Chopin Vodka Wins Chopin Challenge

The Chopin Challenge, played on Sunday March 13 in front of another great crowd, featured  12 goal teams Chopin Vodka (Ron Mathison, Marcello Rodriguez-Abbiati 5, Mariano Fassetta 5, Chad Bowmen 2) and Tequila Clase Azul (Jenny Lutterell-Benardoni, Francisco Benardoni 2, Ruben Coscia 5, Juan Curbelo 5).The early going - after the initial bowl in by Dana Chandler, the COO and GM of Chopin Imports - saw Clase Azul leading by one at 3 - 2 after the first chukker and they continued to hold that advantage with no scoring by either team in the second.The third period was all Chopin as they absolutely poured it on and scored five unanswered goals to lead by four (7 - 3) going to the Chopin Divot Stomp.Although Clase Azul outscored Chopin 6 - 5 in the second half, it wasn't enough and Chopin, riding the effect of that strong third chukker, went on to win by a final count of 12 - 9.After starting things off, Dana Chandler was back - this time on the presentation platform - to present the awards to both the runners up and the champions.

Eldorado Hangs on to Win Well Played NYTS Qualifier

With victories in the preliminary games on Saturday, Eldorado and Triangle Bar Farms met on Sunday in the final game of the extremely well played and exciting USPA National Youth Tournament Series Qualifying Tournament.Eldorado jumped out very quickly  to take a 3 - 1 advantage after the first period.  Triangle Bar recovered somewhat in the second and trailed by just one at the half with a count of 4 - 3.In the third, Eldorado increased their lead by two and went to the final period with a three goal bulge at 6 - 3. Triangle Bar recovered again - clearly having the momentum - and closed the gap to just one with 90 seconds remaining. However, Eldorado was able to control play in the last minute and as a result were able to hang on and win by final score of 6 - 5.In the consolation round-robin, Antelope was victorious over Hackett and Coors.The all-star selections included - in alphabetical order - Alonzo Andrade Cruz, Joe Coors, Thomas Costello, Rhandy Heredia, Alexis Payan, Bautista Von Wernich, Cory Williams.With all games played on the Cantina field and thoroughly enjoyed by large numbers on both days, it is very apparent that the USPA NYTS program is a winner. ELDORADO - Jonathan Garnica -.5, Thomas Costello 0, Rexy Vicardo -1, Cory Williams -1TRIANGLE BAR FARM - Alonzo Cruz 0, Randy Heredia -.5, Hope Kerley -1, Sofia Von Wernich -1ANTELOPE - Grant Palmer -1, Bautista Von Wernich 0, Riley Jordan -1, Cassidy Wood -1HACKETT - Bayne Bossom -1, Alexis Payan 0, Sydney Jordan -1, Megan Varchetto -1COORS - Joe Coors -1, Sage Ellington-Lawrence 0, Nick Roth -1, Mia Sweeney -1Tony Gregg   

Springbok Again Wins 2016 WCT Qualifier

For the second year in a row, Springbok rode to victory in Pacific Coast Women's Challenge and WCT Qualifier.The win was earned with a 6 - 1 victory over Paniola/Ponytail Polo.Malia McCoy, for the second year in a row, got the nod as the MVP and Velvet, owned and played by Caroline Anier, was chosen as the Best Playing Pony - the second year in a row that an Anier horse has been awarded the title.With a final game 6 - 5.5 win over RB and the Seniors, La Patrona captured the B Flight Championship.SPRINGBOK (16) - Kate Weber 4, Jennifer Alexy 5, Malia McCoy 4, Athena Malin 3PANIOLA/PONYTAIL POLO(16)  - Caroline Anier 7, Roxy Keyfauver 4, Erin Brittin 3, Suasan Guggenheim 2B FLIGHTLA PATRONA (10) - Claudia Uretz 2, Jenny Luttrell-Benardoni 3, Megan Judge 3, Jillian Tiejte 2RB & THE SENOIRS (9) - CAroline Anier 7, Kit Neacy 1, Lynni Hutton 1, Becky Schaller 0PRIMA POLO (10) - Dayelle Fargey 7, Jenny Alter 0, Kim Ross 0, Bridget Sibson 3SAYULITA POLO (10) - Julie Fernandez 2, Catlin Dix 5, Josephine Hermans 2, Kim Bergman 1

