Mason Wroe, Sapo Caset, Santi Torres and Julio Arellano. Photos: Liz Lamont Images/Phelps Media Group.

Wellington, FL – February 22, 2015 – Coca-Cola won the 20-goal Ylvisaker Cup 14-13 over Valiente on Sunday on Engel & Völkers field in front of a packed audience at the International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC). Julio Arellano, who scored 10 of the winning team’s goals, was named MVP. The best-playing pony award went to Dolfina Resta, ridden by Sapo Caset, who scored eight goals.

Caset rode in the 10-goaler seat otherwise occupied by Adolfo Cambiaso, who owns the BPP Caset piloted. Cambiaso, who has played two winning games for Valiente this season at IPC, was very much a part of Sunday’s final. Closely observing from the Valiente tent, he offered pointers to the team on breaks. Play briefly stopped in the fifth chukker, when Bob Jornayvaz appeared to have a possible injury. Cambiaso sprinted on foot full speed down the entire field and stood by Jornayvaz’s side until he remounted.

Regardless which team one was rooting for, it was an exciting (and nerve-wracking) match from start to finish. The score was tied or separated by no more than one or two points the entire time, with the play so even that neither team ever got the upper hand. It was anyone’s game at any given moment, all the way until the final moments of the sixth chukker. With the score tied at 13-all, Julio Arellano scored on a penalty, and Coca-Cola ran the clock down for a 14-13 win.

Caset kicked off the game on a scoring rampage, pounding in eight goals in the first four chukkers, many of them with Santi Torres assists. Contributing four goals of his own (all from the field) in the match, Torres played an tremendous defensive game as well, as did Mason Wroe.

“That was one of the hardest games I’ve ever played,” said Wroe. “That’s a very, very good team. Bob and Rob are so, so tough. Bob’s a warrior. Hats off to them!”

Valiente enjoyed a two-point lead as the second chukker wound down (5-3), but it was short-lived. Another goal by Caset notwithstanding, Coca-Cola came out swinging in the third, making four goals and taking a one-point lead.

The rest of the game was effectively a declaration of war by both sides. Caset continued his scoring blizzard, making three goals in the fourth chukker. Arellano scored twice on penalties in the fourth, pulling off a repeat act in the fifth.

Sugar Erskine was his usual force of nature throughout the game, making four field goals. The rest of the time he dashed about the field like a greyhound in the final stretch, startling his opponents at critical moments as he materialized out of the vapor like a genie from an uncorked bottle.

“It wasn’t maybe the prettiest of games to watch, but it was a lot of work off the ball for us,” said Erskine. “Honestly, I couldn’t really remember anybody scoring any goals, and I looked up and it was 13-13. All I remember is playing defense all afternoon. It was obviously just one of those kind of days. It didn’t feel like goals were getting scored, but they were happening. We all did our part, and it came down to I would guess a split-second.”

Valiente played the sixth chukker like its life depended on it. Rob Jornayvaz, who returned to the lineup for the final match about being out of play for a couple weeks, tied the game at 13-all in the opening moments of the sixth. It looked like the game was headed into overtime, but a rocket of a penalty shot by Arellano ended the conversation, with Coca-Cola winning by one point.

Palm Beach Illustrated The Cover Story
Defeats Tonkawa 12-11

Palm Beach Illustrated defeated Tonkawa in the final of the Haas Cup 12-11 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach. Facundo Obregon’s “Conejita” was named Best Playing Pony. Obregon was also awarded Most Valuable Player.

The final of the Haas Cup took off at a running start with Inaki LaPrida tapping the ball in on a center hit, passing to Gonzalo Deltour, who drove it in for the first goal of the game. Tommy Collingwood tied the score with a lofted shot. A penalty one was awarded to Palm Beach Illustrated, giving them the lead 2-1.

The second chukker started with wide-open play that thrilled spectators. A penalty one was awarded to Tonkawa, tying it up again in a battle that continued throughout the game. Collingwood ran the ball in to put one up on the board for Palm Beach Illustrated. Michel Dorignac shot a strong pass to Obregon, who scored, ending the second chukker 4-2.

LaPrida and Deltour continued their strong teamwork, with LaPrida again setting up Deltour for a goal. A penalty one was then awarded on the next play, tying the score at 4-4. Another penalty one was awarded in the following play, giving Tonkawa the lead. Obregon converted a penalty, yet again tying the game 5-5. Obregon, who entered the Haas Cup as the third ranked player in penalty conversions, made another penalty conversion to end the half 6-5 in favor of Palm Beach Illustrated.

The start of the fourth chukker had Deltour taking a turn at the penalty line. Deltour converted to close the gap 6-6. In the following play, Deltour shot a pass to LaPrida, who scored. Jeff Hildebrand ran the ball in for a goal, extending Tonkawa’s lead 8-6. However, Obregon quickly converted multiple penalty shots to tie it up 8-8 at the end of the fourth chukker.

Then, Obregon ran the ball to goal reclaiming the lead for Palm Beach Illustrated. After several minutes of play, Deltour made a penalty conversion to put one up on the board for Tonkawa. In an impressive display of teamwork, Zenni took off on a breakaway, only to have Deltour back the ball out at the last second. Obregon was right there for his teammate, tapping the ball in for a goal.

Deltour converted for a goal, tying the score 10-10. Dorignac responded by hitting a pass to Zenni, who drove it in for Palm Beach Illustrated to once again, assume the lead 11-10 at the end of the fifth chukker. Deltour rallied to make the score 11-11, yet Collingwood scored the final goal of the match to clinch the win for Palm Beach Illustrated.

