konknaijagirl | On 11, Mar 2013

A dominant second and third chukka performance helped Linetrale Delaney recover from a three-goal deficit to beat Lintex Anadariya 10-8 in the Lagos International polo Tournament on Saturday to emerge champions of the Independence Cup. The tournament ends on Sunday (today).

Linetrale Delaney are also on course for the Majekodunmi Cup, which they are the defending champions.

Anadariya, who had Usman and Bashir Dantata, had caused the biggest upset by beating Fifth Chukker on Wednesday and they showed their determination to go all the way by leading 4-1 after the opening two chukkas.

Five straight goals —two in the third chukka and another three in the fourth chukka —swung the game in favour of Linetrale, who led 6-4 in the fourth chukka. Raul Lapalcette amended for his missed shot to draw Anadariya close and almost immediately, he broke away to score a brilliant individual goal to level proceedings at 6-6.

Anadariya regained the lead as Lapalcette converted a 40-yard penalty for 7-6 but Mustapha Fasinro was rewarded for his great play by scoring a low shot to tie the match 7-7 heading to the sixth and last chukka.

Marcelo Pasqual and Laplacette both failed to convert their penalties from 60 and 40 yards respectively but Damien Duncan put away his effort under pressure from Santiago Cernadas. Marcelo then scored back-to-back to give Linetrale a 10-7 lead before Cernadas scored to make the scoreline more respectable.

The day’s first match saw HST beat Bell Oil & Gas 5-3 to win the Lagos Governor’s Cup.