Tentnology/Luna Covers the Field in February 6 Goal

Having come through the February 6 Goal preliminary play undefeated, it appeared that Gery Warner and Jennifer Alexy's Tentnology/Luna polo team (Gery Warner, Jennifer Alexy, Nicolas Maciel 4, Diego Larregli 2) had erected a winning combination. That, however, was most certainly not the opinion of Virgil Kyle and Ryan Robertson whose Bush League group ( Virgil Kyle, Ryan Robertson, Ashton Wolf 3, Carlitos Galindo 3) arrived at the final with only one loss - almost perfect. Not bad for a couple of guys who, just 11 months ago, were playing in the very successful Eldorado Pro Pool - with Alexy as their teammate.From the start, and with Warner's son Dylan stepping in for his father, Tentnology/Luna took control that gave Maciel free-throw opportunities that he easily converted - one a well hit number four and then an open goal strike - to give the tent makers a lead of two after one. The low score was not indicative of the play.While the somewhat overpowering start for Tentnology/Luna might have discouraged Bush League, it didn't as they came out for the second and gave the erectors all they could handle. Kyle, on a perfect set-up from Wolf ran 220 yards to complete a perfect play and the lead was just one. With constant pressure, the Kyle and Robertson group were awarded a penalty three opportunity that Galindo converted and the count was now even. Toward the end of the period, Alexy scored and the second was over with Tentnology up by one at 3 - 2.Wolf brought Bush League even early in the third with a counter from the field but, once again, pressure from Tentnology/Luna gave Maciel another open goal opportunity that he easily converted and the one goal lead was back to end the half at 4 - 3.Bush League came back in the fourth as Galindo scored from the field and, once again, the count was even, but Larregli grabbed his first of the day and the tent makers led again by one going to number five at 5 - 4.Maciel took over in the penultimate frame and the result was a goal by Larregli and another open goal counter from Maciel himself. Tentnology/Luna now led by three at 7 - 4 and it appeared to be over.From the start of the sixth, it was very obvious that it wasn't over as Bush League responded with quick and accurate force. Kyle scored his second and Galindo struck from the field as well and the lead was once again just one at 7 - 6. The Bush League pressure became relentless as they continued to push toward the goal to come very close once again as the horn sounded to indicate 30 seconds remaining. Maciel was able to get control 10 yards out and fired a shot toward the  boards that wasn't strong enough. Warner, with a great move to back-up his team-mate, was able to get the ball out of bounds and it appeared to be over. Not quite however, as his contact was correctly deemed to be too forceful and Bush League was awarded a penalty four opportunity. With the clock set at five seconds, Galindo stepped up and absolutely nailed the shot and it was on to overtime and at seven each, the next goal would be O so nice.Having done little in the sixth period, Tentnology/Luna managed to recover in the extra time as Maciel did what he does best - control the play. Moving toward the Bush League goal, Maciel and Larregli combined to get within 90 yards before being stopped and it would be Alexy's play to keep it moving. Going to the ball, she too was ridden off but was able to stop, turn, and get back to make an exceptional pass to Maciel and that was it. The final tally was 8 - 7 as Tentnology/Luna had it covered and the Roenisch Bronzes were theirs.Alexy was chosen as the MVP and Angie, owned by Gery Warner and played by Maciel in the fifth chukker, was selected as the Best Playing Pony.Tony Gregg    

Cotterel Farms Earns Bronzes in February 12 Goal Final

The February 12 Goal Tournament final, played on a rather windy and coolish Sunday afternoon, featured Jenny Luttrell-Benardoni's Cotterel Farms (Jenny Luttrell-Benardoni, Ruben Coscia 5, Juan Curbelo 5, Charlie Petersen 2) and Carole Lesine's Edelweiss ( Carole Lessine, Martin Donovan 5, Ulysses Escapite 4, Enrique Zavaleta 3). For Cotterel, it was their second final of 2015 and for Edelweiss, it was their first ever Eldorado final - a well earned berth by virtue of a perfect 3 - 0 record with three overtimes needed to get there.The first period started rather slowly as both teams seemed hesitant to make any bold moves. In spite of that, Curbelo did break free with a nice run to score the first goal of the contest and Donovan replied with an equally impressive tally to the same goal to tie the count at one apiece.  Curbelo was able to count another toward the end and the otherwise very quiet opener ended with the farmers leading by one.The pace was slow in the second as well and Edelweiss was able to take advantage to score a pair - Donovan with a penalty three conversion and a field goal - and at the same time keep the farmers off the scoreboard. The result was a one goal Swiss lead going to the third.Whatever the reason, that third chukker was rather subdued as well. The only goal came off the mallet of Peterson from the field and the first half was over with the board showing a tie at three each.The mountaineers came out in the fourth and scored quickly to grab a lead of one on an alert effort in front of the goal by Zavaleta. The farmers were fast to reply however and strong and sustained pressure led to three penalty conversions by Coscia - two number three's and a safety - and a faster fourth was over with Cotterel up by a pair at 6 - 4.Donovan brought Edelweiss to within one on a counter from the field midway through the fifth, but the farmers responded with a strong effort once again and Coscia, from the field, was able to get that back and then counted another number three to end the frame. The count was now 8 - 5 in favor of Cotterel and they were in comfortable control.Curbelo finished another nice run early in the final and it was apparent at this point that the farmers were going to carry home the first place Richard Roenisch Bronzes. A little later, Escapite completed the scoring and the final count was 9 - 6 in favor of Cotterel.Curbelo was selected as the Most Valuable Player and Pretty, Zavaleta's sixth period mare, was chosen as the Best Playing Pony.Tony Gregg 