Patron Zenni was very pleased with his team’s performance. “As a team, I think we worked really well together,” said Zenni. “Our team motto is ‘try to hit it forward and then someone will always try to pick it up’. I think we accomplished our objective.”

Obregon was also happy with his team’s performance against a tough opponent. “It was a very, very tough match,” said Obregon. “Tonkawa’s a good team. But… Jared [Zenni] plays really well, and Michel [Dorignac] and Tommy [Collingwood] – they all play great. It’s a good team.”

The season continues with the semifinals of the C. V. Whitney Cup on Wednesday, February 25 with Audi/Millarville playing Alegria at noon and Valiente taking on Orchard Hill at 3 p.m. at the International Polo Club Palm Beach.

International Polo Club Palm Beach Fast Facts

What: Created by players for players, the International Polo Club Palm Beach was born out of the dream to build a facility to showcase the incredible skills of the ponies and players that dominate the sport.

Members and guests enjoy panoramic views of the action from field side box seats or lawn and terrace seating. Sponsors and fans convene at The Winners Circle to congratulate the players during the awards presentation following the games.

Gourmet brunches, après polo celebrations and the prerequisite charitable events will take place in The Pavilion, designed to accommodate large parties, corporate clients, as well as family and friends.

Featured Highlights:

Herbie Pennell Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 1-4, 2015

Joe Barry Memorial Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 4-25, 2015

Ylvisaker Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 28 – February 22, 2015

Iglehart Cup – 20 Goal
Feb. 28 – March 8, 2015

USPA C. V. Whitney Cup – 26 Goal
Feb. 15 – March 1, 2015

Piaget USPA Gold Cup® – 26 Goal
March 4-22, 2015

111th Maserati U.S. Open Polo Championship® – 26 Goal
March 25 – April 19, 2015

Directions:

From the Turnpike:
Take the Lake Worth Exit
Head west on FL-802 W/Lake Worth Rd toward Hooks Rd
Continue to follow Lake Worth Rd (3.9 miles)
Turn right onto 120th Ave S
Destination will be ahead on the left (0.4 miles)

From I-95:
Exit Forest Hill Blvd, head West
Make Left turn onto 441/St Rd 7
Make Right turn onto Lake Worth Rd
Make Right turn onto 120th Ave S
Destination on Left

Information:
3667 120th Ave S, Wellington, FL 33414
International Polo Club Palm Beach: 561-204-5687
Mallet Grille: 561-282-5340
Spa & Fitness Center: 561-282-5288
Tennis Pro Shop: 561-795-7228
Polo Operations Office: 561-282-5283
Polo Hotline: 561-282-5290

Website:
www.internationalpoloclub.com

For Tickets:
http://internationalpoloclub.ticketleap.com/

Hotels:
Hampton Inn & Suites – (561) 472-9696 – Approximately 2 miles
Hampton Inn – (561) 472-5980 – Approximately 4 miles
Four Seasons Resort – (561) 582-2800 – Approximately 9 miles
The Breakers – (561) 655-6611 – Approximately 9 miles
Kimpton Tideline Ocean Resort & Spa – (561) 540-6440 – Approximately 9 miles

Management:
John Wash – President of Club Operations
jwash@internationalpoloclub.com
561-282-5353

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Nico Pieres, Andres Weisz, Tommy Beresford and Magoo Laprida. Photos: Liz Lamont Images/Phelps Media Group.

Coca-Cola Defeats Villa del Lago 14-9; Valiente Takes Lucchese 11-8

Wellington, FL – February 18, 2015 – Valiente defeated Lucchese 11-8 and Coca-Cola bested Villa del Lago 14-9 in Wednesday’s semifinals of the Ylvisaker Cup at the International Polo Club Palm Beach. Valiente and Coca-Cola will face off Sunday in the finals.

Adolfo Cambiaso didn’t ride for Valiente in the Ylvisaker Cup semifinals Wednesday, but his handprint was all over the field. It was particularly visible in the second half, after his powwow with the team transformed a lackluster first half into a scoring tsunami for Valiente. Tommy Beresford said Cambiaso called a team meeting at halftime and “gave us some tips, changed a couple of players, tweaked a few things.”

Whatever wisdom Cambiaso imparted, it worked – and then some. Valiente, which was scoreless in the third chukker and trailing by one point at the half, played the rest of the game like the polo field was a bed of hot coals. Leading the attack was Sapo Caset, riding in the 10-goaler slot otherwise occupied by Cambiaso. (Earlier in the tournament Caset played in place of Cambiaso, who wanted to give a physical issue some rest. Cambiaso said he asked to play in Caset’s slot in the quarterfinals so he could “get the rhythm,” as he hadn’t played since he won the Argentine Open in December. At present the Caset/Cambiaso seat in Sunday’s finals is expected to go to Caset, but that could change.)

In stark contrast to Valiente’s push in the second half, the early part of the semifinal was deceptively tight and low-scoring, with the teams either tied or separated by a single point at any given time.

“The first half we were just kind of seeing what they were doing and adjusting ourselves to them, and then we came out in the second,” said Caset. He acknowledged that he missed a lot of goals in the first half. “In the second half I tried to make the approach from closer to the goal so I’d just have to tap it in” (quite possibly a tip from Cambiaso).

