After nearly two weeks of top class polo action at the Thai Polo Club, the 14 goal Polo Masters tournament reached a fitting climax last Saturday 6th February with two exciting and historically significant matches. With the Royal Pahang team led by HRH Prince Abdullah and ‘Dato Mohamed Moiz having emerged as the victors of the 5 team league by end of play on Thursday 4th February, a new concept was born.
The 6 patrons from the various competing teams all decided that they would like to take the opportunity to join forces and lay down the gauntlet within their own group, allowing the professional players to fight it out amongst themselves in a blistering 23 goal showdown.

Thus, the inaugural “Patrons Challenge Trophy” evolved, with two 6 goal teams destined to battle it out on Thai Polo Club’s stunning main field, following the high goal exhibition match. A large gathering of polo enthusiasts and guests of Mr Drew Noyes from Pattaya Times settled into their seats to be duly treated to a dazzling parade, followed by two great polo games.

As the sun shone and the champagne flowed the drama began to fold, in what was to be the highest rated polo match ever played on Thai soil in handicap terms. The professionals did not disappoint, but put on a breathtaking display of polo at its thrilling best. Jogo Elevation comprised three of Argentina’s elite, with Indian pro Simran Shergill (4), at the front door. Their challengers were Bunga Raya, also featuring three top flight Argentinean professionals, and Malaysian maestro Huzaini Yunus (4) completed the quartet.
Neither team gave an inch, allowing each other little room to manoeuvre, which produced some text book man marking. However, the crowd were not to be treated to the festival of goals that was anticipated, and Jogo commanded a slim lead for most of the match. Laplacette (6) scored the equaliser in the last chukka for Bunga Raya, thus concluding the match with a 4 all draw and allowing the professionals to share the gleaming trophy presented by Caroline Link.

During the customary divot stomping period the glamorous spectators took to the field, closely pursued by television interviewers and a throng of photographers. Then came the chance of the patrons to put on a show in their own style, and both teams boasted a strong line up with the promise of an even battle.   
 
Royal Pahang’s ‘Dato Mohamed Moiz (1) invited ‘Dato Razak Khan (1), Quzier Ambak (1) and Shaik Reismann (3) to join him to pitch their skills against ‘Dato Harald Link’s Thai Polo team. Harald (1) was joined by Indian patron Sattinder Garcha (2), Mohamed Zekri (1), and Tengku Shazril (3).
Some very tight marking meant that their were few goals scored in the first half, but in the latter stages there was some fine individual play, notably from both Garcha and Moiz.
It looked like the home side of Thai Polo would hold on to a slim lead, but in the dying seconds Shaik Reismann broke through the field in his signature style to slot a goal to put the two teams equal on 6 goals apiece. The patrons all gallantly agreed to share the trophy and so a draw was declared.

There was much hugging and back slapping during the subsequent prize giving, after a perfect afternoon’s sport with no winners or losers. The true spirit of the Malaysian league camaraderie shone through as all congratulated one another on their fine efforts over the previous weeks of play. ‘Dato Mohamed Moiz received the coveted B.Grimm Thai Masters 2010 trophy on behalf of himself and the absent HRH Prince Abdullah, along with the rest of the Royal Pahang worthy champions. Prizes were also collected by runners up RMPA and third placed Jogo Elevation (full match reports available on website).

With spirits high, the players, supporters and friends celebrated into the night with a delicious supper at the atmospheric Chukka Bar to the accompaniment of a lively jazz band. The dark horizon suddenly burst into blinding colour as the pyrotechnics got to work, sending up rocket after rocket in a spectacular firework display to mark the closing of a magnificent tournament.