Cotterel Farms Easily Wins 6 Goal Beal Memorial

The final game of the 6 Goal Carlton and Keleen Beal Memorial Cup brought the same competitors to the field as competed in the January League final - Jenny Lutterell-Benardoni's Cotterel Farms (Lutterell-Benardoni, Francisco Benardoni 1, Ignacio Saracco 3, Charlie Petersen 2) and Ron Bonaguidi's Hanalei Bay (Ron Bonaguidi, Krista Bonaguidi -1, Jared Sheldon 4, Diego Velarde 3). The final result of this second meeting between the pair turned out to be the same as the first when the farmers started strong but barely hung on at the end to grab the win. The second would be a little different however as Cotterel pretty much dominated throughout and won easily.With Aleksander Deutsch substituting for Ron Bonaguidi, Hanalei Bay got off to a very quick start as Velarde scored two easy field goals to give the surfers a lead of two after the first period. The prevailing thought was that this patteren would continue into the second and beyond - didn't happen.Cotterel came out in the second and jumped all over the Hawaiians early with sustained pressure. Pressure that allowed Saracco to convert a penalty six from 70 yards to trail by just one. However, Velarde, with aggressive play, scored another from the field and the assumption was that the surfers couldn't be stopped. That assumption was wrong however, as Cotterel took over and controlled the balance of the chukker. Benardoni and Petersen counted from the field and Saracco converted another penalty six and the farmers led by one after two with a count of 4 - 3.With the first controlled by Hanalei Bay and the second by Cotterel Farms, the third was even with not a goal scored.The fourth period was, for the most part, controlled by Lutterell-Benardoni and Co. but all they had to show was one goal - a field strike by Saracco. Nonetheless, their lead was now a pair at 5 - 3.Sheldon got his first of the game in the early going of the fifth to bring Hanalei Bay to within one but that was, for the most part, it for the surfers as the farmers took over and dominated the rest of the period. Benardoni got his second and Saracco converted an open goal award and scored from the field as well and the count was now 8 - 4 favoring Cotterel.The final frame was completely unlike the previous meeting where Hanalei Bay romped the entire time. This time there would be no comeback as Petersen, playing a very strong and effective style, scored a pair of field goals before the surfers could respond with anything at all. The response was an open goal conversion by Sheldon to make the difference five goals but  it was now very apparent that this would be Cotterel Farms' second 2015 tournament championship. Benardoni then scored another to increase the lead to six and Sheldon, in the last 30 seconds and with almost everyone shaking hands, nailed a 130 yard neck shot to score and finalize the count at 11 - 6.As a result of his aggressive and effective play throughout, Petersen was chosen as the Most Valuable Player and Sheldon's gelding Sports Center (1st and 6th) was selected as the Best Playing Pony.Tony Gregg   

Northern Blizzard Continues to Strike Oil

When John Rooney made the decision to get into the oil business, some 20 years ago, he was well aware that it would require crunching the numbers, putting the right people together, and going after the ultimate prize. It goes without question that he did things correctly. It's much the same in polo - calculate the handicaps, select players based on those numbers and compatibility, and play. To this point in the 2015 season, it appears that the Calgarian's success on the polo field has paralleled his success in the oil patch as his Northern Blizzard polo team has won all three 12 Goal tournaments played to this point in the season - the most recent being a victory in the Carlton and Keleen Beal Memorial.The Beal final, a repeat of the Kerley Memorial decider, saw the Rooney oilmen (John Rooney 1, Joe Henderson 4, Jason Crowder 6, Herndon Radcliff 1)  lineup against Geoff Palmer and his Antelope foursome (Geoff Palmer, Danny Walker 2, Santiago Trotz 5, Jesse Bray 5.The start was all Antelope as Trotz and Walker scored easily in the very early going. Northern Blizzard came back late as Crowder grabbed a penalty four opportunity and the first ended with the pronghorns up by one at 2 - 1.Northern Blizzard got even early in the second as Rooney converted his first of five open goal attempts.  Antelope responded however, as Trotz and Bray each scored a field goal and the count was 4 - 2 in favor of Antelope after two.The explorers really got going in the third as Rooney converted a penalty two chance and Crowder scored from the field while at the same time shutting down Antelope. The half ended with the tally at four apiece.The momentum stayed with oilmen into the fourth as Henderson scored a pair - one as a result of a spectacular pass  from Rooney from far right - and they now led for the first time. Trotz was able to get one back for the pronghorns but constant pressure from the northern invaders gave Rooney another open goal attempt - which he converted - and the period ended with Northern Blizzard ahead by two at 7 - 5.The fifth was split with two for each team. Rooney converted two more open goal attempts and Trotz and Bray replied for Palmer and Co. to end the fifth with the count at 9 - 7 to favor the oilers.To start the sixth, Rooney scored his first field goal and the lead was now three. However, Antelope closed to within one mid-way through the finale - a Walker field goal and a penalty four bomb by Bray - to make it interesting. That interest was short-lived however as Rooney again perfectly fed Henderson for a goal and then scored another himself to end it at 12 - 9 in his favor. With the win, the Rooney sponsored Northern Blizzard served notice that they are for real and without doubt will be looking to find more oil before the season ends.Based on his superb play throughout - seven goals and perfect from the free-throw line - it was no surprise that Rooney earned MVP honors and Magnolia (fourth chukker), owned and played by Radcliff in a strong supporting effort, was selected as the Best Playing Pony.Tony Gregg 