Caset went on to score three consecutive goals in the fourth, stopping Lucchese in its tracks and keeping it scoreless throughout the chukker. His first goal in the second half tied the game 4-all, and his series of follow-ups brought Valiente into a strong, sustained lead. Caset’s play in the fifth was a repeat performance of his fourth-chukker act (two goals from the field and another on a penalty). Still, he wasn’t done, blazing into the sixth to make the final goal of the game and sew it up for Valiente with a three-point spread.

That’s not to say that Lucchese didn’t try, and mightily so. Powerhouse 8-goalers Magoo Laprida and Nico Pieres gave Valiente as much grief as they could, targeting the tag-team of Caset and Santi Torres at every turn. Laprida and Pieres were in warrior mode the entire time, making all of Lucchese’s goals (except for one in the final chukker by Andres Weisz) with the instrument control and patience of a surgical team.

The Santi-Sapo squad made that as difficult as possible for Lucchese, using some exceptionally creative moves. Torres confused his defenders by slowing the ball down and letting them take turns swinging at it, all the while nonchalantly keeping it in his wingspan. He waited until the perfect moment to release the ball for Caset, who snatched it and scored. At the top of the fifth Pieres turned the ball around and tapped it solidly downfield four or five times, only to have Caset swipe it and send it to goal.

For a brief but impressive span in the sixth, it looked like Lucchese had a chance to turn the tide. A goal by Laprida tightened Valiente’s lead to one point, bringing the score to 9-8. Lucchese was looking good for another goal as Pieres and Laprida brought the ball forward, repeatedly trading it back and forth and gaining yardage. But Valiente ended that. Torres claimed the ball, dribbling until the right moment to send it to Caset, who passed it on to Beresford on a backshot. With John Muse on his hip and rapidly gaining ground, Beresford shifted into overdrive. He sent the ball downfield with a beautiful cutshot and then sliced it into goal. Caset had the final word with another goal from the field, ending the match 11-8.

Coca-Cola Takes Resounding 14-9 Win over Villa del Lago

Coca-Cola came out gunning Wednesday in the Ylvisaker Cup semifinals after the first chukker closed with a 2-2 tie. The red team snatched the lead in the second chukker and extended the gap to five points, defeating Villa del Lago 14-9.

The style of the match was polo as it is meant to be played – wide open and fast, with fewer whistles than you could count on one hand. Exceptional accuracy by both teams resulted in very few missed shots, and in Coca-Cola’s trademark team play, all four of its members scored.

That has been a recurring theme for Coca-Cola, which has succeeded repeatedly in the tournament on the combined strength of its roster. Julio Arellano and Sugar Erskine, who can always be counted on as the team’s high-scorers, each contributed five points Wednesday. Gillian Johnston continued in the super-strong play she has exhibited throughout the tournament. She pounded in three goals from the field, most of them while piloting one of her gray speed sticks.

Mason Wroe had the first goal of the match, made from the field for Coca-Cola. But Polito Pieres, a perpetual scoring machine, came back for Villa del Lago. He slammed in goals in every chukker during the first half and again in the final chukker. A major tactician, Pieres took advantage of broken plays every chance he got, turning the ball around and running it down the field to score. He also tried every defensive trick in the book to break the Coke machine, but even he couldn’t prevail.

It would have been a tall order for any team to thwart Coca-Cola’s momentum, even one powered by Pieres. Johnston set the tone in cement early on by doing what she does best -materializing in the precise place where she needs to be and then charging to score or delivering the ball to Arellano or Erskine for the goal. In the third chukker, she held up the Villa del Lago defenders long enough for Erskine to pounce on the ball and scamper away with it to score.

Johnston and Arellano also had some excellent shared plays. In the fourth chukker she ran the ball almost three-quarters of the length of the field, fooling everyone (except Arellano) when she suddenly abandoned it in the goal mouth, leaving it for Arellano to tap in. Coca-Cola made three goals in the fifth, all of which Villa del Lago answered in the sixth, ending the game 14-9 for Coca-Cola.

How did Coca-Cola spin its magic?

“Mason was super-solid at the back door, Gillian had some great goals and Sugar’s just been on fire in every game!” said Arellano.

In Erskine’s view, “We just got away. We planned on playing really hard on the man and feeding Gillian all day. We stayed on top and didn’t change our game plan, which was to play as straight out as we can but as close as we can to our man.”

Wroe attributed Coca-Cola’s win to Arellano’s guidance. “He gets us organized and prepared before the games, and we know what our assignment is,” said Wroe. “We knew this was going to be a tough game. We just kept pushing and kept to the plan, and hopefully good things would happen. Luckily today, we came out on the side of the W.”

Play continues Thursday at IPC, with Gateway Merchants facing Palm Beach Illustrated at 3 p.m. in the semifinals of the Haas Cup subsidiary. Due to the withdrawal of FlexJet, Tonkawa will advance directly to the finals of the Haas Cup on Sunday at noon.

International Polo Club Palm Beach Fast Facts

What: Created by players for players, the International Polo Club Palm Beach was born out of the dream to build a facility to showcase the incredible skills of the ponies and players that dominate the sport.

Members and guests enjoy panoramic views of the action from field side box seats or lawn and terrace seating. Sponsors and fans convene at The Winners Circle to congratulate the players during the awards presentation following the games.

Gourmet brunches, après polo celebrations and the prerequisite charitable events will take place in The Pavilion, designed to accommodate large parties, corporate clients, as well as family and friends.

