Antelope Bests Highwood to Win Constitution Cup 12 Goal

The final game of the Fish Creek Constitution Cup 12 Goal saw each team - Geoff Palmer's Antelope (Geoff Palmer, Santiago Trotz 5, Jared Sheldon 4, Remy Du Celliee Muller 3) and Ron Mathison's Highwood (Ron Mathison, Marcelo Rodriguez-Abbiati 4, Mariano Gutierrez 4, Geronimo Obregon 4) lead three times apiece. In any game however, the most important advantage is the one at the end of the contest and on this Sunday afternoon - presented by Don Julio - that edge belonged to the Pronghorns as they prevailed by a count of 7 - 6 and, as a result, took home the awards.The start, and very quickly, belonged to Highwood as Obregon converted a penalty three award and Gutierrez scored from the field to lead by two after the first period.The second chukker saw Antelope get back in it as Du Celliee Muller and Sheldon scored from the field to even the count at a pair each.The Pronghorns led for the first time in the early third as Sheldon converted a penalty three attempt but Highwood got that back and then led for the second time as Obregon scored a penalty three and a number two from the spot. Going to the Ruffino Prosecco half-time divot stomp the Albertans had the edge at 4 - 3.The Palmer group was pressing and pressing hard in the fourth and were ultimately granted a goal via a penalty number one to tie the count. Mathison and Co. recovered however as Rodriguez-Abbiati struck from the field to give Highwood their third lead going to the penultimate frame at 5 - 4.Antelope evened the count once again as Trotz sailed a 60 yard penalty award and Du Celliee Muller gave the Pronghorns their second lead of the afternoon with a nice run from mid-field. However, Highwood wasn't going away and a strong effort to the Antelope goal was rewarded with a free-throw opportunity for Gutierrez from 30 yards which he converted and the count was tied 6 - 6 going to the final of regulation.Many scoring chances came and left for both in the sixth period but Antelope pressure ultimately allowed Palmer an opportunity with a spot hit penalty number two which became the winning goal and gave the Pronghorns the lead for the third time and possession of the Fish Creek Constitution Cup.Fish Creek's Fred Mannix was on hand to present the trophies and Scott Niwa, Area Manager, bestowed bottles of Don Julio to the winners.Because of his strong, accurate, and determined play, Trotz was rewarded with the title of Most Valuable Player and his sixth chukker horse Pampiano wore the Best Playing Pony blanket back to the barn.Tony Gregg

Fish Creek Constitution Cup 8 Goal - Standings Feb 24

BRACKET 1 (each team will receive 50% for a win)A - ANTELOPE JUNIOR (8) - Grant Palmer, Patrick Uretz 4, Carolyn Anier 1, Jimmy Wright 3.B - TWIN PALMS (7) - Chris Maloney 1, Graham Bray 3, Mason Wroe 4, Mia Bray -1.C - LUNA POLO/STG (8) - Jennifer Alexy, Malia McCoy 1, Diego Laregli 3, Ignacio Deltour 4.BRACKET 2 (each team will receive 33% for a win)D - BUSH LEAGUE (8) - Virgil Kyle, Ryan Robertson, Ulysses Escapite 4, Shane Rice 4E - REMAX (8) - Gordon Ross, Dayelle Fargey 2, Jared Sheldon 4, Matthew Fonseca 2.STANDINGSTwin Palms 2 0 100% def Remax, Bush LeagueAntelope Jr. 2 0 100% def Bush League, RemaxRemax 1 2 33% def Luna Polo lost Twin Palms, Antelope Jr.Luna Polo 1 1 33% def Bush Leaggue lost RemaxBush League 0 3 lost Antelope Jr., Twin Palms, Luna PoloFri Feb 16 - Twin Palms vs RemaxSat Feb 17 - Antelope Jr. vs Bush LeagueSun Feb 18 - Bush League vs Twin Palms, Luna Polo vs RemaxSat Feb 24 - Remax vs Antelope Jr., Luna Polo vs Bush LeagueSun Feb 25 - Final; Twin Palms vs Antelope Jr.Two teams with best record (percentage )will play in final.'Shootout' rules will be in effect..