Cotterel Farms Repeats as January 6 Goal Champions

Jenny Lutterell-Benardoni's Cotterel Farms 6 Goal polo team had reached the final of the January Tournament on back to back occasions - 2014 and this year. The 2014 result was a rather easy victory before a trip to the presentation platform to accept the Richard Roenisch Bronzes. The result last Sunday was, once again, a trip to the platform to get the Bronzes, but the road to victory was a little different - although it didn't appear so at the start.The 2015 Cotterel Team (Jenny Lutterell-Benardoni, Francisco Benardoni 1,Igancio Saracco 3, Charlie Petersen 2)  was pretty much the same line-up as one year ago with the only change being Petersen lining up instead of Danny Walker. The opposition this time would be Ron and Krista Bonaguidi's Hanalei Bay (Ron Bonaguidi, Krista Bonaguidi -1, Jared Sheldon 4, Diego Velarde 3) who had not only earned the first seed for the semi-finals but had also defeated Cotterel in bracket play.The start was much the same as the final one year ago as Cotterel jumped out to a quick lead with Saracco and Petersen striking from the field and Saracco connecting on an open goal opportunity to lead by three. Ron Bonaguidi got one back on an alert move in front of the goal, but Lutterell-Benardoni - playing with discipline and confidence - got that back on a terrific run. Velarde scored late in the period for the surfers and the first ended with the farmers up by a pair at 4 - 2.Hanalei Bay recovered in the second as Sheldon scored the only goal of the frame and the early lead was now just one.The prevailing thought was that Hanalei Bay would take the lead in the third. Made sense as they pretty much controlled the second - wrong. Cotterel came out and absolutely dominated the chukker as Petersen and Saracco counted from the field and Saracco converted his second penalty two attempt to go to the half with a lead of four at 7 - 3.The trend continued in the early fourth as Cotterel pressure gave Saracco a penalty six opportunity that he made look easy and the farmers now lead by a healthy five goals. However, Hanalei Bay had come from behind in their semi-final game to reach the final and it now seamed possible that it might happen again as Sheldon and Velarde  took control and each scored from the field. The fourth was over and the surfers were seemingly back in it trailing by three at 8 - 5.The Hanalei comeback didn't continue in the fifth as Saracco grabbed the only goal of the stanza to quell any idea that Cotterel was  finished. As a result, the lead was once again four going to the final and all talk was of an easy Cotterel victory.Hanalei Bay wasn't done though and the sixth period was all Hawaii as Sheldon took control and organized a very precise attack. He was rewarded with an open goal opportunity (converted)  and set up goals by both Velarde and Ron Bonaguidi to bring the difference to just one goal with just over two minutes remaining and it looked as if the farmers might be done. Done that is, if they were to lose another throw-in - something Saracco was not about to let happen as he found a way to turn things around and take the play the other way. With Hanalei Bay needing one more to tie and willing to take a chance to get it, Saracco was given a thirty yard free-throw which he sunk and it was over. Cotterel Farms took the spoils by a final count of 10 - 8 and became repeat winners of the January 6 Goal Tournament and once again recipients of the coveted bronzes.Based on his thoughtful and exceptional play on the afternoon, Saracco was chosen as the Most Valuable Player and Sheldon's mare, Happy, played in the second and fourth periods, was selected as the Best Playing Pony.Tony Gregg  

Weather Remains Cold as the Northern Blizzard Continues

It was written here two weeks ago about the wind from the north that blew in on an otherwise sunny January afternoon and cooled things off somewhat. That hadn't changed on Sunday as John Rooney's Northern Blizzard polo team (Joe Henderson 4, Jason Crowder 6, Herndon Radcliff 1, Jim Wright 1,sub for Rooney) blew in once again and absolutely covered Jenny Lutterell-Benardoni's Cotterel Farms group (Jenny Lutterell-Benardoni, Ruben Coscia 5, Juan Curbello 5, Charlie Petersen 2) to win the January 12 Goal Tournament final by a count of 13 - 8.At the start, everything appeared fine as Curbelo quickly ran and scored from the opening to give Cotterel a short lived lead. It wasn't fine however, as the  weather changed in a hurry. The wind blew and the blizzard was on  - again. Crowder took over and easily scored a pair and the first was over with the Rooney quartet leading by one at 2 - 1.The storm reached its peak in the second as Northern Blizzard counted five field goals (Crowder with four and Henderson grabbing one) and the reply from Cotterel was zero to create a score of 7 - 1.The early third period was once again controlled by the northern invaders as Crowder ran easily to count one more. Coscia responded to get one back for Cotterel, but Crowder responded to that with a long run to score - the winner as it turned out - and the difference was once again seven goals. Coscia - as steady as they come - scored a pair and the blustery half was over with Northern Blizzard leading at 9 - 4.The fourth was rather quiet as each team scored but one goal. For Cotterel, Lutterell-Benardoni,  scored her first of two, with a reply coming from Crowder. At the end of four, it was 10 - 5 Northern Blizzard.The wind picked up again in the fifth chukker as Crowder continued to run and impress with a pair from the field and a safety conversion from 66 yards and the tally was now 13 - 5 to favor the Rooney group.The storm was over in the sixth as Cotterel was able to find the net three times - Lutterell-Benardoni with her second, Curbelo with his second, and Coscia with his fourth and it was over. The snow that was Northern Blizzard now covered the fields of Cotterel Farms.  The result gave the Canadian sponsored team not only the title but the coveted Roenisch Bronzes that go along with it.With his "nose in every play", and scoring 12 goals on the afternoon, Crowder was the obvious choice as the Most Valuable Player and his second chukker mare, Lucy, was selected as the Best Playing Pony.Tony Gregg   