Featured Highlights:

Herbie Pennell Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 1-4, 2015

Joe Barry Memorial Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 4-25, 2015

Ylvisaker Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 28 – February 22, 2015

Iglehart Cup – 20 Goal
Feb. 28 – March 8, 2015

USPA C. V. Whitney Cup – 26 Goal
Feb. 15 – March 1, 2015

Piaget USPA Gold Cup® – 26 Goal
March 4-22, 2015

111th Maserati U.S. Open Polo Championship® – 26 Goal
March 25 – April 19, 2015

Directions:

From the Turnpike:
Take the Lake Worth Exit
Head west on FL-802 W/Lake Worth Rd toward Hooks Rd
Continue to follow Lake Worth Rd (3.9 miles)
Turn right onto 120th Ave S
Destination will be ahead on the left (0.4 miles)

From I-95:
Exit Forest Hill Blvd, head West
Make Left turn onto 441/St Rd 7
Make Right turn onto Lake Worth Rd
Make Right turn onto 120th Ave S
Destination on Left

Information:
3667 120th Ave S, Wellington, FL 33414
International Polo Club Palm Beach: 561-204-5687
Mallet Grille: 561-282-5340
Spa & Fitness Center: 561-282-5288
Tennis Pro Shop: 561-795-7228
Polo Operations Office: 561-282-5283
Polo Hotline: 561-282-5290

Website:
www.internationalpoloclub.com

For Tickets:
http://internationalpoloclub.ticketleap.com/

Hotels:
Hampton Inn & Suites – (561) 472-9696 – Approximately 2 miles
Hampton Inn – (561) 472-5980 – Approximately 4 miles
Four Seasons Resort – (561) 582-2800 – Approximately 9 miles
The Breakers – (561) 655-6611 – Approximately 9 miles
Kimpton Tideline Ocean Resort & Spa – (561) 540-6440 – Approximately 9 miles

Management:
John Wash – President of Club Operations
jwash@internationalpoloclub.com
561-282-5353

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Nico Pieres. Photo: Liz Lamont Images/Phelps Media Group.

Pieres Family Showdown Set in Quarterfinal Four

Wellington, FL – February 13, 2015 – The Ylvisaker Cup 20 goal quarterfinal pairings have been determined by shootout on a brisk Friday morning at International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC). Mark Tomlinson of Casablanca and Sapo Caset of Valiente proved to be the deadeye shooters of the contestants. By virtue of ranking, the Pieres brothers Facundo and Nico will be facing each other in a knockout match in Quarterfinal Four.

All five teams in the shootout had previously qualified for the quarterfinals, so the shootout was held to determine ranking between the three teams (Casablanca, Lucchese, and Villa del Lago) tied at 2-1 in the Bracket I/II cross section, and between the two teams (Audi and Valiente) tied at 2-1 in the Bracket III/IV cross section. Low-ranked teams would have to face undefeated teams Coca-Cola and Orchard Hill.

In the first shootout between the Bracket I/II teams, Julian de Lusarreta for Villa del Lago, Nico Pieres for Lucchese, and Mark Tomlinson for Casablanca were gunning from the line. All three players converted from the 40-yard line. Players moved back to 60-yard line. De Lusarreta sank his shot, but Nico Pieres suffered through watching his shot hit the goal post and bounce back to the middle of the goal area, inches away from crossing the line. Tomlinson proceeded to drill his next shot, leaving Pieres and his Lucchese team in fourth place facing brother Facundo Pieres and Orchard Hill. De Lusarreta and Tomlinson dueled through two more shots from the 60-yard line. Tomlinson emerged the victor and placed 18-goal Casablanca, the underdog team which entered the tournament four days before the first game, in second place in Bracket I/II.

The upcoming quarterfinal between Lucchese and Orchard Hill will be a rematch of the epic Joe Barry Cup semifinal that was won by a single goal off the mallet of Facundo Pieres.

“We are looking for revenge from the last tournament,” said Nico Pieres.

Older brother Facundo Pieres just smiled.

The second shootout between Bracket III/IV teams Audi and Valiente proceeded quickly. Both Fred Mannix for Audi and Sapo Caset for Valiente made the shot from the 40-yard line. Mannix sent his shot from the 60 yard line sailing high, but wide, over the goal line. Caset calmly put his 60-yard shot down the middle of the goal, elevating Valiente into a third place ranking in Bracket III/IV.

Sunday will be an exciting day of quarterfinal matches at IPC, as eight top notch teams will be battling it out for the right to advance to the Ylvisaker Cup Semifinals.

International Polo Club Palm Beach Fast Facts

What: Created by players for players, the International Polo Club Palm Beach was born out of the dream to build a facility to showcase the incredible skills of the ponies and players that dominate the sport.

Members and guests enjoy panoramic views of the action from field side box seats or lawn and terrace seating. Sponsors and fans convene at The Winners Circle to congratulate the players during the awards presentation following the games.

Gourmet brunches, après polo celebrations and the prerequisite charitable events will take place in The Pavilion, designed to accommodate large parties, corporate clients, as well as family and friends.

