Jamaica in ladies' polo final

USA, Zimbabwe seek berth

Orville Clarke, Gleaner Writer

Jamaica advanced to the tri-nation ladies' polo final, following a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the United States in the second match at the Kingston Polo Club, Caymanas Estates, on Tuesday.

Similar to their opening match against Zimbabwe, Jamaica had to come from behind twice for an exciting win, scoring two goals in the final chukka, much to the delight of their supporters.

Jamaica now await the outcome of the third match - between Zimbabwe and the United States - today at Chukka Blue, Sandy Bay, Hanover, starting at 4:30 p.m., to know their opponents in the final.

The winner will meet Jamaica in Saturday's final at the St Ann Polo Club, Drax Hall, starting at 4:30 p.m.

The Americans took an early lead when Cecelia Cochran scored midway the first chukka, but Jamaica equalised midway the second, through captain Lesley Ann Fong Yee, who converted in a goal-front melee.

But the USA roared back shortly after to lead 2-1, thanks to a goal from Tiffany Busch. Play was intense in the third chukka, but no goals were scored during this period.

It all came down to the fourth and final chukka with Jamaica, trailing 1-2, going all out to get the required goals.

They got one when Rachel Turner, the heroine of the first match on Sunday, went by two opposing players before tapping the ball across the line to level the scores at 2-2.

Unbeaten

Then, with 30 seconds remaining, former Miss Jamaica Universe, Michele Subaran, intercepted a Fong Yee cross from 30 yards out, and hit a powerful cut shot into the goal, to ensure that Jamaica remained unbeaten.

Winning captain Fong Yee said this was an even tougher match than the first against Zimbabwe.

"However, the team showed grit and determination, and we were able to pull it off late in the final chukka, thanks to a brilliant goal from Michele.

"We have been coming from behind to win our matches and, now that we have reached the final, my hope is that we go all the way," she said.

The USA team comprised Karen Reese (captain), Cochran, Busch and Lauren Biddle, while Susan Wates was the fourth member of the Jamaica team.