Fish Creek Constitution Cup 4 Goal - Standings Feb 24

BRACKET #1THERMAL(4) - Debra Vermoch -1, Reg Whyte, Tim Rudy 3, Felipe Sordelli 2.VANCOUVER POLO/MEDEXPERT (4) - Jay Garnett -1, Kirsten Hiller -1, Nicolas Maciel 3, Jimmy Wright 3HANALEI BAY (4) - Krista Bonaguidi -1, Ron Bonaguidi, Ashton Wolf 3, Taylor Freeman 2BRACKET #2CPC/URBAN DOG (4/3) - Kim Garsed/Jemma Contreras -1, Omar Mangalji, Alejandro Nordheimer 2, Toto Socus 2.PALM DESERT/FILM FINANCE(4) - Leigh Brecheen, Dan Horn, Remy Du Celliee Muller 3, Antonio Juarez 1.BLAZERS(4) - Pat Powell, Shannon Smull -1, Kyle Fargey 3, Diego Cossio 2.STANDINGSTHERMAL 3 0 def Blazers, Palm Desert/Film Finance, CPC/Urban DogVANCOUVER POLO/MEDEXPERT 3 0 def Palm Desert/Film Finance, CPC/Urban Dog, BlazersHANALEI BAY 2 1 def CPC/Urban Dog, Palm Desert/Film Finance lost BlazersBLAZERS 1 2 def Hanalei Bay lost Thermal, Vancouver/MedExpertCPC/URBAN DOG 0 3 lost Hanalei Bay, Vancouver/MedExpert, ThermalPALM DESERT/FILM FINANCE 0 3 lost Vancouver/MedExpert, Thermal, Hanalei BaySat Feb 17 - Thermal vs Blazers, Vancouver/Medexpert vs Palm Desert/Film Finance, Hanalei Bay vs CPC/Urban DogSun Feb 18 - Palm Desert/Film Finance vs Thermal, CPC/Urban Dog vs Vancouver/Medexpert, Blazers vs Hanalei BaySat Feb 24 - CPC/Urban Dog vs Thermal, Vancouver/Medexpert vs Blazers, Hanalei Bay vs Palm Deset/Film FinanceSun Feb 25 - Final; Thermal vs Vancouver/MedExpertTwo best records will play in final.USPA shootout rules in effect.

Antelope Easily Wins Beal 12 Goal Championship

The 2018 Carlton and Keleen Beal 12 Goal Tournament Final turned out to be a rather one sided contest as Geoff Palmer and his Antelope polo team (Geoff Palmer, Santiago Trotz 5, Jared Sheldon 4, Remy Du Celliee Muller 3) outscored Danny Walker and Ben Soleimani's Famers and Merchants Bank/RH Polo group (Ben Soleimani, Mariano Fassetta 5, Santiago Von Wernich 5, Alonso Cruz 1 - sub for injured Walker 2) by an average of one goal per chukker and cruised to a 14 - 9 victory.Having to give up one goal at the start - based on handicap difference - Antelope won the opening throw-in and scored in the first 25 seconds. Famers & Merchants/RH got that back and actually led after the first period with the score in their favor at 2 - 1.That was pretty much it for the Walker/ Soleimani team however as Antelope exploded with five goals in the second and led by three at 6 - 3.The scoring - if not the play - was even in the third with two apiece and the half ended with the pronghorns three goal lead intact at 8 - 5.Antelope counted three more in the fourth to only two for Farmers & Merchants/RH and the lead increased to four goals at 11 - 7.The fifth chukker was much of the same as Antelope continued to play a running game to score twice more and Farmers & Merchants/RH were not able to keep up and counted just one (13 - 8).Scoring was even in the last frame to give the final count of 14 - 9.Antelope scoring was led by Trotz with eight goals (1 75 yard safety), Sheldon had five, and Palmer converted a penalty two.The reply from Farmers & Merchants/RH was from Fassetta with four (1 penalty 4), Von Wernich with three, and Cruz scored once.Based on his dominating open and influential play, Trotz was the unanimous choice as the MVP and his mare Pepper (4th Chukker) was selected as the Best Playing Pony.Tony Gregg

Antelope Jr. Continues to Dominate With Beal Win

After an almost perfect January with the Coachella Valley Officer's Cup victory, Grant Palmer and his Antelope Junior team (Grant Palmer, Carolyn Anier 1, Patrick Uretz 4, Jimmy Wright 3) continued that January run as they won the 2018 Carlton and Keleen Beal Cup 8 Goal Division. The win - once again - came at the expense of Virgil Kyle and Ryan Robertson's Bush League foursome (Virgil Kyle, Ryan Robertson, Ulysses Escapite 4, Shane Rice 4).The young pronghorns started very quickly in the first and jumped out to a two goal lead that the country boys were able to cover with a quick pair of their own. One more for Antelope Junior gave them a lead going to the second at 3 - 2.Palmer and Co. led by a pair in the early second but Bush League came back with two goals and the game was tied after two (4 - 4.The third frame belonged to the youngsters as they counted twice to lead at halftime by a count of 6 - 4.The Orange and Black were much the stronger team in the fourth as they scored twice to just one for Antelope Junior and they trailed by just one at 7 - 6.The fifth was even with both scoring two times and the young pronghorns led by one at 9 - 8.Robertson with one goal and Kyle with another gave the country boys their first lead of the game halfway through the sixth period. However, Wright and Uretz replied quickly for Antelope Junior and the Bush League rally was quelled and Palmer had his second season title by a final tally of 11 - 10.For the winners, Uretz scored eight times (4 fouls) and Wright had three.The reply from Bush League came from Escapite with five, Rice had three (1 foul), and Robertson and Kyle counted once each.Because of his ability to read situations and act accordingly, Wright was named as the MVP and Benny, owned and played by Escapite in the fourth was selected as the Best Playing Pony.Tony Gregg