Featured Highlights:

Herbie Pennell Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 1-4, 2015

Joe Barry Memorial Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 4-25, 2015

Ylvisaker Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 28 – February 22, 2015

Iglehart Cup – 20 Goal
Feb. 28 – March 8, 2015

USPA C. V. Whitney Cup – 26 Goal
Feb. 15 – March 1, 2015

Piaget USPA Gold Cup® – 26 Goal
March 4-22, 2015

111th Maserati U.S. Open Polo Championship® – 26 Goal
March 25 – April 19, 2015

Directions:

From the Turnpike:
Take the Lake Worth Exit
Head west on FL-802 W/Lake Worth Rd toward Hooks Rd
Continue to follow Lake Worth Rd (3.9 miles)
Turn right onto 120th Ave S
Destination will be ahead on the left (0.4 miles)

From I-95:
Exit Forest Hill Blvd, head West
Make Left turn onto 441/St Rd 7
Make Right turn onto Lake Worth Rd
Make Right turn onto 120th Ave S
Destination on Left

Information:
3667 120th Ave S, Wellington, FL 33414
International Polo Club Palm Beach: 561-204-5687
Mallet Grille: 561-282-5340
Spa & Fitness Center: 561-282-5288
Tennis Pro Shop: 561-795-7228
Polo Operations Office: 561-282-5283
Polo Hotline: 561-282-5290

Website:
www.internationalpoloclub.com

For Tickets:
http://internationalpoloclub.ticketleap.com/

Hotels:
Hampton Inn & Suites – (561) 472-9696 – Approximately 2 miles
Hampton Inn – (561) 472-5980 – Approximately 4 miles
Four Seasons Resort – (561) 582-2800 – Approximately 9 miles
The Breakers – (561) 655-6611 – Approximately 9 miles
Kimpton Tideline Ocean Resort & Spa – (561) 540-6440 – Approximately 9 miles

Management:
John Wash – President of Club Operations
jwash@internationalpoloclub.com
561-282-5353

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Sapo Caset and Carlucho Arellano. Photo: Liz Lamont Images/Phelps Media Group.

Lucchese, Orchard Hill and Palm Beach Illustrated All Notch Wins in the Ylvisaker Cup

Wellington, FL – February 12, 2015 – The International Polo Club Palm Beach was a hotbed of action Thursday, hosting three games as the Ylvisaker Cup continued. A battle between two powerhouse teams resulted in Enigma defeating Valiente in overtime 12-11. Lucchese won by the same spread in regulation play, taking Casablanca 13-12, and Orchard Hill beat FlexJet 10-8. Palm Beach Illustrated won 15-13 against CT Energia at the Everglades Polo Club.

Enigma Polo Team won their second overtime game in a row 12-11 over Valiente to advance to the Ylvisaker Cup quarterfinals with a strong second place finish in the Bracket III/IV cross section. Enigma patron Jerome Wirth scored two key goals in the sixth chukker to lead the team back from a four-goal deficit.

Enigma player Matias Macdonough commented after the match: “We knew were in the quarterfinals but it is a battle to win always. We lost one game in this tournament in overtime and won the last two games so it is nice to win today. With Jerome scoring in the sixth chukker like he did – it was great.”

The first chukker started out even with the teams trading goals. Enigma closed out the chukker with a well-executed set play off a penalty five. Matias Macdonough hit a strong shot down field to a running Carlucho Arellano, who finished off the neck shot, putting Enigma up 3-2.

The teams were neck-and-neck throughout the second chukker and closed it out tied 4 all. At that point, Valiente steadily pulled away throughout the third chukker, tallying three goals from Sapo Caset, one from Santi Torres and one from young Peke Gonzalez. Gonzalez played very strong defense throughout the match in addition to his scoring effort. Valiente closed out the first half with a commanding 9-5 lead.

The scoring proceeded at a staid pace through the fourth and fifth chukkers, with both teams unable to score from the field and tallied only penalty conversions. Valiente maintained their four-goal lead heading into the sixth chukker at 11-7 over Enigma, and that is when things got a little Western.

Wirth got things moving again for his team by winning a lineup by the boards and running the ball into goal. That was followed by an Arellano penalty two conversion. Next, Macdonough ran another set play off a penalty five, hitting a pinpoint pass to Jeff Hall, who ran the corner and put the ball into goal. Valiente, with their momentum slipping away, suffered a costly error in the waning moments of the sixth chukker when a Valiente player was called for an uneven ride-off. Arellano hit the ensuing penalty four shot. The ball landed in a cluster of players and bounced directly to Wirth who calmly hit the ball into goal. All tied up, 11 to 11, the Enigma team was in a familiar scenario as the teams headed to sudden death overtime

In overtime, it took less than two minutes for a foul to occur and the Enigma team lined up at 60-yard line for penalty four with 6:10 on the clock. As players trickled back on the field from changing to spare horses, the umpires called play and Hall jumped on the penalty four in a sneak attack and ran the ball to goal, sealing the victory for Enigma.

Typically, Arellano takes the Enigma penalty shots and shoots instead of dribbles. After the game, Hall said regarding the decisive penalty four, “I could see they (the other team) were sleeping, so I said, ‘Let’s go!'”

Lucchese Has the Last Word with Casablanca
Clinches 13-12 Victory in Hard-Fought Game

Lucchese came out ahead of a determined Casablanca, winning 13-12 as the Ylvisaker Cup continued Thursday at the International Polo Club Palm Beach.

The game started with an automatic two points for Casablanca to compensate for its 18-goal handicap in the 20-goal match.

Casablanca’s play was uneven throughout most of the game, scoreless in chukkers two, three and four. Then it tied the game in the fifth and came on full force in the final chukker as the clock ticked down but lost by a single point.

