England thrash USA 9-2 as 13th Manipur Polo International 2019 begins

By Our Sports Reporter
IMPHAL, Nov 22 : England romped to a 9-2 win against USA in the opening match of the 13th Manipur Polo International 2019 at Mapal Kangjeibung today organised under the supervision of Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association. Altogether 5 teams, including France, USA and England will competing in the tournament which will be held in league format before two best teams qualify for the ultimate clash.
The inaugural function of the tournament was graced by Y Khemchand Singh, Speaker, Manipur Legislative Assembly, as the chief guest , who also declared the tournament open in the presence of Kongkham Robindro, Deputy Speaker, Manipur Legislative Assembly and L Jayanta Kumar, Health and Family Welfare Minister; Dr Sapam Ranjan, Chairman, Tourism Corporation Manipur Limited as dignitaries.
England's win looked imminent as they started strongly and put in 5 goals past the former champions, USA in the opening chukker with Will Seth Smith opening up the account when the match was not even a minute old. Star of the day, George Amor scored the team's second few seconds latter before grabbing another in the same chukker. In between Amor's goals, Chris Craw Ford and Ben Eley connected to a goal each to make it 5-1 till the end of the chukker as Tommy Huber added a single for USA.
George then scored twice to complete his four goal haul in the second chukker which saw USA draw blank despite their frenetic attempts. The third chukker went lull with both teams unable to find the target but Chris Craw Ford (0.15') and Ben (6.37') Eley  helped England with a goal each in the last chukker while Tommy Huber scored the other goal of USA in the 5th minute to make it 2-9 at the end.
 Lt Col Sammer Choudhary, India A team captain and S Girimohan of Manipur officiated the match.
India A will take on England while India B (Manipur) will clash with France in tomorrow's matches.