Northern Blizzard Wins Fish Creek Cup 7 Goal

For the second time in two weeks, John Rooney and his Northern Blizzard polo team (Rooney 1, Joe Henderson 4, Dayelle Fargey 1, Jim Wright 1) would face off in a final game against Madelyn Cobb and her M3 group (Cobb, Jared Sheldon 4, Peter Blake 3, Alonzo Cruz). In the previous meeting - the Eldorado Cup - the northern invaders won in a somewhat convincing manner by a count of 12 - 8. However, there would be a rather big difference in this contest as Wright - a big contributor two weeks previous - would not be able to play. With broken ribs sustained in a practice game fall keeping him on the side, the former Team USPA member would be replaced by college student Tony Uretz. No such change was necessary for M3 and they would have exactly the same line-up as before.At the outset, M3 jumped all over Northern Blizzard as Sheldon scored on a quick run off the initial throw-in and Cobb grabbed a perfect pass out of the ensuing line-up and went straight to goal on a great run of 145 yards. The Rooney group recovered somewhat and was able to prevent M3 from inflicting anymore damage, but at the same time, they were unable to score. The first ended with Cobb and Co. leading by a pair at 2 - 0.The second period started much the same as the first as M3 jumped out quickly and Blake scored to increase the lead to three and it appeared that Northern Blizzard might be in a little trouble due to their modified lineup. However, with Fargey exerting a huge defensive presence, the oilers were able to recover and eventually put some pressure on M3 that led to a pair of open goal conversions from Henderson and Rooney. As a result the count was now 3 - 2 to favor M3.The third frame featured a complete turnaround by Northern Blizzard as Uretz found his legs and the explosive M3 offence was silenced. With Fargey continuing to run interference, Henderson converted a penalty two and Rooney and Uretz counted from the field and the half was over with the northerners up by two at 5 - 3.M3 found the magic again in the early fourth as Sheldon scored on a quick jump and run to narrow the count to just one. Northern Blizzard was then able to come back as an open goal award was converted by Rooney and the fourth was over with the count at 6 - 4.Henderson scored from the field in the early penultimate frame and the Canadian lead was now three. Sheldon - never far from the action - got loose to strike twice and that lead again was narrowed to just one. Uretz was then able to score a pair of his own - one on an exceptional reaction to pickup a loose ball - and the chukker ended with Rooney and Co. up by three at 9 - 6.Given the fact that M3 could explode offensively at any time, Northern Blizzard were not about to sit back on a three goal advantage. The result was a fourth counter by Uretz in the early sixth and the lead was now four. However, M3 wasn't going anywhere and continued to push which resulted in a safety conversion by Sheldon to come to within three. That would be it though and Rooney and his Northern Blizzard teammates had won the Fish Creek Cup by a final count of 10 - 7.Because of her strong and relentless defensive play, Fargey was selected as the MVP and Virginia, owned and played by Henderson in the fifth, went back to the barn wearing the Best Playing Pony blanket. It is worth noting that Virginia was introduced to polo by Fargey.Tony Gregg   

Twin Palms Captures 12 Goal Fish Creek Cup

Chris Maloney and his Twin Palms polo team (Maloney 1, Graham Bray 3, Santiago Wulff 5, Remy Du Celliee Muller 3) showed everyone on Sunday that their successful 2016 winter season has not been a fluke as they easily rolled over Ron Mathison and Highwood (Mathison, Danny Walker 2, Marcello Rodriguez-Abbiati 5, Mariano Fassetta 5) by a final count of 10 - 5. In doing so, they won the Fish Creek Cup.The game started rather quietly with neither team able to grab an advantage until Wulff  scored from the field to give Maloney and Co. the lead going to the second period.Bray gave Twin Palms a lead of two early in the second as he scored his first of the afternoon on a nice run from just over center. Shortly after, Fassetta got Highwood on the board with his first to reduce the lead to again one. Twin Palms then jumped right back as Bray scored again and Wulff converted a penalty two and the second was over with the double trees leading by three at 4 - 1.The Twin Palms lead increased in the third chukker as Maloney scored on a penalty two award and Bray simply powered his way to another two goals while Highwood was able to do very little. The result was a 7 - 1 count to favor the Maloney foursome going to the Tequila Clase Azul Divot Stomp.The second half started as did the first - quietly and stayed that way as the only goal came from Fassetta to reduce the deficit to five.Highwood seamed to find some strength in the early fifth period as Rodriguez-Abbiati converted a sixty yard free throw and counted another from the field to reduce the difference to three. However, Wulff, with Bray running interference, scored his third of the game and the lead was again four goals. Fassetta counted his third to help the northerners going to the sixth and final trailing by three at 8 - 5.The last chukker, however, was all Twin Palms as Highwood wasn't able to get anything going to help themselves into contention. With Du Celliee Muller providing stalwart support, Wulff and Bray each scored from the field and the final of the Fish Creek Cup was over and Maloney and Co. had won their third tournament of the year.Bray, due to his unyielding offensive and defensive abilities, was selected as the MVP and Dulce, owned and played by Fassetta in the second was tabbed as the Best Playing Pony.Tony Gregg 

Northern Blizzard Blows Over M3 to Win Eldorado Cup

Sunday February 14th - Valentine's Day - was the warmest day of the year so far, but that mattered little to Canadian John Rooney as his Northern Blizzard polo team (Rooney 1, Joe Henderson 4, Dayelle Fargey 1, Jimmy Wright 1) never trailed while defeating Madelyn Cobb and her M3 aggregation (Cobb, Jared Sheldon 4, Peter Blake 3, Alonzo Cruz) to win the Eldorado Cup tournament.With the game time temperature a crisp 91 - 20 degrees above normal - things started somewhat slowly. Wright scored the game's first goal as he converted a penalty number two to put the Northerners in the lead, but Sheldon tied the very early count as he did the same from exactly the same spot. From the ensuing throw in, play again went to the south end and Wright converted his second open goal award to lead once again. From the next bowl in, play went to the north end for the first time as Fargey counted her first of the afternoon and Northern Blizzard now led by a pair. Sheldon - never far from the action - then scored his first from the field and chukker number one ended with the Rooney oilmen leading at 3 - 2.The first period lead increased to two in the early second as Henderson nailed a penalty four. M3 came back and Sheldon grabbed another and Cobb scored her first on an outstanding run from just across center and the second ended tied at four.With the game play now opening up, Rooney counted his first but Sheldon returned the favor and it was again a tie game. Fargey put Northern Blizzard in the lead for good as she finished a strong 140 yard gallop and the half was over with the oilmen leading 6 - 5.Northern Blizzard continued to hold the edge in the fourth period as Rooney, Wright, and Henderson all scored from the field with the only reply from M3 being another great run by Cobb. The result was a lead of three in favor of the northerners at 9 - 6.Play in the fifth chukker was pretty much even, but the Northern Blizzard lead increased to five goals on a pair of counters from Wright - one from the field and a penalty three conversion. A goal by Cruz and a penalty three counter for Sheldon brought M3 back to within three at 11 - 8 going to the sixth.Blake brought M3 within a pair with his only goal of the game in the early sixth but Wright converted another open goal opportunity shortly after and it was over a final tally of 12 - 8 to favor Northern Blizzard. As a result, Rooney and his northern invaders held the Eldorado Cup.Tony Gregg   

