876 Polo team presents Jamaican excellence in international match | sport

Kingston:

The United Kingdom's first Jamaican Polo squad, the 876 Polo team, showed their world-class skills on Sunday, March 9, in an exciting international exhibition game against the combined team of the United States and the United Kingdom in the Kingston Polo Club in Caymana's Estates. The match ended with an exciting 4-4 ​​draw.

The 876 Polo team, consisting of Sekou Torre McDonald, Florito Curti, Shiv Rambaran and Charles Chambers, took an early tour with Chambers, who scored two impressive goals in the opening chukkas. The visiting team of the United Kingdom, consisting of Dale Johnson, Noah Dabney, Natascha Hedegaard and Luke Clarke, assembled a determined answer, with Hedegaard achieving twice to keep the match competitive.

A crucial moment came when Hedegaard showed extraordinary control and, despite the aggressive defense maneuver from the 876 polo team, kept up to date and shows the first-class ability that made it a global competitor.

McDonald, patron and founder of the 876 Polo team, expressed his pride in the team's performance: “What we saw today represents the mission and future of the 876 Polo team. The talent of both teams was extraordinary and the atmosphere was electrical. The 876 Polo team is obliged to increase this great sport both in the United Kingdom and here on the island, and today's game proves that we move in the right direction. We don't just build a team, we create a legacy that breaks continents.

“In addition to the competitive aspect, this exchange is a greater purpose,” added McDonald. “Our goal is to close the gap between continents and create the opportunity to learn from the techniques and traditions of the other. This cultural exchange enriches sport worldwide. “

The match contained impressive achievements of all 876 Polo team members, which showed extraordinary riding art, strategic play and teamwork in the four chukka. Their skillful defense in the critical last moments made sure that they had maintained parity with their international opponents.

Impressive game

The 19-year-old Noah Dabney from Richmond, Virginia, made an impression with his game under the United team. Although Dabney has been a rider since the age of six, he only moved to Polo three years ago, which made his performance remarkable for a relative newcomer to sport.

Hedegaard, who competes all over the world and gave her Jamaican Polo debut, recognized the quality of the competition and the facilities: “It was an incredible experience to play in Jamaica for the first time. The energy of the amount and quality of the competition made this an unforgettable match. The horses were absolutely great and world class. I look forward to coming back and competing next year. “

The teams have already committed themselves to a follow-up exhibition game planned for the next year, which is built at this successful tournament. The picturesque area of ​​the Kingston Polo Club at Caymana's Estaces offered an ideal backdrop for this international shop window and further revealed Jamaica as a Polo tourism destination.