A Northern Blizzard Strikes to Win the Kerley Spurs

A blizzard is defined as a severe snowstorm with a strong wind and while it didn't snow on Sunday and it wasn't windy, a blizzard certainly struck during the afternoon as John Rooney's Northern Blizzard blew in and absolutely froze Geoff Palmer's Antelope - with Pat Nesbitt substituting for Palmer - in the final of the Wendell Kerley Memorial 12 Goal.The storm struck without warning and the intensity was felt at the start as the Canadian invaders immediately moved the ball from the initial throw-in and grabbed a penalty two from 11 yards that Rooney easily converted. The initial strength continued as Jason Crowder absolutely pounded a free throw from 60 yards and the advantage was two with less than two minutes elapsed. Crowder scored a field goal a short time later and Joe Henderson scored to increase the difference to four. The pronghorns recovered and applied some pressure of their own that enabled Danny Walker to score on a spot award from 15 yards and the first was over with Rooney and Co. leading by a count of 4 - 1.The bad weather subsided somewhat in the second as Northern Blizzard scored but one time - an alert move by Herndon Radcliff on a dropped Antelope ball. However, a reply from the pronghorns was nonexistent and the second was over with lead now four goals at 5 - 1.If people thought the storm was over, they were most certainly incorrect, as it found new energy  - something Rooney is very good at doing - as the oilman himself grabbed a goal from the field in the third and Radcliff scored a pair. Antelope had opportunities but were unable to get anything done and the half was over with a count of 8 - 1.Antelope was able to find some shelter at the half and kept the Northern Blizzard of the scoreboard in the fourth but were unable to score themselves and the difference remained seven going to the fifth.Antelope started to dig themselves out in the penultimate frame as Walker counted one from the field and converted a 30 yard free shot as well. Radcliff replied for Northern Blizzard - a pretty run of 200 yards - and the lead was six  at 9 - 3.The storm was over in the final period as Walker converted a pair of 30 yarders and Jesse Bray grabbed one from the field for the pronghorns. At this point however, they were hopelessly covered in snow and the Northern Blizzard had prevailed by a final score of 9 - 6 and Rooney and his Northern Blizzard teammates rode off with the coveted Chris Kerley spurs.2015 Wendell Kerley MemorialNorthern Blizzard (12) - John Rooney 1, Joe Henderson 4, Jason Crowder 6, Herndon Radcliff 1.Antelope (12) - Pat Nesbitt (sub for Geoff Palmer), Danny Walker 2, Santiago Trotz 5, Jesse Bray 5.Tony Gregg 

Desert Lexus Drives to Victory in Desert Lexus Challenge

The first Sunday of the 2015  season turned out to be a great success with a large crowd and a strong presence by Desert Lexus who came to polo with a wonderful selection of Lexus automobiles. In honor of their participation,  the two o'clock game was contested as the Desert Lexus Challenge.The game featured Desert Lexus (John Rooney 1, Joe Henderson 4, Jason Crowder 6, Herndon Radcliff 1) going up against Twin Palms (Chris Maloney 1, Craig Steinke 1, Graham Bray 4, Mariano Fassetta 6). In a somewhat low scoring affair - certainly not indicative of the interest in the Lexus automobiles - Desert Lexus came out on top by a score of 5 - 3.The start was slow for both teams as the first period ended with no score.Crowder grabbed one from the field early in the second but Maloney converted a penalty two to tie a short time later. Lexus came back quickly and a Twin Palms foul afforded Henderson a penalty five opportunity from 110 yards and right that he easily sunk - the announcer's shot of the day - and the chukker ended with Lexus up by one.The third belonged to Twin Palms as Bray scored from the field to end the half with a tie at two apiece.The fourth period was split with a goal each - Fassetta a field counter for Twin Palms and Jason Crowder a text book penalty four strike.As the penultimate frame commenced, the temperature started to drop and the sky turned a rather wintery gray. Lexus reacted as if seemingly a northern blizzard intent on covering Twin Palms. Indeed, Henderson and Crowder scored field goals to cover the palms and it was 5 - 3 in favor of Lexus. With no scoring in the final frame, Lexus had won the Desert Lexus Challenge.The presentation to the victors was made by Desert Lexus General Manager, Ed Atwood and General Sales Manager Gabriele Marshall.Tony Gregg  

Luna Runs Away With World Gym

On the surface, it appeared that the final of the 26th annual World Gym Tournament - sponsored by the Mike Uretz family - would be a close contest. Made sense as a two and a three goal player would face a couple of two's and the  latter would get a small handicap award at the start. Close would not be the case however as sound teamwork prevailed to allow Luna (Virgil Kyle -1, Jennifer Alexy 0, Santiago Mendez 2, Diego Larregli 2)  to easily defeat the World Gym foursome (George Conkwright -1, Carol Hemker -1, Brianna Galindo 0, Carlitos Galindo 3, Cacho Galindo 2) by a count of 10.5 - 6.On a rather cool Sunday desert afternoon - in front of a warm and enthusiastic Cantina lunch crowd - the game turned out to be a classic case of the ability of a stronger player to use less experienced teammates  to defeat what appeared - at least on paper - to be a worthy opposition. With Mendez extremely comfortable in the role of the playmaker Luna was not challenged after the first of four chukkers and they made it look easy the rest of the way. Without question, the difference was Mendez and his ability to constantly set-up his less experienced teammates who ran free. As well,  Alexy and Kyle regularly backed-up each other to count a total of six goals from the field - abilities learned perhaps, during their experience in the pro-pool last winter.The handicap difference was one, allowing Luna a gift of 1/2 at the start and the count was 1.5 - 1 after the first. That was as close as it would be as the score favored the winners 5.5 - 2 after two and 8.5 - 3 after the third period. Luna scored two early on in the final and then coasted as World Gym then scored three times to complete the count.For the winners, Alexy scored five times (2 fouls), Kyle counted three, and Larregli grabbed two in the fourth.Carlitos Galindo notched four (2 fouls - 1 #4) for World Gym, and Brianna Galindo and Conkwright had one each.Marley, Alexy's third period horse, was selected as the best playing pony.Tony Gregg    

