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June
17, 2008
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 Loro Piana win first big title in UK
By Iain Forbes-Cockell ("The Major")
Alfio
Marchini's s Loro Piana team maintained their unbeaten record in this
season’s Vivari Queen’s Cup by stepping up their level of
play to defeat Ellerston White by 12 - 11 in a thrilling open game that
had to be decided by an extra chukka golden goal. Moments of brilliance
from the most outstanding player of the match, David (Pelon) Stirling
and his team mate Juan Martin Nero, with solid contributions from patron
Alfio Marchini and Martin Espain just edged out the Pieres brothers, Facundo
and Gonzalito, who both showed incredible skill, much applauded by the
crowd, and their team mates Richard Le Poer and Johnnie Williams.
In what many people said was one of the most exciting and open play finals seen for a number of years, Loro Piana tried to get off to their usual quick start but missed 5 attempts at goal in the first couple of chukkas. Ellerston were more efficient with their attacks/goals scored ratio and got into the lead by 2 goals before Juan Martin Nero reduced the margin to one goal by the end of the first chukka. However, this was the only time in the match that Ellerston were in the lead at the end of a chukka. A great second chukka put Loro Piana up to a 4-3 lead. 3 goals apiece in the third chukka meant that Loro Piana maintained that slim lead of one goal at half time. A 2-1 score in the fourth chukka put Loro Piana in the lead at 9-7. An even fifth chukka of two goals each saw Loro Piana lead 11-9 going into the sixth chukka. Ellerston fought back hard with two outstanding goals to level the scores 30 seconds from time. The seventh chukka ended rather sadly with a penalty rather than a field goal but Loro Piana were delighted winners 12-11.
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