "Patience" was the most heard word in the pony lines; "we're tied" was the other phrase, in spite of a 3-4 goals in disadvantage.

Loro Piana's scary reaction came in the last chukker, courtesy of Chilean Jaime Garcia Huidobro who scored a goal, and assisted in another, to bring Loro Piana to within a goal, with only a minute remaining. Seemed that a miracle would happen in the last play, but Agustin Nero missed a foul to tie the game.

This way, and when the bell sounded in the last chukker, Ayala was euphoric to celebrate the victory. Even there were tears in Jose Donoso's eyes, who had a great European season with the always present tribute to his brother Gabriel, who died in Argentina almost a year ago.

Previously, and for the Subsidiary Trophy, Scapa managed to lead the the whole match. Michael Redding's team was leading 4-0 and 5-1 in the first chukkers, as Ahmibah could only be ahead once in the score, when they sealed the final result 13-12, with only seconds to the first bell in the last chukker.

Last, but not least, there's a special mention to the great organization of the season by Santa Maria Polo Club, and the constant growing of polo in the south of Spain. And of course, the award to the best player of the tournament, young and talented argentine player, Alejandro Muzzio.