March 17, 2008	Monday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 8, 1429

LAHORE, March 16: Five-goal Raja Samiullah helped Bank of Punjab/Rangers, a team comprising all local players, to annex the first Pakistan Polo Cup by defeating Nestle Orange Juices 7-4 1/2 in the final on Sunday.

The winners, except for the second chukker, remained in front throughout the final.

They led the first chukker 2-1 1/2. Samiullah drew first blood, scoring a field goal off Qubilai’s angular pass. Asif Zahoor struck his first to consolidate the lead. Renioso, the three-goal scorer, fired his first to reduce the margin for the losing outfit, who had a half-goal handicap.

Renioso again showed his presence to put his team ahead for the first and last time 2 ½-2.

Samiullah then scored thrice as the winners led 5-3½.

Atif banged home for the losing side.

The fourth chukker saw constant attacking by the winners which proved helpful in their adding two more goals to their score, leaving no chance for their rivals to stage a comeback. Though Renioso pumped in his fourth goal in the beginning, Samiullah’s fifth and Asif’s second sealed the fate of the match.

Earlier, Nirala Sweets notched up to third position by defeating Pakistan Air Force 8-6½.

For the winning side, Dhruvpal Godara fired six goals while Taimur Ali Malik added two.

For the losing side, who had a 2½ goal handicap, Shaukat Ali Malik contributed three goals while Tauheed Ahmed one.