Twin Palms Defeats Antelope in Beal Final

The Valentine's Day final of the 2016 Carlton and Keleen Beal Memorial Tournament featured many momentum changes, long spectacular runs, and horses - good ones and lots of them.Chris Maloney brought his Twin Palms aggregation (Maloney 1, Graham Bray 3, Santiago Wulff 5, Remy du Celliee Muller 3) to the Sunday field for their third final of the season. On this day of love, the opposition would be supplied by Geoff Palmer and his Antelope herd (Palmer, Santiago Trotz 5, Felipe Vercellino 5, Chad Bowmen 2). This would be the second finals meeting this season for these two - Antelope winning the first in mid January.The first started quickly as Bray grabbed an early pass and completed a spectacular 140 yard run to score for Twin Palms. Not to be outdone, Trotz and Vercellino combined on a give and go for Antelope that was capped with a Palmer open goal conversion from 25 yards. The early momentum was now with the pronghorns as Vercellino scampered to count another and then, shortly after, pounded a penalty four and the first was over with Palmer and Co. up by two at 3 - 1.Momentum, however, can be fickle and as such can change in a hurry - and it did. Twin Palms came out for the second and were absolutely dominant with Maloney running half the field to count his first of the afternoon. Bray - again on a great rush - scored his second and Wulff followed that with his first of the game on a spectacular gallop. The second ended with the Maloney group leading by one at 4 - 3 and the energy clearly belonged to Twin Palms.As the third period began, it was apparent that this was going to be a running game - a contest of horses - as the pronghorns grabbed the momentum back and Palmer scored his second open goal award. Vercellino kept the force going as he grabbed his third goal and Antelope now had the lead back by one. Bowman then scored from the field and Vercellino struck again and a big Antelope third frame was over and their lead was now three with a count of 7 - 4.The fourth chukker started with Twin Palms getting one back as du Celliee Muller sent a forty yard backhander to goal that hit the right post and was eventually knocked in by a leg or an opposing player. Antelope responded with another rush and Vercellino finished it off with his second penalty four conversion and they again had a three goal advantage. However, that bulge didn't last long as the fickle force was now in the Twin Palms camp as du Celliee Muller scored from the field. Wulff then counted a pair - one on a spectacular play from the right corner by out horsing two men - and the count was now eight each.Chukker number five started a little differently than the previous three as the momentum did not change and Maloney scored his second goal and Twin Palms led by one. Relentless pressure on the inside by Bray led to a penalty opportunity from 30 yards that Maloney sank and the lead was now two at 10 - 8. The pronghorns were able to spring back and exert more pressure of their own and Trotz hammered a penalty four and scored from the field and the count was again tied. Bray - influential always - then scored his third and the fifth was over with the Maloney group up by one at 11 - 10.Trotz came out for the sixth and made things happen for Antelope. The result was his third goal of the game that evened the count at eleven. Play went back and fourth as both combatants had opportunities and came away with nothing - due to great defensive play. However, with 66 seconds on the clock - and Wulff  pressing - Twin Palms was awarded a free shot from 60 yards. Wulff's effort - with complete silence everywhere - was neither high nor on the ground, but hit very hard and somehow made its way through and with the clock now running down to 30 seconds, Maloney and Twin Palms had triumphed in the extremely well played Beal Memorial by a final tally of 12 - 11.Based on his rugged, robust, and effective play, Bray was awarded the title of MVP and Wulff's horse Rubio - played in the sixth - was chosen as the Best Playing Pony. Palmer - because of his aggressive defensive play - was selected as the Most Valuable Sponsor of the tournament.Tony Gregg   

Leisure Society Wins January Pro Pool Bronzes

Unknown to many, the final weekend of each month's very successful Pro Pool tournaments - played January, February, and March - features bronze trophies for the winners.  As well, all pro pool final games are played in front of the Cantina on Sunday mornings at 10 o'clock. With each game played in a tournament format and with prizes on the line for every final the competion is intense and the month end awards seem to add to the energy.January's final saw Desert Hay (Jared Sheldon - pro, Jenny Gonzalez, Murray Farmer/Susan Guggenheim, Joe Coors) line up against Leisure Society (Max Menini - pro, Shane Baum, Jacob Pechenik, Carol Hemker) in front of a very enthusiastic breakfast group.The early lead for the first month's sought after pieces belonged to Desert Hay but Leisure Society - with teamwork to back each other up - turned it around and came back to not only tie but to move on and win by a count of 5 - 3. Scoring for Leisure Society was spread throughout (the pros can't score) as Pechenik counted three, and Baum and Hemker scored one each. Coors, Farmer, and Guggenheim scored singles for Desert Hay.Tony Gregg        