Casablanca was looking good early in the game, making four goals from the field (two each by Guille Aguero and Mark Tomlinson) in the first chukker. Lucchese put in three goals (two from the field by Andres Weisz and one on a Nico Pieres penalty shot). At the end of the first chukker Casablanca was leading 6-3, but Magoo LaPrida tightened the spread, making it 6-4 at the end of the second.

LaPrida decided at that point to put his ponies on cruise control, moving at an even, fast clip to score at least once in every remaining chukker. He made nine of Lucchese’s total 13 goals and was in on most of the others. Three more LaPrida goals in the third chukker tied the game at 7-all. Casablanca was scoreless in the fourth chukker, while LaPrida made two more goals – the last of which he knocked in during literally the final second of the chukker, giving Lucchese a 9-7 lead.

In some kind of seismic shift, the fifth chukker played out as if it were an entirely different game. Casablanca moved into overdrive, with Aguero, Grant Ganzi and Juan Bollini each making a goal. Casablanca tied the game at 10-all, employing the same smooth teamwork that allowed all four Casablanca players to score during the game.

Heading into the sixth chukker, it looked like Casablanca might turn things around. Tomlinson made the first goal of the chukker, smashing the ball through the goalposts with such vigor that it flew out of sight, making a loud splash as it landed in the canal. But Lucchese quickly reasserted itself, making three goals to Casablanca’s two and ending the game 13-12.

Orchard Hill Defeats FlexJet 10-8 in Battle of the Brothers

Orchard Hill defeated FlexJet 10-8 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in bracket play for the Ylvisaker Cup.

The first chukker kicked off with two showmen in the form of brothers Gonzalito and Facundo Pieres, who scored back-to-back goals for their respective teams to tie the score 1-1. Several penalty conversion attempts by Facundo Pieres followed, but all went wide or were blocked. In an impressive partnership that continued throughout the game, Facundo Pieres sent a pass to Lucas Criado, who ran it down the boards. Remy Muller blocked the FlexJet defense, clearing the way for Criado, who scored, ending the chukker 2-1 for Orchard Hill.

In the second chukker Orchard Hill continued its stellar team play with another Pieres-Criado play, this time with patron Steve Van Andel blocking Cody Ellis. Facundo Pieres converted a penalty for a goal, making the score 4-1. FlexJet picked up steam in the third chukker when Gonzalito Pieres scored on a breakaway with an assist by Miguel Astrada. Melissa Ganzi followed up with a goal, also on an assist by Astrada, who showed his uncanny aptitude for strategic play throughout the match. On a continuous hot streak, Astrada scored on a neckshot, tying the score 4-all.

The second half opened with a FlexJet knock-in, followed by a penalty in favor of Orchard Hill, which Facundo Pieres scored with on the second attempt. (His first attempt had been blocked by Gonzalito Pieres, who umpires ruled had come through the goalmouth). The Criado-Pieres passing game continued in full force, with Facundo Pieres scoring while Criado held off the FlexJet defenders. Facundo Pieres made a penalty conversion, making the score 7-4.

Astrada’s next goal kept FlexJet within two points of Orchard Hill’s lead. Facundo Pieres made a drive into the goalmouth, only to be ridden off the line by his brother. Muller hit a neckshot to save the play and score, ending the fourth chukker 8-5. Ellis made a long drive downfield to score, again bringing FlexJet within two points of Orchard Hill. Facundo Pieres shot a pass to Criado, who drove it in for a goal, making the score 9-6 at the end of the fifth chukker.

Gonzalito Pieres showed off his superior ball-handling skills, knocking the ball out of mid-air and turning it around before shooting a pass to Astrada, who drove it in to score. Gonzalito Pieres then made a long drive down field to score, making the score 9-8. Facundo Pieres took off on a breakaway that turned into a ride-off with Astrada but decided to leave the ball for Muller. Muller swept in behind the pair to drive the ball in for a goal. The game ended with an impressive breakaway on the throw-in by Van Andel. He outran his defenders all the way to what looked like a goal in the works, only to have his shot go wide. Orchard Hill ended the game on top 10-8.

“They were on, and they hit some goals, and we missed them,” said Van Andel. “But we were better in the second half, and we pulled it out in the end.”

Muller called FlexJet a very tough team. “They line up well against us, but we survived,” he said.

For Criado, the high point was being on the field with the Pieres brothers. “To play with these guys is amazing!” he said. “They’re some of the best players in the world. For me, they’re in the top 10.”

Palm Beach Illustrated Rolls over CT Energia
Takes 15-13 Win in Tenacious Contest

In the fourth and final game of the day, Palm Beach Illustrated beat CT Energia 15-13 as the Ylvisaker Cup continued.

Palm Beach Illustrated turned the field at Everglades Polo Club into a play-by-play diagram of how to control a game. Still, its players had their work cut out for them from the get-go. CT Energia tried every move in the book (and even invented a few), trying desperately to gain ground until the final horn blew.

CT Energia started with a fleeting glimpse of hope, ahead 3-2 at the end of the first chukker. That lead was delivered by its pair of powerhouses, Kris Kampsen and Joao Paulo Ganon. Between the two of them, they scored all but one of CT Energia’s total goals in the game. (Its other point came from Alessandro Bazzoni in the fifth chukker.)

Palm Beach Illustrated turned everything on its head in the second chukker. The team effectively neutralized CT Energia, keeping it from scoring. Tommy Collingwood scored once from the field, and Obregon slammed in two penalty shots to seize a 6-3 lead. The whistle blew again and again at what seemed like regular intervals throughout the game. The result was some exciting, fast-paced plays punctuated by penalties.

