The city has spectacular backdrop to offer for tournaments at the Pat Williamson Ground. But what ended up as equally spectacular was the 11-6 win that the itc Maurya team scored over Fort William Lancers to pick up the season-ending six-team Indian Polo Association Championship Trophy. The team wriggled out of a tight start to run amok in the fourth of the five-chukker final.

As far as coach Adhiraj Singh was concerned, the prize goes beyond a trophy, honorariums and three goals each scored in the final by Argentine stars Pablo Juaretche and Augstine Nero and the quick-silver Manupal Godara.

"This tournament is the gateway to the circuit," he beamed. "Now my team can take part in international tournaments."

He will have to wait for the last word though. The circuit, done with Delhi and Calcutta, now travels to Bangalore and Mumbai. Calcutta was good, but there's still time for more star action.

--Soumitra Ghosh