Pheasant Hollow Reorganizes and Wins Beal 4 Goal

The 2018 Carlton and Keleen Beal Cup 4 Goal division final featured teams that were much different than their January lineups. While both had made somewhat extensive adjustments, they were carried out for different reasons.To put it mildly, Debra Vermoch's Pheasant Hollow 4 Goal team did not have a good January. Wins were hard to come by - if at all -and if things were to improve a change would be necessary. As it turned out, January World Gym winners - under the Thermal banner - Reg Whyte and Fellipe Sordelli were available and Tim Rudy jumped at the opportunity to add them to the roster. The change did wonders as Pheasant Hollow went through bracket play without a loss to qualify for the final.Their opponent in the Beal 'winner take all' also went through some changes, although not because of a losing record. With Anne Evamy and her Identity Polo moniker stepping out of 4 goal play for February, Pat Powell - with his Blazers label - jumped in with Kyle Fargey and Diego Cossio. The addition of Shannon Smull-Mendez completed the adjustment and the Blazers qualified with a perfect record as well.The final started quickly as the Blazers and their open style of play put immediate pressure on the Pheasant Hollow goal. The result was a pair of penalty number 2 conversions for Fargey to lead quickly. Pheasant Hollow responded quickly however, and Rudy was rewarded with a penalty 2 and a penalty 3 opportunity which he too made and the first was over and tied at two apiece.The second period saw Pheasant Hollow continue the pressure they showed in the first as Sordelli counted a penalty 3 and scored one from the field as well and they led by two at 4 - 2 at the half.The Blazers found footing in the early third chukker as Fargey scored a field goal to come within one. Sordelli got that back quickly though and the Pheasant Hollow lead was once again two goals. The Blazers jumped back as Fargey scored his second of the period to once again trail by just one going to the fourth at 5 - 4 in favor of Pheasant Hollow.Rudy counted a field goal early in that fourth to again lead by a pair. Cossio responded for the Blazers to narrow the gap to one. Another goal by Cossio brought the Blazers even and it appeared that an extra frame might be necessary. Wasn't to be however as Pheasant Hollow recovered and was awarded another 40 yard free-throw that Sordelli made no mistake on and it was over as the 'new' Pheasant Hollow had won the 4 goal Beal Cup by a final tally of 7 - 6.Sordelli, with his ability to step in and renew the Pheasant Hollow offence was selected as the Most Valuable Player to his team and Mirage, owned by Powell and played by Cossio, earned the title of Best Playing Pony.PHEASANT HOLLOW (4) - Debra Vermoch -1, Reg Whyte, Tim Rudy 3, Fellipe Sordelli 2.BLAZERS (4) - Pat Powell, Shannon Smull-Mendez -1, Kyle Fargey 3, Diego Cossio 2.Tony Gregg

Identity Polo Stays Perfect to Win Officers Cup 4 Goal

The final of the Coachella Valley Officer's Cup 4 Goal turned out to be a very fast and open polo game. Identity Polo (Anne Evamy, Alex Green -1, Kyle Fargey 3, Diego Coscio 2) arrived with a perfect record and Palm Desert/Film Finance (Dan Horn, Leigh Brecheen, Remy Du Celliee Muller 3, Antonio Juarez 1) came with just one loss.From the start it was obvious that both teams were prepared to hit and run and as a result, the large crowd was well entertained throughout.The first period featured many chances for both contenders with neither able to score.The fast and open play continued in the second as Fargey counted two field goals and Identity led by that pair at halftime (2 - 0).Palm Desert/Film Finance counted the first goal of the third frame as Du Celliee Muller ran to score and narrowed the gap to just one. Fargey replied for Identity with a magnificent run and cut shot from 90 yards and 'way' left - the announcer's shot of the day - grabbed the two goal lead back for Identity and it was on to the final chukker with the count still favoring Identity at 3 - 1.Fargey struck again in the early fourth with another bomb but Du Celliee Muller replied with a missile of his own to again trail by two with ample time left on the clock for a comeback. However, Fargey was the one to take advantage of that time and ran to score his fifth of the day to create a final score of 5 - 2 to favor Identity.While everyone on both teams played well and displayed the teamwork that got them to the final, the difference was Fargey and as a result, he was appointed as the MVP.To cap off an extraordinary afternoon for Fargey, his fourth chukker mare Milly was chosen as the Best Playing Pony.Tony Gregg

Antelope Junior Wins Officer's Cup 8 Goal

The January 8 goal Coachella Valley Officer's Cup Tournament featured an entry of eight teams in a format that would see every team play every other team once with the top two advancing to the final. Over the course of the one month event, Grant Palmer and his Antelope Junior group (Palmer, Patrick Uretz 4, Carolyn Anier 1, Jimmy Wright 3) and Virgil Kyle and Ryan Robertson's Bush League foursome (Kyle, Robertson, Ulysses Escapite 4, Shane Rice 4) finished one and two respectively and would therefore meet in the Sunday January 28th final. Palmer and Co. defeated Bush League in their January 6th game by a final count of 12 - 7 and as such were considered the favorites to win again and grab the championship trophy.The contest was played on an unbelievably perfect desert afternoon presented by Bulleit Bourbon - in front of a huge crowd - with an above average high temperature of 85 degrees and nothing but sunshine. While the weather was flawless, the game, although entertaining at times, was restrained often by penalties.From the start, the younger Antelope group controlled most of the play and led after the first by a score of 3 - 2.In what would be the situation almost throughout, the - for the most part - younger Palmer group continued to hold the upper hand in the second period as well and led by three going to the third at 7 - 4.The country boys came back somewhat in the third to outscore the Juniors by one at 2 - 1 and the half was over with the Palmer group leading by two at 8 - 6.The fourth was Antelope Junior's as they outscored Bush League 3 - 1 and their lead was now four at 11 - 7 with two to go in regulation.The penultimate frame was a copy of the third chukker as the orange men grabbed a pair to just one for the young pronghorns and the count was now 12 - 9 with one period left.Bush League was able to stay with the Palmer group in the final stanza but it wouldn't be nearly enough and the final count would see Antelope Junior prevail by a final score of 13 - 10.Scoring for the winners was led by Uretz with eight (six fouls - two penalty fours), Wright with four, and Anier with one.The reply from Bush League was led by Rice grabbing eight goals (seven fouls - one penalty four) and Escapite with a pair (one foul).Because of his dominant and controlling style of play Uretz was chosen as the Most Valuable Player to his team.Black, owned and played by the veteran Anier in the fourth, was selected as the Best Playing Pony.Tony Gregg