Sunday Polo starts January 4, 12pm & 2pm

2014 US FIP Team Has Strong Eldorado Representation

It has been mentioned several times that the US team assembled to contest the upcoming FIP 14 Goal World Polo Championship and known as Team USPA, has a strong California representation. Very true -  but with Californian Joel Baker in charge as the head coach, the team consisting of Jesse Bray 4, Jared Sheldon 3, Will Tankard 3, Patrick Uretz 3, Felipe Viana 3, and Mason Wroe 4, has not only a California involvement but a very strong influence from Southern California and more specifically, right here at the Eldorado Polo Club and its junior polo program.Both Bray and Uretz started their polo careers as members of Eldorado junior polo and Sheldon, while not starting as a member at this Southern California venue, did play a great deal of his early polo here. After graduating from the junior ranks, all three have gone on to play on a regular basis at Eldorado as professional practitioners and each one has played winning polo on a consistent basis.Of course, the names Bray and Uretz are 'household' at Eldorado. Bray's father Graham, currently the Polo Manager, has played in the desert for many, many years, and the Uretz family has been a monumental part of the club spanning four decades.It is also worth noting that Sheldon's father, Billy Sheldon, played on the US Team in Santa Barbara during the 1998 FIP World Championship.Tony Gregg 

2015 Season Schedule & Playing Fees

Contact Polo Manager Graham at (760) 774-2583 to reserve your spot for 2015

Eldorado Polo Club Tournament Schedule 2014-2015

November
1	Club Open
December
6	Stick & Ball Field Opens
13 & 14	Linfoot Polo Clinic
20	Team Practice begins10 - 12 Goal, Wed, Fri & Sun4 - 6 Goal, Thurs, Sat & Sun
20	Club Chukkers begin Thurs, Sat & Sun
27 - 28	World Gym Tournament (4 Goal)
January
	Pro Pool Every Saturday & Sunday
	Club Chukkers Practice Thursday, Saturday & Sunday
2 - 11	Wendell Kerley Memorial10 - 12 Goal - Practice Wed, Matches Fri & Sun 4 - 6 Goal - Practice Thurs, Matches Sat & Sun
4	Opening Day - Sunday Polo matches begin
16 - 25	January League10 - 12 Goal - Practice Wed, Matches Fri & Sun4 - 6 Goal - Practice Thurs, Matches Sat & Sun
February
	Pro Pool Every Saturday & Sunday
	Club Chukkers Practice Thursday, Saturday & Sunday
Jan 30 - 8	Carlton & Keleen Beal Cup10 - 12 Goal - Practice Wed, Matches Fri & Sun4 - 6 Goal - Practice Thurs, Matches Sat & Sun
13 - 22	February League10 - 12 Goal - Practice Wed, Matches Fri & Sun4 - 6 Goal - Practice Thurs, Matches Sat & Sun
27 - Mar 1	Women's TournamentWCT Qualifier & USPA Pacific Coast Circuit Challenge
	Trione Vineyards Seniors Tournament
March
	Pro Pool Every Saturday & Sunday
	Club Chukkers Practice Thursday, Saturday & Sunday
6 - 15	Mack & Madelyn Jason Memorial10 - 12 Goal - Practice Wed, Matches Fri & Sun4 - 6 Goal - Practice Thurs, Matches Sat & Sun
20 - 29	SKINS Tournament10 - 12 Goal - Practice Wed, Matches Fri & SunUSPA Pacific Coast Circuit Governor’s Cup 4 - 6 Goal - Practice Thurs, Matches Sat & Sun
29	CLOSING DAYSKINS FinalUSPA Pacific Coast Governor’s Cup Final

Eldorado Polo Club Membership & Playing Fees 2014-2015

Season Memberships ($500 discount on Season Memberships if paid by Nov 1)
6 Chukker Membership	10-12 Goal	$11,500
6 Chukker Membership	4-6 Goal	$  9,500
(Membership fees include Trophies, Umpires, Flaggers and EMT)
Club Chukkers (4 Chukkers only)		$  3,500
Monthly Memberships
6 Chukker Membership	10-12 Goal	$  4,500
6 Chukker Membership	4-6 Goal	$  3,500
(Membership fees include Trophies, Umpires, Flaggers and EMT)

Non Member Fees
Stick & Ball (season)	$  2,000
Stick & Ball (monthly)	$  1,000
Stick & Ball (weekly)	$     250
Chukker Fee (5 game limit)	$       50 each
World Gym Tournament	$     400
Pro Pool - per weekend(Pro Pool fees include Pro, Trophies, Umpires, Flaggers & EMT)	$     600

Stabling Fees	Season	Monthly	Weekly	Daily
Rancho Eldorado Stall	$500	$300	$125	$15
Tack Room	$500
Box Stall*	$600	$300	$125	$20
(*Located at old HITS property)

Jesse Bray Wins USPA Equus & Co. Award

21 year old Jesse Bray, a graduate of the Eldorado Junior Polo Program, has been selected as the winner of the USPA Equus & Co. Award and the $10,000 prize that goes with it. Bray was chosen over two other finalists. The honor goes to the Team USPA member who has best demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to growing the sport of polo.Bray, son of Graham and Debbie Bray, first started playing polo in the Pee Wee and Junior  programs at Eldorado and  moved into USPA Interscholastic Polo and was a member of the Eldorado team that won the 2010 USPA Interscholastic Tournament. As well as that national championship, Bray - currently rated at 4 goals - has played on winning teams at the Santa Barbara Polo Club, has won the Spreckles Cup at the San Diego Polo Club, and just recently was a member of the Los Banditos Team that won the 20th annual Polo Skins Game and as well was chosen as the MVP.Tony Gregg   

