Undefeated Green Gates Capture 15-Goal Harrison Cup Title
A competitive Harrison Cup featuring 13 teams came to a close on Saturday, July 31 at Cowdray Park Polo Club as Green Gates and White Crane met in the 15-goal final. Using an exceptional team defense, Green Gates emerged victorious with the 7-3 victory to complete an undefeated run through the tournament and raise the Harrison Cup.
Producing a significant advantage from the field, Green Gates jumped on the ball early in the match to heavily outshoot White Crane 14-3 in the opening half. Led by the play of Cesar Crespo who led all players with four goals, Green Gates continued to pressure White Crane, keeping them pinned in their own half and preventing any counterattacks. Green Gates struggled from the penalty line where they were unable to convert any of their four attempts, but the overwhelming advantage from the field guided them to the convincing four-goal victory.
The opening moments of the match featured back and forth action that left the teams scoreless over the first few minutes until Crespo broke through and received a pass from Charles Cooney to score the first goal of the game. The lead was short-lived as White Crane’s James Harper provided a quick response, resulting in a tied 1-1 score at the end of the first chukka. The remainder of the first half displayed a dominant Green Gates performance as they would score five of the final six goals in the half as White Crane managed just two shot attempts. Crespo added to his total in the second chukka, accounting for all three Green Gates’ goals to give his team the 4-1 lead. Completing a strong first half, Green Gates extended the difference further on two goals from Diego Cavanagh while limiting White Crane to just two goals through three chukkas.
In dire need of offense, White Crane pressured Green Gates to begin the second half but the result was foul trouble that awarded Green Gates with three penalty attempts. Failing to convert any of the three attempts provided some hope for White Crane as the narrowed the deficit to three on a goal from Tom Brodie. However, the defense of Green Gates proved to be the difference in the final as White Crane were held without a goal over the final seven minutes, allowing Green Gates to complete the 7-3 victory. Green Gates celebrated their undefeated run through the tournament, capturing six victories to emerge as the 2021 champion.
Earlier in the day, Snakebite defeated DJ Cats 5-4 to capture the Maidensgrove Cup final, while Ojo Caliente claimed the 8-4 victory against Emlor Black for the Aotea Cup in the day’s second subsidiary final.