Jamaica, Zimbabwe in Tri-Nation title clash

Orville Clarke, Gleaner Writer

Jamaica and Zimbabwe will contest the final of the Tri-Nation Ladies Polo Tournament at the St Ann Polo Club, Drax Hall, this afternoon at 4:30 and another close and exciting contest is anticipated.

Zimbabwe earned their final berth on Thursday afternoon, edging out the United States 4¹/² to 3 in a hard-fought contest at Chukka Blue, Sandy Bay, in Hanover.

Zimbabwe, starting with a half-point handicap from the Americans, raced into a 3¹/² to nil lead by the end of the second chukka, as Leonora De Ferranti got the opening goal in the first chukka and captain Sherri-Lyn Hensman followed up with two penalties in the second.

But the Americans clawed their way back into the game with three unanswered goals in the third chukka, two from Cecelia Cochran and the other from Tiffany Busch, to make it 3¹/²-3 in favour of Zimbabwe.

With both teams having everything to play for in the final chukka, Hensman capitalised on a missed clearance by the Americans close up to tap in the winning goal two minutes from the end, as she finished with a hat-trick.

today's final

For today's final, Jamaica and Zimbabwe appear evenly matched, even though Jamaica clipped them 4 to 3¹/² in the opening match at the Kingston Polo Club last Sunday, thanks to a hat-trick from Rachel Turner; and Jamaica's captain, Lesley Ann Fong Yee, is expecting another tough encounter.

"We came from behind on two occasions to beat them on Sunday and I thought they played well," she said.

"I am expecting an even tougher game as after two matches the Zimbabweans should be fully organised to contest the final. They should know the horses better by now and we have to remain focused as a team if we intend to go all the way.

"We are taking nothing for granted and this match should provide a treat for the spectators at Drax Hall," she added.

The Jamaica team comprises Fong Yee, Turner, Michelle Subaran and Susan Wates, with Zimbabwe parading Hensman, De Ferranti, Hilary Campbell and Diana Jack.

Prior to the final, the Karen Rose-led United States will take on a select team comprising local players in the consolation final at 3 p.m.