Domrey Wins Governor's Cup in Strange OT Squeaker

The final game of the 2014 Pacific Coast Governor's Cup was a contest between two very dissimilar teams - August (Champ) Roth's Domrey, which had never been to a Governor's Cup final and Reg Whyte's Thermal, which had been there just 12 months earlier.  Different as well with Domrey being nothing more than a group of so-called young guns going up against the veteran line-up of Thermal.The younger opposition consisted of Roth along with Doug Blumenthal, Juan Jose Gonzalez, and Taylor Freeman. The veteran group consisted of Whyte (tournament winner in 2010) and his longtime farmhands Fergus Gould and Nicolas Maciel. Joining this group was impressive newcomer Brooke Faber.The opening frame  in the four period tournament was pretty much controlled by Thermal and the constant pressure they applied allowed Maciel to score twice. The first on a penalty number four and the second on a 40 yard opportunity. As a result, Thermal led by a pair at 2 - 0 going to the second.Domrey got themselves together in the early second chukker and apparently had sorted themselves out as Gonzalez grabbed a pass and made a pretty run to score. Thermal answered with more sustained pressure that was rewarded with another open goal opportunity (penalty 2) that Maciel converted. The youngsters, however, didn't succumb as they returned with constant pressure of their own and Blumenthal nailed two 30 yard free-throws and the half ended with each team having counted three goals apiece - five from penalty shots.The third period was somewhat choppy with both teams unable to get much going at all. Freeman, in spite of this, was able to grab an opportunity to score and Roth and Co. led by one. Maciel replied with another open goal conversion for the Whyte group and the third ended in a tie at four.As fragmented as the third stanza was, the fourth opened up as both teams started to play polo the way it was intended. The result was a nice run and strike by Blumenthal to put Domrey up by one. The farmers obviously weren't done though as Gould took over and scored toward the end of regulation to tie the count at five - sending the game to overtime.The tie-breaker was, in a word, strange as neither team really was able to do much. With the play moving clumsingly toward the Thermal goal in favor of Domrey, Gould fell off and play was allowed to continue with Domrey advancing. Very shortly after however, a whistle sounded and play was halted. Those watching weren't sure why the play stopped but the prevailing thought was that it was either because Gould had gone off or his horse had interfered with the advancing play. In fact, a foul had been called to favor Domrey and, with most unaware, Blumenthal converted a penalty two from less than 30 yards and it was over as Domrey became the 2014 Pacific Coast Governor's Cup winners - and August became a Champ.As well as having his name engraved on the big trophy, Gonzalez was selected as the Most Valuable Player and his third chukker mare, Sula, was chosen as the Best Playing Pony.2014 Pacific Coast Governor's CupDomrey 6 - August Roth .5, Doug Blumenthal 2, Juan Jose Gonzalez 2, Taylor Freeman 1.5.Thermal 6 - Reg Whyte, Brooke Faber -1, Fergus Gould4, Nicolas Maciel 3.Tony Gregg      

Los Banditos Steal 20th Annual Polo Skins Match

Dave Dollinger's Los Banditos polo team came into the 20th annual Skins Tournament -  fresh off their victory in the Jason Memorial - as the favorites and certainly appeared to be up to the task as they breezed through the qualifiers with a perfect record. Their opponent in the Sunday afternoon final would be another team with a perfect record out of the preliminaries - John Rooney and his Northern Blizzard invaders.The Bandit's lineup for the final - worth $5000 per chukker -  would be a little different as Craig Steinke suited up for the always busy Dollinger and Jake Devane would once again step in for the, once again, unavailable Chad Bowman. The strong duo of Mariano Fassetta and Jesse Bray filled out the card. The Rooney group would remain unchanged with Rooney, Joe Henderson, Juan Curbello, and Tim Rudy mounting up.The first $5000 period saw the Bandits jump out to a quick lead as Devane - much like his start in the Jason - grabbed a Fassetta pass at the initial throw-in and run easily to score. Fassetta himself scored a pair after that and the first 'skin' was in possession of Dollinger's bunch by a count of 3 - 0.The Bandits kept the pressure on in the early part of the second as Bray counted his first of the afternoon. Northern Blizzard, however, recovered as Henderson and Curbelo counted markers of their own and the Rooney group took the second award with a 2 - 1 'victory'.After two very fast chukkers, the third slowed down considerably as the teams traded goals. Bray started with a penalty three conversion and Henderson counted from the field. Bray then scored another free-throw from 40 yards and Henderson replied again - this time on a text book penalty four strike. With the tie score of 2 - 2, the first carryover of the afternoon was created and the half ended with each team taking $5000.00. The game score - the winner of which would receive the Richard Roenisch bronzes - at this point was 6 - 4 to favor Los Banditos.With the carryover from the third period, the fourth would be played for $10,000. Fassetta scored his third of the day, on a perfect setup from Bray, who then counted his fourth and the $10,000 available now belonged to the Bandits. They were also in control of the overall game score by a count of 8 - 4.The Canadian cold air raged in the penultimate stanza as the Rooney oil workers took control and struck for four unanswered goals. Rooney himself scored twice as Curbelo and Rudy grabbed one each. Northern Blizzard was back in it with the $5,000 royalty and trailed by only that amount with one 'game' left. The overall count was now tied at eight.Los Banditos came back in the final frame as Fassetta - again set up by Bray - scored two quick goals before Rooney scored again for his group. Unfortunately that was it for the invaders from the north as Fassetta notched another and the final chukker went to Los Banditos by a count of 3 - 1, and gave the Bandits the Polo Skins Game victory by a count of $20,000.00 to $10,000. Along with the larger payday, Los Banditos grabbed the bronzes with an overall game win of 11 - 9.Based on his ability to read situations and act correctly and unselfishly, Bray was selected as the Most Valuable Player and Naranjo, owned by Ron Bonaguidi and played by Fassetta in the fourth period, was named the Best Playing Pony.2014 Polo Skins GameLos Banditos 12 - Craig Steinke 1 (sub for Dollinger 1), Mariano Fassetta 5, Jesse Bray 4, Jake Devane 1 (sub for Bowman 1).Northern Blizzard 12 - John Rooney 1, Joe Henderson 4, Juan Curbelo 4, Tim Rudy 3.Tony Gregg  

