Players from the UAE put on a fine show to mark Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club’s 40th National Day celebration at the Royal Abu Dhabi venue on Friday.

Ghantoot Polo Team took on ADCB Polo Team in the fast-paced clash, with the hosts finally emerging the 11-8 winners.

Held in association with Abu Dhabi Sports Council the match showcased the ever-increasing skills of the Emirati players who rode alongside high-goal Argentine in the commemorative game.

He may not have been on the winning side, but Ahmed al Nuemi was prolific for ADCB, claiming the lion’s share of his side’s goals, scoring five. Ali Al Marri put the ball between the posts once while Argentine player, Ramiro Cordero, scored twice.

Ghantoot’s Argentine ace, Oscar Colombres once again proved invaluable to his side, combining expertly with his three Emirati teammates to claim seven goals. Nasser al Dhari, not to be outdone, scored four times.

Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club’s Assisting Managing Director, Hassan Naser Al Deen, said it was fitting that the Emirati players should shine during the club’s UAE National Day celebration.

“It was a very exciting game to watch, made even more thrilling because it became apparent as the game went on that this was a showcase for the local players.

“Ghantoot has always had as it’s goal the promotion of polo in both the Emirati community and the wider community and the fact that we saw such high scoring today, in a match to mark the UAE’s 40th National Day, was very satisfying.”

Al Deen also thanked ADCB, who have partnered Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club in many high-profile tournaments.

“We are very grateful to ADCB, not only for the support they have shown in joining Ghantoot on many important events but also in nurturing the sport of polo in the UAE.”

The exhibition game formed part of the UAE Government’s special Sports Calendar, created to mark the occasion of the 40th National Day which takes place next weekend.

The event was held under the patronage of Sheikh Falah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, and presented by Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank.

Nasser Al Dhari, Ghantoot Polo Team captain, said: “It is a great honour, not only to play in a game that marks such a special date on the UAE calendar, but also, from a personal viewpoint, to score four goals.

“It was a tough, exciting match and both sides can feel as if they have scored a victory.”