Domrey Dominates to Win 7 Goal Coachella Valley Cup

After five games had been played in the 7 Goal Coachella Valley Cup tournament, Champ Roth's Domrey (Roth, Joseph Stuart 4, Dayelle Fargey 1, Doug Blumenthal 2) and Debra Vermoch's Pheasant Hollow (Vermoch -1, Tim Rudy 3, Jessica Bailey 1, Sterling Giannico 4) were alone at the top and already qualified for the final with identical records of five wins and zero losses with one game left to play and with the next best having just three wins. These two entries would then play each other on Saturday and the result wouldn't matter with respect to their plans for Sunday  - they were both booked in.With that in mind, the Saturday contest was, in reality, a practice and a chance to prepare - albeit in full view of each other. On the surface it appeared to most watching that Pheasant Hollow made more of the opportunity than did Domrey as they opened up just a little while Roth and Co. took it much, much easier. As a result, the pundits felt that the Vermoch group was better prepared and would have the upper hand in the upcoming final. As it turned out, the so-called experts were wrong - very wrong.The game started out quickly and it was Domrey dealing the early blow as pressure from the initial throw-in lead to a perfect penalty 4 conversion from Stuart.  Not phased, Pheasant Hollow was able to come right back as Giannico scored on a nice run. Blumenthal completed a run of his own to give Domrey the lead back and Stuart grabbed a quick pass from the ensuing line-up and ran alone to his second counter and it was now Domrey by two at 3 - 1. Once again Pheasant Hollow responded and Giannico was able to covert a 30 yard free-throw and the first was over with Domrey on top at 3 - 2.The early second was all Domrey as Stuart, fed by precise passing from throw-ins, scored a pair from the field and an early trend was appearing - Stuart was alone and running free. Again, Pheasant Hollow was able to come back and apply some pressure and Giannico was afforded another penalty two award which he converted and the second was over with the Roth group up by a pair at 5 - 3.Chukker number three saw Domrey exert more pressure as Stuart nailed another penalty four and then, from the resulting throw-in, he ran to goal - alone again - to extend the lead to four. Pheasant Hollow was again able to respond somewhat as Giannico converted a penalty two and the half was over with the lead extended to three at 7 - 4.At the half, the aforementioned 'experts' - and there were many - quickly pointed out that Pheasant Hollow would come back. As much as these authorities wanted to believe, or say, it didn't happen - not even close as the fourth period was absolutely all Domrey. The onslaught started with Stuart, again, receiving precise setups from the lineup and simply running to goal. With this continuing occurrence, Stuart scored three more times and it was now a six goal game. Blumenthal added to the equation with a goal and the lead was now seven. Giannico, for the fourth time, converted a penalty two toward the end of the period and the fourth ended with Roth and Co. leading at 11 - 5.As the fifth stanza started, it was obvious that Domrey wasn't done - not even close. Stuart - as if to prove a point - again grabbed a pass from the lineup and ran by himself to score. The Bay Area pressure continued as he converted his third free-throw (a penalty two) and the lead became eight goals. Fargey then counted another for the leaders and with little time left in the penultimate frame it was over. Rudy was able to score his first of the afternoon and the count was now 14 - 6 for the Roth group with one to play.With Pheasant Hollow needing to outscore Domrey by eight goals - just to tie - in the final frame, Roth and his champions to be simply relaxed and let Pheasant Hollow have a free rein. At that point, Rudy scored twice, Bailey counted one, Giannico added another, and Rhandy Heredia scored his first in the show as he filled in for an injured - in the fifth - Vermoch and the final count was 14 - 11. As a result and as the pundits tore up metaphoric mutual tickets, August Roth was once again a Champ as he hoisted the Coachella Valley 7 Goal Trophy.Because of his unrelenting pressure in the line-ups and his ability to continuously move balls out to Stuart, Roth was picked as the Leisure Society MVP.Stuart's mare Doctora - played in the Domrey controlled fourth - went back to the farm wearing the Best Playing Pony blanket.Tony Gregg  

Twin Palms Wins 12 Goal Coachella Valley Cup

On a rather blustery Sunday afternoon that featured sunshine, wind, rain, more sunshine, more rain, and then more wind, Chris Maloney led his Twin Palms 12 goal team (Maloney 1, Graham Bray 3, Santiago Wulff 5, Remy du Celliee Muller 3)  to a convincing 9 - 5 victory over pro pool graduate Ryan Robertson and his Bush League aggregation (Robertson, Jason Crowder 6, Ulysses Escapite 4, Matthew Walker 2).In a harbinger of things to come, Twin Palms started quickly as Maloney opened the scoring by converting a penalty number three. The early pressure continued and Maloney scored his second of the contest from the field and the first was over with Twin Palms leading 2 - 0.The success of period number one continued in the early second as Maloney was allowed another 40 yard free shot that he easily made and his lead was now three. Bush League came back later in the frame with Jason Crowder counting a field goal and the second was over with Twin Palms continuing to lead at 3 - 1.Rain started to fall in the third chukker and Maloney and Co. continued to hassle Bush League as du Celliee Muller scored and Maloney notched his third penalty three to now lead by five. Bush League came back somewhat as Crowder converted a penalty two attempt and Escapite scored from the field and the half was over with Twin Palms again leading by two at 5 - 3.Halftime saw the rain subside and with the wind increasing footing wasn't really a concern as Maloney scored his fifth goal on an aggressive move in the middle of a goal mouth scramble. Escapite grabbed his second of the afternoon for the Bush Leaguers and the fourth was over with Twin Palms leading again by two at 6 - 4.Perhaps tiring of leading by two goals after each frame, Twin Palms jumped out in the rainy fifth period and controlled throughout allowing Wulff  to score twice to nothing for the Robertson crew. As a result, the lead was now four at 8 - 4.The sixth started with the rain once again gone, the sunshine back, and those in attendance snapping pictures of polo in the sunshine with a background of an extremely picturesque rainbow to the east. However, the beauty of the late afternoon didn't change anything on the field of play as the wind reached difficult levels and each team was able to score but one goal each - Bray for Twin Palms and Crowder for  Bush League - and it was over with a final count of 9 - 5. As a result, Maloney and his Twin Palms group had won the 12 Goal Coachella Valley Cup.Based on his very aggressive and inspiring play, Maloney was selected as the Leisure Society MVP and Parka, owned by and played by Wulff in the fourth was chosen as the Best Playing Pony.Tony Gregg   