Los Banditos Makes Statement in Jason 12

The Mack and Madelyn Jason 12 goal final came down to two teams which arrived based on the fact that they prevailed in a four team shoot-out after bracket play. On the one side Ron Mathison's Highwood group and on the other Dave Dollinger and his Los Banditos quartet.As it turned out, the only thing close regarding the teams - at least on this occasion - was the tie after the preliminaries and the fact that they arrived intact after the free throw competition.From the outset, it was apparent that the day belonged to the bad guys as Jake Devane - literally brought out of pasture to fill in for the unavailable Chad Bowman - scored quickly to give Dollinger and Co. an early lead of one. Marcello Abbiati got that back for Highwood, but the early pressure belonged to Los Banditos as Mariano Fassetta converted a penalty two and Jesse Bray counted a field goal and the first ended with the outlaws ahead by a pair at 3 - 1.The second was rather quiet with only one goal scored - that being a well thought out strike by Mathison after a goal mouth scramble. That brought Highwood to within one going to the third.If the second was quiet, the third was loud - loud to favor Los Banditos as every player on the team counting at least one time. Dollinger, Bray, Fassetta, and Devane each scored a field goal and Bray added an open goal award. The explosion gave the bad guys a lead of six at the half by a count of 8 - 2.Highwood grabbed one early in the fourth as Jake Stimmel converted a penalty three, but the outlaws got that back as Fassetta scored his third from the field. A Santiago Trotz penalty four brought Mathison and Co. back again, but Devane got that back with his second of the afternoon. Mathison scored his second of the game which seemed to lift Highwood as sustained pressure gave Stimmel another open goal opportunity and the lead had been reduced to four at 10 - 6 to end the period.The bad guys continued to roll in the fifth as Dollinger and Fassetta scored to lead again by six. Stimmel counted from the field and on another penalty two but it was very apparent that this was Dolliger's day with the count at 12 - 8 with just the final chukker to play.With Los Banditos in an easy cruise mode, Trotz scored another penalty four that would be the only goal of the period and the final score was 12 - 9 in favor of Los Banditos. Not only did Dollinger's gang win the Jason Memorial but his band of outlaws served notice that they are for real and will be contenders for the month.Fassetta was named the MVP and Abbiati's mare Nona (fifth) was chosen as the Best Playing Pony.2014 Mack and Madelyn Jason 12 GoalLos Banditos 12 - Dave Dollinger 1, Mariano Fassetta 6, Jesse Bray 5, Jake Devane 1.Highwood 12 - Ron Mathison, Marcello Abbiati 5, Santiago Trotz 5, Jake Stimmel 2.Tony Gregg      

6 Goal Jason Memorial Stays In the Family

Since the inception of the Jason Memorial Tournament - initially to honor the memory of Madelyn Jason and now honoring Mack Jason as well - and first played for at Eldorado in 2011, daughter Lyn Cobb's Coldwell Banker Menlo polo team has played in every final and has won the trophy twice. Cobb along with daughter Madelyn won in the first year and Cobb herself grabbed the spoils one year ago. In this year of 2014, it would be up to Madelyn Cobb to uphold the family prestige.The final would be contested by Coldwell Banker Menlo and recent foe, Krista Bonaguidi's Hanalei Bay - the third such showdown of these teams in as many tournaments. This final would, in fact, be the rubber match as each had won before.The first period started rather slowly as neither team was able to do much in terms of offence. The only goal of the opener turned out to be the highlight of chukker as Tony Uretz snuck in behing the Coldwell defense and grabbed a perect pass from Jesse Bray and scored a beauty to end the period with the surfers up by one at 1 - 0.Cobb and Co. came back in the second as Peter Blake got free to score off a perfect set-up from Jared Sheldon to tie and later on Sheldon converted a penalty three to lead by one. Bray counted his own number three and the second ended in a tie at two.Sheldon - once again playing his rather elusive and energetic  style - was pretty much unstoppable in the third as he counted twice from the field to go to the half with a lead of two at 4 - 2.The real estate people kept the pressure going early in the fourth as Sheldon again struck from the field and the lead became three. Remy Muller grabed his first goal of the game to bring the Bonaguidi pack to within a pair at 5 - 3 going to the fifth.Hanalei Bay turned things around in that fifth frame and absolutely destroyed the Cobb group as Uretz played a career chukker to score three times. With another from Muller and Coldwell Banker unable to do anything the count was 7 - 5 in favor of Hanalei Bay with one to go.Going to the sixth, many thought the Bonaguidi foursome had the trophy. Many that is, except the quartet wearing the shirts of Coldwell Banker Menlo. After all, they had been here before - just two weeks prior. With strong defensive play from Gregorio Mariscal and Cobb running the ball at the front and providing interference when needed, Sheldon scored quickly and Blake absolutely exploded to count back to back goals and real estate was alive and well. With the beach of Hanalei Bay now closed down, the Mack and Madelyn Jason Memorial Trophy was, once again, in the possession of the Coldwell Banker Menlo Real Estate Group by a final count of 8 - 7. And Madelyn Cobb had upheld the family tradition.Blake - because of his ability to think quickly and react correctly - was selected as the MVP and the Uretz family mare Racey, played by Uretz in the fifth chukker, was chosen as the Best Playing Pony.2014 Mack and Madelyn Jason MemorialColdwell Banker Menlo 6 - Madelyn Cobb, Jared Sheldon 3, Peter Blake 2, Gregorio Mariscal 1.Hanalei Bay 6 - Krista Bonaguidi -1, Jesse Bray 4, Remy Muller 2, Tony Uretz 1.Tony Gregg   