Lakeside Wins Weekend NYTS Tournament

With two wins over the two days of the USPA National Youth Tournament Series, Lakeside (Riley Jordan, Garrett Bankhead, Thomas Phelps, Cory Williams) grabbed the winner's spoils.Victory number one came at the expense of Alegria (Alonso Cruz, Piers Bossum, Hope Kerley, Cassidy Wood) by a score of 10 -2 and the second triumph consumed Antelope (Grant Palmer, Charlie Walker, Zack Coleman, Maya Tantuwaya) by a final count of 4 - 3.Second spot in the weekend event went to Antelope with a 5 - 1 win over Alegria.The all-star awards were presented to Palmer, Cruz, Jordan, Bankhead, and Williams.Tony Gregg

Bush League Hangs On to Win Jason Memorial

On another absolutely perfect day in 'sunny Southern California', the 2018 Mac & Madelyn Jason Memorial was contested between Chris Maloney's Twin Palms aggregation (Maloney 1, Graham Bray 3, Mason Wroe 4, Mia Bray -1) and Virgil Kyle and Ryan Robertson's Bush League group (Kyle, Robertson, Ulysses Escapite 4, Shane Rice 4).A close game was expected by most and it most certainly was at the end. What was not expected perhaps, were the rather large 'swings' that favored both teams.With a handicap award of one at the outset to favor Twin Palms the anticipated closeness was certainly played out in the first as both foursomes counted a goal and the first ended with the Maloney Group ahead by one at 2 - 1.Bush League opened it up in the second and the first so-called 'swing' occurred as the orange & black scored three times - to none for Twin Palms - to take a lead of two to the third chukker at 4 - 2.The scoring advantage continued to favor the rural group with a pair of goals to one for Twin Palms and it was 6 - 3 Bush League at halftime.Maloney and Co. created their first 'swing' of the game in the fourth period as they counted two goals to none for Bush League and the country lead was now just one at 6 - 5 going to the fifth.The momentum changed again in that fifth as Bush League scored four goals and the Maloney crew were only able to grab one. The result was a four goal advantage for the orange men with one chukker left in regulation at 10 - 6.Twin Palms needed goals in the sixth and they got three of them (one a penalty number 1) as the pendulum swung once again and counting down to the thirty second warning horn they were within one and just several yards away with an opportunity to force an extra stanza. It wasn't to be however as the horn ended play and Bush League had barely hung on to win the Jason Memorial by a final tally of 10 - 9.For the winners, Escapite and Rice (one foul) scored four times each and Robertson had a pair.Twin Palms scoring saw Wroe count five (one foul) and Malony grabbed a pair (one foul). The penalty one and the handicap award completed their total.With an aggressive effort and two very timely goals in the fifth, Robertson was accorded the honor of Most Valuable Player and Kenny, owned and played by Rice in the second chukker, was selected as the Best Playing Pony.Tony Gregg

Thermal Runs Away to Win 30th Annual World Gym Title

 Reg Whyte and David Carlson's Thermal polo team (Whyte, Carlson, Ernesto Ezcurra 2, Felipe Sordelli 2) 'ran the table' and went through the 2018 World Gym 4 goal tournament - the 30th annual - without a loss.While Thermal came to the final undefeated, their opposition, Shannon Smull-Mendez and Lamar Rutherford's Manolo Polo (Smull-Mendez -1, Rutherford -1, Luis Saracco 3 - sub for Santiago Mendez 2, Rodrigo Salinas 3) arrived via a shootout victory.The final was a rematch of the previous Sunday's meeting of the two foursomes which saw Thermal win with little trouble by a score of 6 - 1.5. This weeks offering would not be the same - at least not in the first half.With Saracco substituting for the injured Santiago Mendez, Manolo Polo started quickly as Salinas scored off the initial throw-in. Thermal jumped back immediately as Ezcurra converted a penalty number 3 award. Salinas regained the lead with his second (a penalty 2 from the spot) but Sordelli scored for Thermal to tie the count going to the second (2 - 2)The second chukker was open and provided a lot of good team polo as both were able to run with the ball. Surprisingly, only two goals were scored - Salinas for Manolo to briefly lead and Ezcurra for Thermal to get even. The half ended with the count at three each.The third period was nothing like the first two as Ezcurra scored twice (one a penalty 3) and Whyte - with a great read - struck once for Thermal with absolutely no reply from Manolo Polo and it was 6 - 3 to favor the Whyte and Carlson pairing.With the Manolo offense all but gone, Thermal was able to keep it going in the fourth with a continuing complete team effort as Carlson - under full sail - grabbed his first and Whyte scored his second. Saracco replied for Manolo but that would be it and Thermal - the 2017 World Gym winners - had successfully defended their title by a final tally of 8 - 4.On hand to present the distinctive World Gym trophy - as they were 30 years ago - were Mike and Claudia Uretz.Because of his aggressive play on the front end - whether he had the ball or was making openings for others - Carlson was selected as the Most Valuable player to his team.Ezcurra's oft played U2 was awarded the Best Playing Pony blanket.Tony Gregg

