Al Manara to meet First Gulf Bank

Al Manara Jewellery earned the right to take on favourites First Gulf Bank in today's final of the Ghantoot Gold Cup Polo Championship.

In Monday's final league match, Al Manara crushed Yas Perfumes 8-0 in one of the most one-sided matches played here so far.

With this win Al Manara topped group B with two wins and play similar toppers of the other group, First Gulf Bank today.

Roger Harper, the professional player in Al Manara's ranks once again came up with a good show and see his team comfortable through. But what must have been more heartening to Harper and the Al Manara team management was the display by the other three players, who all got into the scorer's list on Monday.

Harper, who scored six goals in the first match against Maatouk, added another three to his tally to become on of the top strikers in the championship. But youngsters Ahmed bin Desmal and Yousef bin Desmal, both scored two goals each in a pleasing display.

Faisal Al Mazroui added one to complete the scoresheet for the winners.

However, Al Manara have their task cut out when they take on First Gulf Bank in today's final.

Hugo Barabucci, the former Polo Director of Ghantoot has been in tremendous form while helped his team top a rather difficult group.

But what has been the cornerstone of First Gulf Bank entering their second final has been their team work. Nasser Al Dhaheri, Nasser Al Shamsi and Ali Al Marri have all chipped in with their bits to help Barabucci chalk out their path to the final.

Today's result will mainly depend on whether Barabucci will be effective in putting a halt to Harper's scoring spree. He did that against Etisalat's Gonzalo Azumendi and will be hoping to repeat it while playing a more defensive role and allowing his UAE national players in the team to do the scoring.

First Gulf Bank had won the season's first trophy, the Super Cup and will be looking to add the Ghantoot Gold Cup to their showcase.

Today's final: First Gulf Bank vs Al Manara Jewellery 6.00 pm.