M3 Wins Close Jason Memorial

The 2016 Mack and Madelyn Jason Memorial was played on the warmest day of the current season and in front of a very big opening day crowd. Madelyn Cobb, a grand-daughter of Mack and Madelyn, brought her M3 group (Cobb, Jared Sheldon 4, Peter Blake 3, Alonso Cruz) to the field to face Suzanne Figi's Gypsy foursome (Figi, Graham Bray 3, remy du Celliee Muller 3, Taylor Freeman 2).Like the weather, M3 was warm early as Blake took a perfect pass from Sheldon to score and lead by one. Gypsy came back quickly as Freeman scored from the field to even the count. Not to be one to sit back and watch, Sheldon notched a field goal of his own and the lead was once again one for Cobb and Co. but Freeman changed that with his second and the count was tied at two after the first.Gypsy took the lead early in the second frame as du Celliee Muller grabbed his first of the day but Sheldon nailed a safety from 70 yards and it was even once again. Cobb, on a very alert pick-up and run, scored, and the lead, once again, belonged to M3 at 4 - 3. However, du Celiee Muller converted a 40 yard free throw and Bray counted from the field and the chukker ended with Gypsy ahead by one at 5 - 4.The third was all M3 as Blake scored twice and Sheldon supplied one and the Cobb group went to the half with a lead of two at 7 - 5.Sheldon continued the M3 push in the early fourth by converting a great set-up by Cobb and it was now 8 - 5 M3. Many thought that would be it and M3 would coast to the win. Not so, as Bray took charge and pushed du Celliee Muller and Freeman to score one each - bringing Gypsy to within one at 8 - 7.A successful 60 yard free shot by Sheldon and a counter from the field by Blake put M3 in front by three at 10 - 7 but du Celliee Muller pulled Gypsy back with a penalty three conversion to end the fifth at 10 - 8 in favor of M3.To start the sixth, Blake grabbed his fifth of the day and it appeared, once again, that M3 had the silver. Not quite as Gypsy pressed back with Freeman counting his fourth to narrow the lead to a pair at 11 - 9. A strong run by Bray ended with a du Celliee Muller open goal conversion and the lead was again just one with little time on the clock - not enough time as it turned out and Cobb and her Madelyn Three Team won the Mack and Madelyn Jason Trophy by a count of 11 - 10.Sheldon was selected as the MVP and Geisha, owned and played by Blake, was awarded the Best Playing Pony blanket.Tony Gregg 

Antelope Grabs First 12 Goal Title

The delayed 2016 Opening Day turned out to be a fabulous one weather wise with the thermometer moving up into the 70's and sunshine in abundance. After victories on Friday, and in front of a very big crowd, Chris Maloney brought his Twin Palms polo team (Maloney 1, Graham Bray 3, Santiago Wulff 5, Remy du Celliee Muller 3) to face Geoff Palmer and his Antelope herd (Palmer, Santiago Trotz 5, Felipe Vercellino 5, Chad Bowman 2). The game, perhaps not as perfect as the weather, turned out to be exciting nonetheless by virtue of the close score.From the outset, it was apparent that the game might be a scrappy affair. That observation not withstanding, Graham Bray opened the scoring very early to give Twin Palms a lead of one. Vercellino and Bowman countered with field goals to put the pronghorns on top but that lead was short lived as the aggressive Maloney evened the count with a good effort to end the first.The second slowed down somewhat and Antelope took advantage as Trotz and Bowman each scored while Maloney and Co. were held scoreless.With a lead of two, the pronghorns were strong in the early third period as Bowman scored his third and the very quick Vercellino notched his second goal of the day. Twin Palms came back however and applied heavy pressure that resulted in two penalty two conversions for Wulff. Antelope rebounded as Vercellino scored another and the half ended with the Palmer herd leading by three at 7 - 4.Twin Palms jumped out with authority to start the fourth chukker as Maloney put up his second goal and Wulff scored his first from the field.  Trotz was then able to get his second and the fourth was over with the Antelope lead now just a pair.Wulff scored from the field once more in the early penultimate frame to bring the Maloney group to within one, but a miscue allowed Palmer a free throw from 40 yards that he converted to again lead by two. du Celliee Muller then finished off a nice run to bring Twin Palms back to within one to end the fifth at 9 - 8.Coming in to the second half down by three, Maloney and Co. were now in contention to start the sixth and final of regulation. With Bray playing the middle with his trademark aggressive game, Twin Palms was afforded another open goal opportunity (40 yards) that Wulff converted and the count was now tied at nine. However, with just over a minute left, Antelope was awarded a penalty shot from 60 yards. Vercellino wisely used the time needed to set up the ball and changed horses. In spite of the fact that he was now on a mount that many said was easier to strike penalty shots from, the attempt was wide and Twin Palms had a chance to run the field and win. Didn't happen as a foul call gave Vercellino another opportunity to close it out - this time from 40 yards and just 41 seconds remaining. The attempt was good and Antelope won the first 12 goal tournament by a final count of 10 - 9.Tony Gregg   