Antelope Jr & Thermal Win on Ketel One Opening Day

On an absolutely perfect opening day afternoon - presented by Ketel One - in front of a huge crowd, Grant Palmer's Antelope Junior (Grant Palmer, Patrick Uretz 4, Jimmy Wright 3, Carolyn Anier 1) and Reg Whyte and David Carlson's Thermal (Reg Whyte, Daved Carlson, Ernesto Ezcurra 2, Felipe Sordelli 2) polo teams were victorious in their 8 and 4 goal games repectively.Palmer's win (14 - 10) came at the expense of Gordon Ross and his Remax group (Gordon Ross, Dayelle Fargey 2, Jared Sheldon 4, Felipe Sordelli 2).The young pronghorns started very quickly and grabbed a first period lead at 4 - 1.The youngsters continued the pressure in the second and then led by four at 6 - 2.Remax found some common ground in the third and played Palmer and Company even at three each to keep the deficit at four (9 - 5).The Ross team jumped out after halftime and outscored the calves in the fourth and narrowed the gap to just three at 10 -7.The fifth chukker saw Remax continue to push with success to narrow the gap to a pair at 11 - 9 and were 'back in it'.The 'comeback' however was curtailed as Antelope Jr grabbed three counters in the final to just one for Remax to present a final score of 14 - 10 and in doing so were awarded - with the exception of the very young Palmer - bottles of Ketel One.Uretz led all scorers with 10 goals (three open goal conversions) with Anier and Wright counting twice. Palmer scored the final goal of the game with a penalty two strike.For Remax, Sheldon scored five times (three open goal), Sordelli had three (two open goal) and Ross counted one from the field.With more bottles of Ketel One available, Thermal and Manolo Polo (Lamar Rutherford, Shannon Mendez, Santiago Mendez, Rodrigo Salinas 3) stepped to the line.With a handicap award of one half, Salinas took the initial throw-in - by Ketel One's Regional Sales Director Jose Villar - and scored to extend the gap at the outset but Thermal came back quickly and scored twice to lead 2 - 1.5 after the first.Thermal counted three more times in the second and the halftime score was in their favor at 5 - 1.5.The second half was quiet with the only goal - in the third - going to Thermal and the result was a 6 - 1.5 final count to favor the Whyte and Carlson partnership.Sordelli and Ezcurra counted three each in Thermal's win.Scott Niwa, Ketel One's Area Manager, was on hand to present bottles of Ketel one to the victors.Tony Gregg

Springbok Edges Prima Polo in WCT Qualifier

The main event of the closing afternoon of the 2017 season, featured the Pacific Coast Women's Challenge - WCT Qualifier A Flight final between Springbok (Kate Weber 4, Catlin Dix 4, Jennifer Alexy 5, Caroline Anier 6) facing off against Prima Polo (Jenny Alter 1, Dayelle Fargey 7, Abby Riggs 5, Tiffany Busch 7) in what turned to be a very physical and entertaining contest.Having to give up a handicap award of one-half, Prima Polo struck first as Busch counted the first of her three on the afternoon. Soringbok's Anier countered soon after and the first chukker ended with the two time defending champions leading by the handicap difference (1.5 - 1).Jennifer Alexy, riding the eventual Best Playing Pony - Izzy - scored the only goal of the second and the count was 2.5 - 1 in favor of Springbok going to the break.As the enthusiastic crowd stomped divots and conversed - with Ruffino Prosecco in hand - Prima Polo was speaking amongst themselves as well, and whatever was said seemed to work in the third as a strong team effort allowed Busch to score a pair of goals to take a lead of one-half. However, Dix notched a goal and Springbok again led by the handicap grant (3.5 - 3).The fourth was very physical and very close with neither team able to gain any type of an advantage. But with just over 90 seconds to go, Dix was able to grab the ball and run 150 yards to score her second of the game and Springbok had successfully defended their 2016 title by a final tally of 4.5 to 3.Dix, because of her aggressive and opportunistic play, was selected as the MVP and as mentioned earlier, Izzy, owned by Diego Larregli and played by Alexy was honored as the Best Playing Pony - the second horse played by Alexy on this day to be recognized as such. The Women's Challenge Upper B Flight saw Deer Creek (Lynni Hutton 1, Julie Fernandez 2, Caroline Anier 6, Audrey Persano 3) play Ohana (Erin Brittin 2, Stephanie Davidson, Abby Riggs 5, CAtlin Dix 4). A very strong first chukker allowed Deer Creek to move on to an 8 - 5.5 victory.Anier was awarded the title of MVP and Pientha, played by Persano and owned by Fernandez was chosen as the Best Playing Pony. The Lower B Flight was won by DG'S Girls (Shelley Geiler 2, Keli Newton, Jennifer Alexy 5, Heather Perkins 2) over Sunset Warriors (Susan Guggenheim 2, Julie Empey 1, Tanya Paneno 2, Carla Gallichotte 2).Keli Newton was named as the MVP and Marley, played by Alexy in the second chukker was tabbed as the Best Playing Pony.Tony Gregg    