Bobcat/Melody Ranch Runs to Trione Senior's Win

The 33rd renewal of the Trione Vineyards Senior's Tournament  turned out to be the proverbial walk in the park for the Bob Edmundson and Paul von Gontard sponsored Bobcat/Melody Ranch polo team.To earn the right to play in the Sunday final, the eventual champions defeated the defending champion Buffalo foursome as Shanghai was taking care of Hacienda de las Trampas during play on Saturday.The concluding game saw Bobcat/Melody Ranch prevail in a rather one-sided contest by stopping Shanghai by a score of 8 - 2.Buffalos defeated Hacienda de las Trampas in the consolation final.Craig Ramsby was honored as the MVP and Mora, owned and played by Gina Padia, was selected as the Best Playing Pony.2014 Trione Vineyards Senior's TournamentBobcat/Melody Ranch - Bob Edmundson, Craig Ramsby, Jenny Phipps, Bonnie Corner.Shanghai - Steven Armour, Gina Padia, Scott Walker, Mike Jordan.Buffalos - Ross Adam, Glen Hart, Lee Neilson, Cameron Diggon.Hacienda de las Trampas - Mike Ward, Leigh Brecheen, George Conkwright, Armondo Gonzalez.Tony Gregg

Pheasant Hollow Farm Wins Women's Challenge

Debra Vermoch and her Pheasant Hollow Farm polo team had little trouble capturing the 2014 USPA Pacific Coast Women's Challenge on the traditional 'down' weekend. With both teams taking victories over Ocean Mist/Prime Time in earlier round-robin play, the final came down to a battle of Vermoch and Co. against Luna Polo.With a handicap award of three goals - based on a difference of five goals - Pheasant Hollow never trailed as they took a first period lead of 4 - 1 and dominated to take a four goal advantage to the half at 5 - 1.Luna Polo reduced the gap to three goals in the third (6 -3) and scored once in the fourth, but it wouldn't be near enough as Vermoch's group ran away with a 6 - 4 victory.Brooke Faber, Dayelle Fargey, and Lacey Safonovs scored for the winners, while Abby Riggs counted twice and Malia McCoy and Jennifer Alexy struck once each for the runners-up.Fargey was chosen as the MVP and Alexy's mare, Hugs, garnered Best Playing Pony honors.2014 USPA Pacific Coast Women's ChallengePheasant Hollow Farm 7 - Debra Vermoch 1, Brooke Faber, Lacey Safonovs, Dayelle Fargey 6.Luna Polo 12 - Megan Kozminski 1, Jennifer Alexy 2, Malia McCoy 4, Abby Riggs 5.Ocean Mist/Prime Time 9 - Jana Elordi, Amelia Gilroy 1, Jessica Bailey 4, Roxi Kefauver 4. As well as the Women's Challenge, two C Flight tournaments were played as well.In the C1 Flight, Deer Creek (Krissy Devane, Susan Guggenheim, Becky Clark, Julie Empey) defeated Las Senoritas (Leigh Brecheen, Kit Neacy, Lynni Hutton, Judith Baker).The C2 Flight saw Triangle Bar (Hope Kerley, Karin McCoy, Sydney Jordan, Briana Heilig) win over Polo Riding Academy (Dana Bates, Kate Campbell, Heidi Clark, Emma Tooth).Tony Gregg  

Barrossa Takes WCT Qualifier at Very End

Katie Graham and her Barrossa polo team came away with a deserved 7 - 6 win in Sunday's USPA WCT Qualifier over the Jeff Kazmark sponsored Estancia Venterron - but only with some last second heroics.After an extremely slow start that saw Barrossa - having to give up a women's handicap award of one - down by four goals to  the Estancia Venterron quartet with less than four minutes gone in the first chukker, scramble back to grab one and trail by three after the first.The recovery continued in the second period as Barrossa scored three times to none for Estancia Venterron and the count was tied at four going to the half.Estancia Venterron grabbed a pair in the third to lead by two until Barrossa scored indirectly off a penalty four to come back again - this time to within one at the end of three chukkers.In the fourth, Barrossa drew even - for the second time - about half-way through and it appeared that overtime might be necessary to decide a winner. However, in the final 30 seconds, Dayelle Fargey grabbed a loose ball thirty yards out and scored to give Graham and Co. the victory.For the winners, Fargey and Abby Riggs scored three goals and Isabella Wolf counted one.For Estancia Venterron, Malia McCoy struck three times with Jessica Bailey and Cybele Jordan counting one each. The handicap award completed the total.Wolf was selected as the MVP and Pie, owned and played by Fargey (fourth chukker), was chosen as the Best Playing Pony.2014 USPA WCT QualifierBarrossa 16 - Katie Graham, Dayelle Fargey 6, Abby Riggs 5, Isabella Wolf 5.Estancia Venterron 15 - Kate Weber 4, Jessica Bailey 4, Malia McCoy 4, Cybele Jordan 3.Tony Gregg