Pheasant Hollow Flies to World Gym Win

The Mike Uretz Family's 25th annual World Gym tournament -the second longest continuously  played event in Desert Polo - was played as a round-robin over two days on the weekend of December 26th and 27th on the Cantina field in front of  very good crowds on both days.With Saturday's scoring carried over to Sunday, Debra Vermoch's Pheasant Hollow brood (Vermoch -1, Rhett Merrill -1, Tim Rudy 3, Patrick Uretz 3) were in good shape after the first day. Facing Madelyn Cobb's M3 group (Cobb .5, Jared Sheldon 4, Rhandy Heredia -1, Alonso Andrade -1) to start things off on Sunday, Pheasant Hollow started with a three goal lead at 6 - 3. The second day was similar to the first as Uretz and Rudy cruised to a final count win of 9 - 6.For round two, M3 stayed on the field to face Mia Bray's Twin Palms (Bray -1, Graham Bray 3, Conrad Kissling 1, Xander Deutsch). With a lead of one from Saturday at 4 - 3, Cobb and Co. had a good shot at grabbing a win to go to 1 - 1 for their final count. Wasn't to be however as the Bray Foursome counted four goals to just two for M3 that gave a final tally of 7 - 6 in favor of Twin Palms.Sunday's third contest would see Pheasant Hollow come back to play Twin Palms in a winner take all session. From Saturday Pheasant Hollow had a lead of one at 3 - 2. In a 'game' as close as the previous day's, the brood outscored Twin Palms by two at 3 - 1 thus giving a final score of 6 - 3 to earn the win and a round -robin record of 2 - 0.Pheasant Hollow  2   0   +6, Twin Palms  1   1   -2, M3  0   2   -4.With play at a level above, Uretz was selected as the MVP.Tony Gregg

Pacific Coast Women's Challenge WCT Qualifier

Linfoot Clinic December 12 & 13

L I N F O O T  P O L O  C L I N I CMark your calendars to take Lessons with the Linfoots hosted by Eldorado Polo Club on December 12 & 13Corky and Kathy Linfoot will be conducting a 2 day instructional and coaching clinic that isguaranteed to improve your polo skills including but not limited to, hitting, riding & game strategyCheck them out at Linfootpolo.com Cost of the clinic is $400 (1/2 price for kids under 12) which includes:-    Friday Dec 11 6:30pm meet & greet with pizza and beer at the Cantina-    Sat Dec 12 & Sun Dec 13 clinic with riding skills, drills, board work, hitting cage & match scenarios-    Breakfast & lunch each day as well as dinner on Saturday night at the Cantina-    Riding experience is a prerequisite, it is recommended that you bring 2 x horsesFor more information contact the Polo Office (760) 342 2223 or eldorado@eldoradopoloclub.com Please register by December 1 - Horse rental options available - Free horse board for visiting participants 

2016 Season Schedule & Membership Fees

Come and check out Polo!

Polo every Saturday & Sunday starting January 9 2016Saturdays 12pm at the Cantina Sundays 10am at the Cantina, 12pm & 2pm the ClubhouseSunday Clubhouse Reservations (760)-831-POLO(7656) 

Eldorado Polo Schedule 2015-2016

November
1	Club Open
December
8	Stick & Ball Field Opens
12-13	Linfoot Polo Clinic
19	Club Chukkers begin Thurs, Sat & Sun
23	Team Practice begins10 - 12 Goal Practice Wed, Sat & Sun5 - 7 Goal Thurs, Sat & Sun
26 - 27	World Gym Tournament (4 Goal)
January
	Pro Pool Every Saturday & Sunday
	Club Chukkers Practice Thursday, Saturday & Sunday
8 - 17	Opening Tournament10 - 12 Goal - Practice Wed, Matches Fri & Sun
9 - 17	Mack & Madelyn Jason Memorial5 - 7 Goal - Practice Thurs, Matches Sat & Sun
10	Opening Day - Sunday Polo matches begin
22 - 31	Coachella Valley Cup10 - 12 Goal - Practice Wed, Matches Fri & Sun5 - 7 Goal - Practice Thurs, Matches Sat & Sun
February
	Pro Pool Every Saturday & Sunday
	Club Chukkers Practice Thursday, Saturday & Sunday
5 - 14	Carlton & Keleen Beal Cup10 - 12 Goal - Practice Wed, Matches Fri & Sun
6 - 2819 - 28	Fish Creek Cup5 - 7 Goal - Practice Thurs, Matches Sat & Sun10 - 12 Goal - Practice Wed, Matches Fri & Sun
27 - 28	Trione Vineyards Seniors TournamentOpen to players 50 years and over
March
Feb 29 - 8	FIELDS CLOSED
5 - 6	Eldorado Women's Open WCT Qualifier
10 - Apr 3	Club Chukkers Practice Thursday, Saturday & Sunday
12 - Apr 3	Pro Pool - Saturdays & Sundays
11 - Apr 3	SKINS Tournament10 - 12 Goal - Practice Wed, Matches Fri & Sun
12 - Apr 3	USPA Pacific Coast Circuit Governor's Cup5 - 7 Goal - Practice Thurs, Matches Sat & Sun
April
3	CLOSING DAYUSPA Pacific Coast Governor’s Cup FinalSKINS Match - $30,000

• All information is subject to change

Season Memberships
10 - 12 Goal Membership	6 Chukker	$11,500*
5 - 7 Goal Membership	6 Chukker	$  9,500*
(Membership fees include Trophies, Umpires, Flaggers and EMT)
* $500 discount on Season 10-12 & 5-7 Goal Memberships if paid by Nov 1
Pro Pool Season Membership(Includes Stick & Ball, Thurs practice, matches Sat & Sun)		$7000
Club Chukkers (6 Chukkers)		$ 4,500
Club Chukkers (4 Chukkers)		$  3,500
Monthly Memberships
10 - 12 Goal Membership	6 Chukker	$  4,500
5 - 7 Goal Membership	6 Chukker	$  3,500
(Membership fees include Trophies, Umpires, Flaggers and EMT)
Club Chukkers (6 Chukkers)		$ 1,700
Club Chukkers (4 Chukkers)		$ 1, 500

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)

20% Discount on stabling if your whole team stables at Eldorado.