Michel Dorignac came out swinging in the third chukker, making all three of Palm Beach Illustrated’s goals. Kampsen slammed in two for CT Energia, but it still wasn’t enough to stop its opponent’s momentum. At the end of the first half, Palm Beach Illustrated had stretched its lead to four points (9-5). CT Energia rallied after a lackluster fourth, in which it was scoreless. Palm Beach Illustrated upped the ante again, taking a 12-5 lead at the end of the fourth chukker.

Almost inexplicably, CT Energia came on like a steamroller in the opening minutes of the fifth. Ganon took the field with authority, scoring four consecutive goals in rapid-fire succession. On the last of those goals, every member of the CT Energia team had a hand in it. Despite the pressure, Palm Beach Illustrated remained unfazed, bouncing back with ease as Facundo Obregon and Jared Zenni whacked in two goals.

The final chukker opened with a 14-10 lead for Palm Beach Illustrated. Ganon and Kampsen both scored on penalty shots. Dorignac, whose performance has been exceptionally strong throughout the tournament, suddenly resurfaced in déjà vu mode. He came out of nowhere in his signature style and ran the ball through the goalposts, ending the game 15-13 for Palm Beach Illustrated.

The quarterfinal pairings in the Ylvisaker Cup will be determined Friday February 13, after the last remaining tie in Bracket I/II is broken by penalty shootout.

International Polo Club Palm Beach Fast Facts

What: Created by players for players, the International Polo Club Palm Beach was born out of the dream to build a facility to showcase the incredible skills of the ponies and players that dominate the sport.

Members and guests enjoy panoramic views of the action from field side box seats or lawn and terrace seating. Sponsors and fans convene at The Winners Circle to congratulate the players during the awards presentation following the games.

Gourmet brunches, après polo celebrations and the prerequisite charitable events will take place in The Pavilion, designed to accommodate large parties, corporate clients, as well as family and friends.

Featured Highlights:

Herbie Pennell Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 1-4, 2015

Joe Barry Memorial Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 4-25, 2015

Ylvisaker Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 28 – February 22, 2015

Iglehart Cup – 20 Goal
Feb. 28 – March 8, 2015

USPA C. V. Whitney Cup – 26 Goal
Feb. 15 – March 1, 2015

Piaget USPA Gold Cup® – 26 Goal
March 4-22, 2015

111th Maserati U.S. Open Polo Championship® – 26 Goal
March 25 – April 19, 2015

Directions:

From the Turnpike:
Take the Lake Worth Exit
Head west on FL-802 W/Lake Worth Rd toward Hooks Rd
Continue to follow Lake Worth Rd (3.9 miles)
Turn right onto 120th Ave S
Destination will be ahead on the left (0.4 miles)

From I-95:
Exit Forest Hill Blvd, head West
Make Left turn onto 441/St Rd 7
Make Right turn onto Lake Worth Rd
Make Right turn onto 120th Ave S
Destination on Left

Information:
3667 120th Ave S, Wellington, FL 33414
International Polo Club Palm Beach: 561-204-5687
Mallet Grille: 561-282-5340
Spa & Fitness Center: 561-282-5288
Tennis Pro Shop: 561-795-7228
Polo Operations Office: 561-282-5283
Polo Hotline: 561-282-5290

Website:
www.internationalpoloclub.com

For Tickets:
http://internationalpoloclub.ticketleap.com/

Hotels:
Hampton Inn & Suites – (561) 472-9696 – Approximately 2 miles
Hampton Inn – (561) 472-5980 – Approximately 4 miles
Four Seasons Resort – (561) 582-2800 – Approximately 9 miles
The Breakers – (561) 655-6611 – Approximately 9 miles
Kimpton Tideline Ocean Resort & Spa – (561) 540-6440 – Approximately 9 miles

Management:
John Wash – President of Club Operations
jwash@internationalpoloclub.com
561-282-5353

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Sugar Erskine, Scott Swerdlin, Mariano Obregon and Gillian Johnston. Photo: Liz Lamont Images/Phelps Media Group.

Wellington, FL – February 11, 2015 – Coca-Cola defeated Gateway Merchants 13-7 as the 20-goal Ylvisaker Cup continued Wednesday at the International Polo Club Palm Beach.

Gateway Merchants (which started the game with an automatic point due to the team’s handicap of 19) had a fighting chance in the first half. It kept Coca-Cola at bay, briefly leading by a point or two and tying the game at the end of the second (3-3) and third (5-5) chukkers.

That’s when Coca-Cola asserted itself, changing the entire face of the game the moment the second half started. Every member of its team scored in the fourth chukker. Gillian Johnston, who played an exceptionally strong game throughout, scored once in the third and twice in the fourth.

But at the start of the second half, an unexpected change in Gateway Merchants’ lineup gave Coca-Cola something to think about. Nico Escobar subbed in for Scott Swerdlin, who has been battling an army injury.

“When Nico came out we got a little bit nervous that he was going to maybe mark Gillian and try and make a run for it,” said Sugar Erskine. “Actually Gillian scored two goals in that chukker, and we ran away with it.”

Gateway Merchants was scoreless in the fourth and fifth chukkers. Coca-Cola took advantage of the lull, scoring five consecutive goals in the fourth and another in the fifth.