2017 Pacific Coast Women's Challenge - WCT Qualifier

A FLIGHT (WCT Qualifier)PRIMA POLO (20) - Jenny Alter 1, Dayelle Fargey 7, Tiffany Busch 7, Abby Riggs 5.SPRINGBOK (19) - Caroline Anier 6, Jennifer Alexy 5,Kathleen Weber 4, Catlin Dix 4.B+ FLIGHTDEER CREEK (12) - Lynni Hutton 1, Julie Fernandez 2, Audry Persano 3, Caroline Anier 6.IDENTITY POLO (11) - Anne Evamy 3, Ruth Peters 1, Zinta Braukis, Dayelle Fargey 7.OHANA (11) - Erin Britton 2, Stephanie Davidson, Abby Riggs 5, Catlin Dix 4.SISTER WIVES (12) - Debra Vermoch 1, Leigh Brecheen 3, Jenny Luttrell-Benardoni 4, Melania Jones 4.URBAN DOG (10) - Kim Garsed 2, Ann Terranova, Cybele Jordan 4, Roxy Keyfauver 4.B- FLIGHTDG'S GIRLS (9) - Shelley Geiler 2, Heather Perkins 2, Kelli Newton, Jennifer Alexy 5.SUNSET WARRIORS (7) - Tanya Paneno 2, Julie Empey 1, Susan Guggenheim 2, Carla Gallichotte 2. SCHEDULECheck daily game schedule for times Saturday and Sunday 

Bush League Steps Up In the Governor's Cup

On a ‘perfect day in sunny Southern California’, the 2017 Pacific Coast Governor’s Cup final was played at the Eldorado Polo Club in Indio. The ultimate push – on Sunday, March 26 - featured Virgil Kyle and Ryan Robertson and their Bush League foursome (Kyle, Robertson, Ulysses Escapite 4, Jose Rodriguez 1) going up against Leigh Brecheen and Danny Walker’s Farmers and Merchants Bank organization (Brecheen, Walker 2, Matthew Walker 2, Antonio Juarez 1).From the start it was obvious that Bush League had come prepared as Rodriguez took a pass from the initial bowl-in and simply ran free to score the first goal of the game. The ensuing bowl-in at center turned into more of the same as Escapite grabbed the ball and found Roberson free near the Farmer and Merchants’ goal and the lead was now two. The initial push continued as Robertson picked up the ball and ran from mid-field to score and it was now three to nothing and the large crowd was buzzing. However, Farmers and Merchants came back in a hurry as huge pressure allowed Matt Walker a penalty three opportunity that he converted, Juarez scored from the field, as did Danny Walker, and the game was tied to end the first.The second featured nowhere near the scoring that was seen in the first. In fact, there wasn’t any as chances were missed and opportunities to advance were not taken. The result was a 3 – 3 tie at halftime.The bankers came to work in the third frame as Danny Walker scored from the field and converted a penalty two offering and Farmers and Merchants led by a pair going to the final frame at 5 – 3 and many thought it might be over.Coming out for the fourth, Bush League most certainly didn’t think it was over as they pressed and pressed hard. The result was a free-throw opportunity that Robertson converted. Escapite then took control and counted his first of the day and the momentum had changed. The continued pressure from Bush League allowed another open goal opportunity that Escapite capitalized on and it was over as Bush League had won their first Governor’s Cup by a score of 6 – 5.Not only had Bush League defeated Farmers and Merchants Bank to take the USPA hardware, it was presented by the man they had just overcome as Danny Walker is the Governor of the Pacific Coast Circuit.Because he was able to control play when needed and instill confidence in his teammates, Escapite was given MVP honors. Garabinada, played by Danny Walker in the third chukker was chosen as the Best Playing Pony.Tony Gregg