Cotterel Farms Hangs On to Win Governor's Cup

With the January 6 Goal Championship in hand, and the February 6 Goal Beal Memorial Trophy displayed on the mantel, one would think that Jenny Luttrell-Benardoni would have been satisfied with the 2015 winter season. Truth be known, she was probably very satisfied with the season. However, as successful as Cotterel Farms (Jenny Luttrell-Benardoni, Francisco Benardoni 1, Ignaccio Saracco 3, Charlie Petersen 2) had been in the first two months, there was one more prize to be had - the Pacific Coast Circuit Governor's Cup Championship. While the first two months are important, everyone wants to be able to say that they won the Governor's Cup - it's special.While some teams made line-up changes to prepare for the 'Big One', Cotterel remained intact and breezed through the qualifying rounds to arrive at the final. The opposition on the final afternoon would be Cheryl Schindel and her Centurions foursome (Cheryl Schindel -.5, Danny Walker 2, Luis Saracco 4,  Garrett Smith .5). After a rather shaky start to the winter season, Schindel and her polo manager Luis Saracco made some changes and brought in Walker and Smith - a move that ultimately gave them a shot at the big prize.The start to the final was rather tentative and slow and as a result a number of fouls were committed that led to an inordinate number of free hits. The end result of all this was that Walker connected on a penalty three opportunity that would account for the only goal of the opener.Not much changed in the first half of the second period and Walker, once again, connected on another three to give the Centurions a lead of two. As things sometimes happen, the flow opened up dramatically at that point as Cotterel started to gel. Ignacio Saracco was able to find the aggressive Luttrell-Benardoni free at the front and placed the ball perfectly for her and she then ran 175 yards to score. Schindel and Co. were able to recover with some running of their own and as a result, Luis Saracco was awarded a 60 yard free-throw that he nailed and the second was over with The Centurions ahead by a pair.The third became more of the first as the pace reduced with a return to the tentative play. The result, however allowed Cotterel's Saracco to convert three open goal shots and they were back in front with a lead of one. The Centurion's Saracco scored from the field just before the half and it was four apiece at the break.As the fourth got underway, it was apparent that the Colorado farmers had used the downtime well as the complexion of the game had changed in a big way to their favor. With Ignacio Saracco directing the much improved offence, Cotterel was all over the Centurions and, for the most part, the Northern Alberta group had difficulties getting out of their own end. The constant pressure culminated in field goals from Petersen and Saracco himself and Cotterel had a lead of two.The fifth started much as the entire fourth before it, as the Cotterel offence continued to create the pace - fast and exciting. The result was once again field goals - this time Saracco had a pair and the lead was now four goals at 8 - 4. At this point in time, it seemed as if it was all over. And it might have been, but Luis Saracco, for the Centurions, stepped in and started to make things happen. Some suggested sibling rivalry - who knows? What is known is that the Centurions came alive, and to a man/woman, started to play the kind of polo that brought them to this tournament final. With the change, Saracco scored from the field and the Centurions, trailing by 'just' three, had hope.In the early sixth Saracco was unstoppable as he twice scored from the field and the Centurions were now down by only one. By this time, Cotterel had apparently started to figure things out once again, as they regained the attitude and abilities that gave them such a comfortable lead earlier. The result was control of the play and as such the Centurion's momentum had been quelled. However, with less than a minute left, and with play deep in the Centurion end, Petersen gained control of the ball and sent it over the side with a force deemed to be excessive. As a result and with 41 seconds on the clock, the Centurions were awarded a penalty five from the spot about 45 yards out from their own end line. Luis Saracco was able to carry the play within 100 yards of the Cotterel goal but that was going to be it as the ball hit the boards and it was over. Luttrell-Benardoni and Cotterel Farms had capped a wonderful season by winning the 2015 Pacific Coast Governor's Cup by a score of 8 - 7.Ignacio Saraccco was selected as the Most Valuable Player and his mare, Fantasma, went back to the barn wearing the Best Playing Pony blanket.Tony Gregg    

