Ashbert Raiders, MRS Share Abraka Turf Polo’2013 Honours

As the exclusive and dazzling Abraka Turf and Country Club sprawls majestically from the bank of the mysterious Ethiope River, any reason is good enough to pay it a visit, and for those who spent their Easter holiday here this year, it was an  unforgettable weekend.

With the Abraka kingdom bathed in its traditional annual feast and Abraka Turf ‘2013 polo tournament highlighting the grand festival, it was a thrilling experience for polo enthusiasts as home side, Ashbert Raiders and visiting MRS share top honours.

Decided over three days of top class polo, the game was tied several times and never out of reach of either teams who have won major titles in this exclusive event. MRS gunning for another encore, played well to win the Patrons Cup, while Asbhert Raiders made headlines with a stunning International Gold Cup victory.

Prince Albert Esiri playing for the first time with his son, Arie, alongside Dawule Baba and Seavill, delighted huge home support and pulled off a late 8-71/2 International Gold Cup victory over MRS in a five chukka explosive final.

Ashbert Raiders skipper, Seavill heaped praises on his side after they defeated MRS in a grueling International Gold Cup final at the Abraka’2013 international polo tournament that climaxed with fanfare recently.

Having loss the Patrons’ Cup to the rampant MRS barely 12 hours ago, this final clash was closer in a humid Abraka Turf as the Raiders came from behind to win thanks to Seavill's superb penalties and field goals, a result which earned the host one of the event’s biggest prizes.

"That was a tough match, credit to MRS they made us work very hard for it. It was hectic, but the support we were getting was a real motivational factor. It was good to bounce back and giving a performance like that is great.” “For us we are going to enjoy this win tonight." Prince Esiri added.

MRS parading three debutantes, Abba Dantata, Jamilu Isiaka and Khalifa Ibrahim and their skipper Bashir Dantata, got off to a winning start as they look to extend their winning runs in the Easter fiesta, beating Ashbert 61/2-4 in the Patrons Cup opening game, thanks to great braces from Bashir, Abba and khalifa.

Host Raiders responded well in their second match, defeating MRS 8-71/2 in an enthralling Patrons Cup final match, but lose the title to the visitors on goals difference. "It is not everyday you beat a great team like Ashbert Raiders with the likes Albert Esiri, Dawule Baba and  Charles Seavill twice in the final." Dantata pointed out.

"It is a good momentum going into the season.” "You got to take every win as they come, and we can go back as a happy team and looking forward to next year.” Bashir statedt.

"We controlled the opening chukkas and let them slip. You can't concentrate for 95% of the game and let the 5% slip. It is hard to explain, but I must give kudos to the Raiders who never gave up. "Seavill, Esiri and Dawule let their experiences speak particularly in that crucial last chukka when we were 71/2-7,” he added.

  

In the low-goal title race, Ashton Wells pulled the biggest surprise of the tournament winning the Conservation Cup, dethroning Aqua Dulcis in a reverse of last year's result when Bruno Cipponeri helped Aqua Dulcis to the title with 1 41/2-4 final scores.

 Parading Osa Cookey, the debuting Boddie, Hugo and the only lady in the pack, Neku Atawodi, Ashton Wells galloped off to blistering start, winning the opening game with an impressive 4-21/2 margin against Aqua Dulcis featuring Ade Laoye, Dolapo Akinrele, Tony Isodje and Kojo Yusuf.

In the grudge final, Ashton Wells proved too strong for Aqua Dulcis as the home crowd favourrites lost 31/2-6, thus ending the reign as the Conservation Cup kings.

"It is unbelievable," said Cookey who led the Ashton Wells side. "For us we have been so unlucky in the final last year, and to come back again after that narrow lost and bounce back and give a performance like that is great.”

Chris Bethell who umpires all the games hailed the winners for their hard earned victories, and urges the losers to work hard and ensure victory next year. The United Kingdoms based professional polo umpire who is Cowdray Park polo manager, was particularly thrilled with then lushness and the firmness of the Abraka Turf Ground.

 “At Cowdray Pack, we pride ourselves with having the best polo grounds in the world, but it is truly amazing that Nigeria can boost a ground like this. From what I have seen in most of the polo grounds around, Abraka Turf field is not just the best in Nigeria, but one of the best in the world.”Bethell maintained

The resort is set on several hectres of lush cultivated tropical gardens for families, couples and individuals offering holiday accommodation in villas and apartments. Being away from the hustle and bustle of the business hubs of Nigeria, Abraka Turf and Country Club is the perfect environment to completely relax or embark on all the adventures this magnificent region has to offer.

Abraka's unique combination of location, country club atmosphere, luxury accommodation and friendly staff, will make packing your bags to leave this exotic place a great challenge. The club boasts of a breathtaking setting that is surrounded by lush tropical jungle and bordered by the beautiful River Ethiope.