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USA DEFEATS ENGLAND 7-6; SECURES THIRD PLACE IN THE 10TH MANIPUR POLO INTERNATIONAL INVITATIONAL

Nov 29, 2016 8:22 PM

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Team USA members in the opening ceremony of the 10th Manipur Polo International Invitational at the Mapal Kangjeibung - Imphal Pologround
Team USA members in the opening ceremony of the 10th Manipur Polo International Invitational at the Mapal Kangjeibung - Imphal Pologround.

The United States Polo Association International Committee sent a team to Imphal, Manipur, India, November 22 - 29 to compete in the 10th Manipur Polo International Invitational. After a rocky start with the unexpected hospitalization of Team USPA member Loreto Natividad before leaving the United States, Team USA arrived in India with a three-man team including George Krabbe, Ryan Cronin-Prather and Lucas Reid (Team USPA).

England on a breakaway, USA's Lucas Reid (Team USPA) hustling to defend in the first match of bracket play.
England on a breakaway, USA's Lucas Reid (Team USPA) hustling to defend in the first match of bracket play.

On Wednesday, November 23, Team USA suffered a disappointing 7-3 loss in the first game of bracket play against England. Last-minute substitutes, Ranjeev Nath from New Delhi, India, and Australian Scott Kennedy-Green split the fourth position. However, Team USA rallied in their second game of bracket play winning handily over India A (Indian Polo Association) with a final score 11-4, securing a spot in the semifinal. This time with the help of Australian players Beau Blundell and Alex Barnet.

Team USPA member Lucas Reid with a shot down field in the second match of bracket play against India A (Indian Polo Association).
Team USPA member Lucas Reid with a shot down field in the second match of bracket play against India A (Indian Polo Association).

In Sunday’s semifinal match Team USA contracted the services of Kenyan Geoffrey Morley to replace Natividad. Team USA lost to a very strong and skilled India B (Manipur Riding and Polo Association) 10-2. “The team fought hard the entire match,” recounted Ed Armstrong. “Lucas Reid went down resulting in a badly sprained wrist.”

Team USA before the semifinal match against India B (Manipur Rising and Polo Association). Sub. Geoffrey Morley, Ryan Cronin-Prather, Lucas Reid (Team USPA), George Krabbe.
Team USA before the semifinal match against India B (Manipur Rising and Polo Association). Sub. Geoffrey Morley, Ryan Cronin-Prather, Lucas Reid (Team USPA), George Krabbe.

Tuesday’s consolation game pitted USA against England in a highly-anticipated rematch—Team USA ultimately defeating England 7-6 to capture third place. In the final, Australia beat the hometown favorite India B (Manipur Riding and Polo Association) by a score 9-6 garnering their first Manipur Polo International Invitational title.

All Photos Courtesy of CK Polo Photo