Chapter 173 - 171: 5th Of May III
Despite her reluctance, Geoffrey's presence was actually very helpful. He was very patient when he explained things they don't understand about the game.
For starters, a polo match is divided into chukka, each of which lasts for about seven minutes with an interval of three minutes between each one. During that time, players switch horses. At half time, the interval is extended to fifteen minutes for the divot stomping wherein spectators are invited to take the pitch and tread in divots.
The second thing was the game's objective. To win the game, a team must score more points than its opposition. Each team attempts to move the ball using the stick, which was apparently called a mallet. To score a point, a player must hit the ball into the goal post, and when a team scores a goal, they swap sides.
The third thing was the player's position. Serena learned that the number that each player was donning corresponds to certain responsibilities during the game.
Number 1 player is the most offence-oriented position on the field and generally covers the opposing team's number 4.
Number 2 player has an important role in offence, either running through and scoring themselves or passing to number 1 and getting in behind them, Defensively, they will cover the opposing's team number 3 which is generally the other team's best player.
Number 3 player is the tactical leader and must be a long powerful hitter to feed balls to number 1 and 2 as well as maintaining a solid defense. Usually, number 3 is the captain and best player in the team.
Number 4 is the primary defense player. They can move anywhere on the field, but they usually prevent scoring. The emphasis on defense by number 4 allows number 3 to attempt more offensive plays.
"Since Brother Leonard is player number 3, does it mean that he's the best player in their team?" Serena a real novice at polo asked curiously.
Geoffrey shook his head as he chuckled awkwardly. "well… it depends…"
"Oh… does it mean that Lord Charlton is better? The crowd went wild for him earlier!" Milly interjected, while winking at Serena. She knew that she wanted to ask that.
"Do go on with the explanation Geoffrey, I won't take offence if my brother is not the best player around."
"Well, given the difficulty of the number 2 position, it is not uncommon for the best player on the team to play number 2 as long as another strong player is available to play number 3. Charlton, Kylo, Leonard, and I usually play as a team, and Leonard plays number 4. Though, I thought that Charlton would be donning the number 3 not Leonard."
The girls nodded in understanding.
"The game is about to begin. As you can see, Leonard and Douglas, both number 3 and captains of their team have assembled at the centerfield for the official coin toss."
Serena and the girls' attention went back to the field, having a clearer understanding of the game.
Geoffrey smiled while he too looked at the field while standing next to Serena. He was happy that she was attentive and was curious about the sport he loves to play.
--
"Your horse is looking good!" Kylo commented sarcastically as he met with Douglas on the field.
"Yes, but not only this one, later, you will see my other horses too. They came all the way from Eulio for my matches today." Douglas catching the sarcasm in Kylo's words taunted.
"Matches? Haha! You're making me laugh. I've got to say that you should've sticked with the school's horses. At least then, you would still have an excuse to why you lost." Kylo taunted back.
Douglas was about to reply but the umpire whistled to call the captain's attention for the coin toss.
"oh, that's my call. I almost forgot, you're not even the best player in your team. Anyway, good luck!"
Joseph laughed at Kylo, "Did that freshie just said that to you?"
Kylo shook his head and smirked, "He doesn't know what he's talking about. Anyway, Charlie, it's time to make the Douggie eat dust!" Kylo said loudly.
--
Winning the coin toss, Leonard's team chose the opening direction of play, and lost no time in their offensive. Leonard passed the ball to Charlton who saw Kylo obviously waiting for his chance to hit it.
Laughing while riding with the wind, Kylo who received the ball from Charlton hit the ball with his mallet towards the goal post and scored the first unanswered point for their team.
Seeing Douglas, he smirked at him as if to say, see that?
Douglas chose to ignore him. With the ball in their team's possession, and him having it on his right side, he has the right of way. However, in just a few seconds, Charlton was moving in his line shoulder to shoulder and stole the ball.
The crowd screamed with the show and Serena who did not even understand what was going on also clapped her hands excitedly.
Geoffrey seeing her reaction chortled, "What Charlton did is called a 'ride off'. I guess with how easily he managed to do that, the outcome of this game is already a given."
Racking up 4 unanswered points with effective teamwork in the first chucker with a pair of goals by Kylo and Charlton, their team was leading a 4-0 at the bell.
During the interval, the players all quickly changed their horses and went back to the field after 3 minutes. Douglas tried to deftly realign their strategies. However, Leonard's team resumed the competition in a more even keel, holding his team scoreless still on the 2nd.
At the end of the first half, the score was 9-1. Truly a devastating outcome for Douglas' team who doesn't even want to continue with the game anymore.
Kylo high fived with Charlton. He wanted to go and taunt Douglas more, but decided against it. He was not that evil to kick a dog when it's already that down. However, when Douglas glared at him who was trying hard not to laugh, he still smirked.
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TBC