Northern Blizzard Completely Dominates to Win Skins Final

The 20th renewal of the Polo Skins Game - first played for in 1995 - saw John Rooney's Northern Blizzard (John Rooney 1, Joe Henderson 4, Jason Crowder 6, Herndon Radcliff 1) exhibit total and constant control over Dave Dollinger's Los Banditos (Dave Dollinger 1, Gaston von Wernich 5, Max Menini 4, Jake Stimmel 2) by winning four out of the six chukkers. With the other two being tied - forcing two carryovers - the oilmen took home the complete haul of $30,000 ($5000 per chukker).The cold wind started to blow very early as Northern Blizzard won the initial throw-in and moved to goal. As a result, Crowder converted an open goal opportunity to lead by one. The outlaws were able to come back with some authority and Stimmel - a bright light on an otherwise dull afternoon - counted from the field to tie the early score. However, Crowder was able to convert his second 30 yard award and the first 'game' was over with Rooney and his oilmen ahead by $5,000. *Northern Blizzard 2 - 1.It appeared at the outset of the second that Los Banditos would recover as Menini scored to lead early. Not so, as the cool Canadian air continued to make its presence felt as Henderson unloaded a penalty five from center that Crowder grabbed and scored easily from 25 yards. Henderson then struck from the field and the second was over and the oilmen had another $5,000 for a total of $10,000. *Northern Blizzard 2 - 1.The third was relatively even as neither team was able to finish much until Henderson, once again, found Crowder with a center penalty five bomb to lead by a single point - the announcer's 'play of the game'. Menini brought the Outlaws even as he scored his second to force the first carryover of the afternoon - the fourth would be worth $10,000. *Tie score 1 - 1.With the carryover from the third added to the $5,000 offered in the fourth, each team had a huge opportunity - Los Banditos could draw even or Northern Blizzard could guarantee themselves a victory. It would be the latter as the invaders from the north took control from the outset. Henderson counted his second and Radcliff scored his first and the period was over and the Rooney oilmen had $20,000 in the account. *Northern Blizzard 2 - 0.The outlaws came out strong in the early fifth chukker as Menini scored again and von Wernich got his first. Not to be denied - especially on this afternoon - Northern Blizzard reacted as Radcliff counted his second and Crowder converted his third penalty two award to force the second carryover of the day. The sixth wound be worth $10,000. * Tie score 2 - 2.Recognizing an opportunity to strike big oil, Rooney's team came out in the final on fire as they absolutely dominated. As such, Crowder, with help from everyone, scored three field goals and there was no question that this afternoon would see a shutout for the first time in recent Skin's history. Menini was able to get one back in the final minute, but it mattered not as the Canadian invaders rode away with all the money available - $30,000 ($37,500 CDN). *Northern Blizzard 3 - 1.As well as winning all the cash, Northern Blizzard dominated the overall score by a count of 12 - 6 and were awarded Richard Roenisch bronzes as a result.Based on his dominating and relentless presence, Crowder was selected as the Most Valuable Player.Radcliff's third chukker mare Magnolia was chosen as the Best Playing Pony - her second such award of the season.Tony Gregg     

Springbok Leaps to Women's Tournament Victory

The WCT Qualifier, played on the 'down' weekend of February 28 - March 1, saw three teams on the entry docket. As such, the play would consist of a round-robin over three days.The tournament started with Pheasant Hollow (Debra Vermoch 1, Dayelle Fargey 7, Abby Riggs 6, Megan Judge 2) facing off against the Terrifying Pony Tails (Susan Guggenheim 2, Cathy Butler 2, Isabella Wolf 5, Caroline Anier 7). In a game that was close the entire way, the Pony Tails, in what was considered to be an upset, were able to ride away with a 6 - 5 win.With the loser staying up in a round-robin, Pheasant Hollow returned on Saturday to play Springbok (Kate Weber 4, Malia McCoy 5, Jessica Bailey 5, Andrea Brereton 1). The result of this one was never in doubt as Springbok breezed to a 6.5 - 1 win.The third game, to be played on Sunday, would then feature the two winners from previous play. However, rain forced a postponement and the game was rescheduled for the following Tuesday. Like game two, the championship contest turned out to be rather one-sided also as Springbok controlled the entire time and earned the spoils with a 9 - 4 victory and in doing so, became the 2015 WCT Champions.Malia McCoy was selected as the Most Valuable Player and Caroline Anier's Nicky was chosen as the Best Playing Pony. The weekend also featured a B and C Flight as well.The second level also featured three teams; La Petrona (Claudia Uretz 2, Jenny Luttrell-Benardoni 3, Jennifer Alexy 4, Jillian Tiejte), Chopsticks(Lynni Hutton 1, Kit Neacy 1, Tania Paneno/Judith Baker 1, Caroline Anier 7), and Team Oz (Emma Tooth, Katayoon Ilkhanibdeh, Liz Peck 2, Dayelle Fargey 7). With rain causing problems with play, a shootout was held and La Petrona were victorious.With three teams entered in the C Flight, round-robin play determined the winner as well. After  play was completed, Media Spur (Megan Kozminski, Gale Derricott, Kim Ross, Stephanie Davidson) were the winners over Ocean Mist (Michelle Myers, Dana Bates, Brianna Heilig, Jana Elordi) and Team Oz (Emma Tooth, Kate Campbell, Heidi Clark, Joyce Pexton).Tony Gregg    

Coors Keep 'Heads' Above Water in NYTS

With rain preventing Sunday's final game of the four team National Youth Tournament Series event, a coin flip was ultimately used to determine the trophy distribution between Saturday victors Coors (Hank Uretz, Joe Coors, Riley Jordan, Cassidy Wood) and Triangle Bar Farms (Rhandy Heredia, Hope Kerley, Bayne Bossom, Sayge Ellington-Lawrence) . With Triangle Bar calling tails, the coin landed and settled with heads on the upper side and as such, it was decided that the Coors team would be the recipients of the first place awards.Saturday's games were completed without problem as the weather didn't come in until early Sunday morning and both were very well played and extremely entertaining - a fact not lost on the large Cantina crowd.The first game featured Coors against Moet (Alexis Payan, Nicholas Roth, Thomas Costello, Jonathon Garnica). Moet (with a handicap award of .5) started strongly and led 3.5 - 0 after the first. However, Coors was able to scramble back to within a half after the third period and scored one in the fourth to get the win by a count of 4 - 3.5.The second contest saw Triangle Bar take on Antelope (Grant Palmer, Aleksander Deutsch, Sydney Jordan, Trista Noland). Triangle Bar started with a half goal via the handicap system and by scoring the only goal of the final frame, were able to take the victory 5.5 - 5.With one exception, all of the players were from Southern California and were/are involved in the junior programs of the Eldorado Polo Club, Empire Polo's Connie Atkinson, and Central Coast Polo's Megan Judge. The exception, and a pleasant surprise who handled himself very well, was Spokane Washington's Ellington-Lawrence.The All-Stars selected were; Coors, Deutsch, Ellington-Lawrence, Heredia, Payan, and Uretz.Tony Gregg