Oct 11, 2011
England defeated Chile 13-6 on day 2 of the FIP Polo World Cup 2011 being played in San Luis, Argentina.

The second game on Day 2 matched defending champion, Chile against England, which is always a complicated game. The match was played in the spectacular setting of field 1 which has a cement platform, a privilege few clubs in the world.

The game was very stluggish at first, with both teams committing fouls. This made the first half of the match very slow. Luckily there were no claims of any kind toward the referees, who did an excellent job, as well as throughout the tournament. The game was referred to by Peter Wright and Stephen Ferrari, with Martin officiating Goti 3rd man. It was from the 4th chukker that England began to feel the victory. A partial 4 to 1 had stretched the difference. Chile would not be able to get closer on the scoreboard.

England debuted with victory in the group B to defeat 13-7 to rival group B Chile. Hardly had 42 seconds passed from the start of the game that England scored from a penalty. Point to highlight is that more than 70 percent of the goals scored by both teams were through penalties throughout the match. The English team finished the first chukker 2-1 up on the scoreboard.

The second period of the game the Chilean team was trying to regain ground in the score and with a good performance from its back Juan Sanchez, Chile team reached the goal twice and went on to lead 3-2. England pressed in attack and with the conversion of a new goal kept the game tied 3-3.

The third chukker was a chukker of development slow and cboring by constant violations which both teams were at the time in defence. In this chukker four goals were scored, 3 from the England side and 1 on the Chilean side, all through penalties. At half time England led the score 6-4.


After half-time break the teams returned to the field to start the second half of the match. England led by Max Richardson became took advantage and went on to dominate. In this chukker England obtained their maximum difference so far to go ahead 10-5.

In the last two periods the English players worked very well collectively trying to maintain the lead and thus got their first viscory in this World Cup. Chile tried hard with the efforts of Philip Vercellino and Ignacio Vercellino, but despite scoring two goals the game was won by England 13-7.

The English team deployed a classic polo which people like to see, many back handers, tunnel passing, relays, etc.. Chile had a few starts, but always based on two players of 5 goals, and Juan Sanchez and Ignacion Vercellino.

Teams/Scorers:

Chile: Felipe Vercellino 2 (2 goals scored), Max Smith 2, Ignacio Vercellino 5 (2), Juan Sanchez 5 (3)
England: Nick Britten Long 2 (1), Jack Richardson 3 (1), Max Charlton 4 (10), Ed Hitchman 5 (1)

Chukker by chukker scores: 2-1, 3-3, 6-4, 10-5, 11-6, 13-7.