Skins: Money Split - Cotterell Wins Rossmore Cup

The Eldorado Polo Club’s 23^rd annual Polo Skins Game was played on Sunday, March 26, 2017. While the Skins always creates much anticipation along with a huge fieldside party , the addition of the USPA Rossmore Cup Tournament this season brought the frenzy to an even higher level. Add in the fact that this year’s contest was going to be live streamed by the USPA.The Polo Skins format is exactly like a golf skins competition where each chukker is played as a ‘Skin’. If a chukker is won, the winner receives the money available. If the teams are tied after a chukker, the amount that was available is then added to the amount to be played for in the next chukker. For the 2017 challenge, the team that scored the most goals overall would put their name on the Rossmore Cup.The 2017 game, at 12 goals, was played in front of huge Clubhouse and west berm crowd and an immense gathering of partying faithful lining the entire east side, featured Idaho’s Jenny Luttrell-Benardoni and her Cotterell Farms polo team (Luttrell-Benardoni, Ruben Coscia 5, Juan Curbelo 5, Matthew Fonseca 2) riding out against Canadian John Rooney and his Northern Blizzard line-up (Rooney 1, Joe Henderson 4, Patrick Uretz 4, Peter Blake 3).At the start, Cotterell took immediate control and was rewarded with a penalty three opportunity that Curbelo easily converted. The first period wasn’t half over as Luttrell-Benardoni grabbed a long pass and impressively ran 145 yards to increase the lead to two goals and it appeared the farmers were going to run away with the initial $3500 and take a rather nice lead in the Rossmore. Not so fast however, as Northern Blizzard came back with a big offensive thrust resulting in a Uretz penalty four strike and a free throw conversion from 40 yards. As a result the Rossmore was tied at two and the initial $3500 would be added to the $3500 from the second to make the second chukker worth $7000.The momentum that the Canadian invaders grabbed in the first carried – as did the money – to the second as Uretz converted a penalty two from the spot to now lead by one. Ruben Coscia got that back with a field goal and the count was now tied at three apiece. However, Northern Blizzard jumped right back and were once again rewarded with another penalty two opportunity that Uretz converted. With just over 30 seconds remaining in the period and the $7000 comfortably in Canadian hands, Blake grabbed the ball and ran 260 yards to score. The point didn’t matter for the money, but with the Rossmore Cup in play, it would count in the overall score which now stood at 5 – 3 in favor of Rooney and his oilmen.The third frame, worth $3500, featured many scoring chances but not much scoring as Curbelo grabbed the only goal of the period - from the field - which was enough to put that money into the Cotterell account. The result was a $3500 halftime lead for Northern Blizzard and a lead of one at 5 – 4 for the USPA Silver.The small advantage that Cotterell had in the third became bigger in the fourth as Fonseca counted twice and Coscia grabbed his second goal. The three goals – to none for Northern Blizzard - easily gave the Idahoans the $3500 to tie the dollar count at $7000 and they now led the Rossmore by a pair at 7 – 5.The Canadians, quiet on the scoreboard for two chukkers, started to recover in the fifth as Uretz scored from the field to lead by one for the money. Curbelo got that back for the farmhands to lead again by a pair in the overall count but Uretz was able to grab another field goal and the fifth ended with Northern Blizzard cashing the $3500 royalty and closing to within one for the Rossmore.The sixth was played even with Northern Blizzard’s Blake scoring on a superb effort from 90 yards and Cotterell’s Curbelo replying with his third from the field and the chukker ended with Cotterell winning the Rossmore Cup by one goal at 9 – 8. However, and as great as the farmhands felt with the victory, there was still $3500 on the table. As a result, an overtime chukker would be necessary.The extra frame didn’t last very long as Luttrell-Benardoni, with a long, strong, and perfectly placed neckshot from well right of the Northern Blizzard goal set up Fonseca 30 yards out and he made no mistake to score. That combined effort gave Cotterell the $3500 carryover and a tie in the money total at $10,500 each.Because of her strong and aggressive effort in playing the front end and her ability to get to and move the play, Luttrell-Benardoni was selected as the MVP. Negra, played by Coscia in the sixth period, went back to the barn wearing the Best Playing Pony blanket.Tony Gregg

2017 USPA Rossmore Cup/Skins 12 Goal Mar 26

A - NORTHERN BLIZZARD (12) - John Rooney 1, Joe Henderson4, Patrick Uretz 4, Peter Blake 3.B - HIGHWOOD (12) - Ron Mathison, Marcello Rodriguez-Abbiati 4, Mariano Fassetta 5, Remy Du Celliee Muller 3.C - COTTEREL FARMS (12) - Jennifer Luttrell-Benardoni, Ruben Coscia 5, Juan Curbelo 5, Matthew Fonseca 2.D - TWIN PALMS (12) - Chris Maloney 1, Graham Bray 3, Jared Sheldon 4, Joseph Stuart 4. STANDINGSNORTHERN BLIZZARD                2   1   d Cotterell Farms, Highwood   l Twin PalmsCOTTERELL FARMS                    2   1   d Twin Palms, Highwood   l Northern BlizzardHIGHWOOD                                  1   2   d Twin Palms   l Northern Blizzard, Cotterel FarmsTWIN PALMS                                1   2   d Northern Blizzard   l Highwood, Cotterel Farms SCHEDULEFri Mar 17; Northern Blizzard vs Cotterell Farms, Twin Palms vs HighwoodSun Mar 19; Highwood vs Northern Blizzard , Twin Palms vs Cotterell FarmsFri Mar 24; Cotterell Farms vs Highwood, Northern Blizzard vs Twin PalmsSun Mar 26; Final Rossmore Cup/Skins Game - Northern Blizzard vs Cotterell Farms

2017 Pacific Coast Governor's Cup - Mar 26

BRACKET 1A - FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK (5) - Dan Walker 2, Leigh Brecheen, Matthew Walker 2, Antonio Juarez 1.B - LUNA POLO (5.5) - Jennifer Alexy .5, David Carlson -1, Diego Larregli 2, Gasto Von Wernich 4.C - BUSH LEAGUE (5) - Virgil Kyle, Ryan Robertson, Ulysses Escapite 4, Jose Rodriguez 1.BRACKET 2D - PRIMA POLO (6) - Jenny Alter -1, Scott Walker, Jared Sheldon 4, Peter Blake 3.E - IDENTITY POLO (6) - Anne Evamy, Malia McCoy 1, James a'Court 1, Matias Obregon 4.F -BLAZERS (6) - Pat Powell, Kyle Fargey 3, Alvaro Tadeo 2, Alonso Cruz 1.STANDINGSFARMERS & MERCHANTS       2   1   d Prima Polo, Identity Polo   l BlazersBUSH LEAGUE                          2   1   d Blazers, Identity Polo   l Prima PoloBLAZERS                                   2   1   d Farmers & Merchants, Luna Polo   l Bush LeagueLUNA POLO                               2   1   d Identity Polo, Prima Polo   l BlazersPRIMA POLO                             1   2   d Bush League   l Farmers & Merchants, Luna PoloIDENTITY POLO                        0   3   l Luna Polo, Bush League, Farmers & Merchants SCHEDULESat Mar 18; Farmers & Merchants vs Prima Polo, Luna Polo vs Identity Polo, Bush League vs BlazersSun Mar 19; Blazers vs Farmers & Merchants, Prima Polo vs Luna Polo, Identity Polo vs Bush LeagueThur Mar 23; Identity vs Farmers & Merchants, Luna Polo vs Blazers, Bush League vs Prima PoloSat Mar 25; Farmers & Merchants vs Luna Polo, Bush League vs BlazersSun Mar 26; Final - Bush League vs Farmers & MerchantsCross Bracket. Four teams with best records will play semi-finals - 1st vs 4th, 2nd vs 3rd.

Brookland Plantation Grabs March 6 Goal

The final of the March 6 Goal tournament featured Thomas Ravenel and his Brookland Plantation foursome (Ravenel, Ignacio Deltour 3, Rodrigo Salinas 3, Abby Riggs) going up against Jennifer Alexy and David Carlson with their Luna Polo group (Alexy .5, Carlson -1, Diego Larregli 2, Gaston Von Wernich 4). The game, played on the day of the February full  moon, saw the southern charmers lead early and go on to win by a count of 6 - 3.5.Having to give up a half goal at the start, Brookland Plantation controlled the first period and led with a score of 3 - .5 going to the second.Luna Polo started to shine a little in the second as both teams scored once giving a halftime score of 4 - 1.5.The satellites then went on to light up the third chukker by scoring a pair of counters, to none for the Southerners, and trailed by just one-half with one to play at 4 - 3.5.In the fourth however,  Southern hospitality blocked out the light of the full moon as Brookland Plantation scored twice and earned the March 6 Goal title.Deltour scored three times for the winners (one open goal conversion), Salinas had a pair, and Riggs struck once.All Luna's goals - besides the handicap award - came from Von Wernich (one a penalty four).Tony Gregg

Northern Blizzard Serves Notice in March 12 Goal

If the March 12 Goal tournament is any indication, John Rooney's Northern Blizzard polo team appears  to be ready for the 23rd annual Skins Tournament after defeating Jenny Luttrell-Benardoni's Cotterel Farms by a score of 10 - 8, on the warmest day of the year at a near record 96 degrees. Not that Cotterell wasn't indicating that they were ready as well - they were indeed making a statement by mounting up for their third 12 goal final in as many tries.On this day, presented by Ketel One Vodka, Northern Blizzard rode out with a fairly new roster - Rooney (1 goal) with long time teammate Joe Henderson (4) along with newcomers Patrick Uretz (4) and Peter Blake (3).  Cotterell Farms fielded the same foursome that has brought them so much success in this 2017 season - Luttrell-Benardoni, Ruben Coscia (5), Juan Curbelo (5), and Matthew Fonseca (2).After playing well in the qualifying games, the northerners got off to a quick start in this one and held a one goal edge after the first period at 2 - 1.The cold north wind continued to blow in the second frame as Rooney and Co. led by two at 4 - 2 going to the third chukker.Cotterell bounced back in the third to outscore Northern Blizzard by a count of 3 - 2 and the half ended with the northern invaders up by just one goal at 6 - 5.The Rooney group came back in the fourth as they outscored the Idahoans by one at 2 - 1 and now led by two going to the penultimate chukker at 8 - 6.Cotterell scored the only goal of the fifth to trail by just one going to the final (8 - 7).The sixth ultimately belonged to Northern Blizzard with a pair on the board to just one for Cotterell and it was over with the Canadians taking the bottles of Ketel One and the March 12 Goal Championship.For the winners, Henderson scored four goals (one penalty four conversion), Uretz had four (one penalty three opportunity), and Peter Blake counted a pair.The replies for Cotterell saw Curbelo with five (0ne penalty two) and Coscia with three.Tony Gregg