Erskine maintained a consistent scoring streak for Coca-Cola from start to finish, making a goal in every chukker except one. He broke the 5-5 tie within the first 30 seconds of the second half. With the same tight teamwork Coca-Cola showed throughout the game, nearly every player on the red team was in on the next goal. The play started and ended with Julio Arellano. He made a long pass through the air to Erskine, who sent it with one strong hit to Johnston. She outmaneuvered Escobar, who was in hot pursuit and rapidly gaining ground, to hand the ball off to Arellano. He grabbed it, pulled out of a thick pack and scored, giving Coca-Cola a 7-5 lead.

The fourth chukker, which had opened 5-all, ended 10-5 for Coca-Cola. By then Coca-Cola’s dominance was unstoppable, although it did dial down the assault a bit for the rest of the match. Both teams scored two goals apiece in the final chukker, ending the game 13-7 for Coca-Cola.

“Anything could have happened today,” said Mason Wroe, who made one precisely calculated shot after another throughout the game, scoring in the fourth and sixth chukkers. “We just wanted to keep it simple and disciplined, and we’re happy with the outcome.”

The Ylvisaker Cup continues Thursday with four matches. The first three will be played at IPC, starting with FlexJet vs. Orchard Hill at 10 a.m. Casablanca plays Lucchese at 2 p.m., and Enigma plays Valiente at 3 p.m. The final match of the day, CT Energia vs. Palm Beach Illustrated, will take place at the Everglades Polo Club at 4 p.m.

International Polo Club Palm Beach Fast Facts

What: Created by players for players, the International Polo Club Palm Beach was born out of the dream to build a facility to showcase the incredible skills of the ponies and players that dominate the sport.

Members and guests enjoy panoramic views of the action from field side box seats or lawn and terrace seating. Sponsors and fans convene at The Winners Circle to congratulate the players during the awards presentation following the games.

Gourmet brunches, après polo celebrations and the prerequisite charitable events will take place in The Pavilion, designed to accommodate large parties, corporate clients, as well as family and friends.

Featured Highlights:

Herbie Pennell Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 1-4, 2015

Joe Barry Memorial Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 4-25, 2015

Ylvisaker Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 28 – February 22, 2015

Iglehart Cup – 20 Goal
Feb. 28 – March 8, 2015

USPA C. V. Whitney Cup – 26 Goal
Feb. 15 – March 1, 2015

Piaget USPA Gold Cup® – 26 Goal
March 4-22, 2015

111th Maserati U.S. Open Polo Championship® – 26 Goal
March 25 – April 19, 2015

Directions:

From the Turnpike:
Take the Lake Worth Exit
Head west on FL-802 W/Lake Worth Rd toward Hooks Rd
Continue to follow Lake Worth Rd (3.9 miles)
Turn right onto 120th Ave S
Destination will be ahead on the left (0.4 miles)

From I-95:
Exit Forest Hill Blvd, head West
Make Left turn onto 441/St Rd 7
Make Right turn onto Lake Worth Rd
Make Right turn onto 120th Ave S
Destination on Left

Information:
3667 120th Ave S, Wellington, FL 33414
International Polo Club Palm Beach: 561-204-5687
Mallet Grille: 561-282-5340
Spa & Fitness Center: 561-282-5288
Tennis Pro Shop: 561-795-7228
Polo Operations Office: 561-282-5283
Polo Hotline: 561-282-5290

Website:
www.internationalpoloclub.com

For Tickets:
http://internationalpoloclub.ticketleap.com/

Hotels:
Hampton Inn & Suites – (561) 472-9696 – Approximately 2 miles
Hampton Inn – (561) 472-5980 – Approximately 4 miles
Four Seasons Resort – (561) 582-2800 – Approximately 9 miles
The Breakers – (561) 655-6611 – Approximately 9 miles
Kimpton Tideline Ocean Resort & Spa – (561) 540-6440 – Approximately 9 miles

Management:
John Wash – President of Club Operations
jwash@internationalpoloclub.com
561-282-5353

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Jared Zenni, Jeff Hall, Carlucho Arellano, Facundo Obregon. Photo: Liz Lamont Images/Phelps Media Group.

Wellington, FL – February 8, 2015 – In breathless overtime play that almost went into an eighth chukker, Enigma beat Palm Beach Illustrated 14-13 in Sunday’s featured match on Engel & Völkers field in the Ylvisaker Cup at the International Polo Club Palm Beach. Two additional matches in the tournament ended with the same scores (12-8) as Orchard Hill defeated CT Energia and Audi bested FlexJet.

In an eleventh-hour battle that had everyone’s head spinning, Enigma and Palm Beach Illustrated chased each other up and down the field until Matias MacDonough swooped in to make the final play. With just 12 seconds left in overtime, he slammed in the tie-breaker to clinch a 14-13 victory for Enigma.

Even the winners seemed stunned as they rolled in from the field and dropped into their chairs. Before Jeff Hall and Carlucho Arellano had time to catch their breath, they locked eyes and stammered at each other: “What happened? What just happened?”

That’s what everyone wanted to know. The game was a thriller with more plot twists than an Alfred Hitchcock film. The first third played out in what turned out to be a deceptively benign manner, with the score tied at the end of both the first and second chukkers (1-1, then 3-3). Enigma came on exceptionally strong in the third and fourth chukkers, cruising into a three-point lead (the third chukker ended 7-4 and the fourth 9-6).

If you ask Hall, that’s when everything went askew. The fifth chukker turned the entire game on its head. Enigma was suddenly scoreless, stopped dead in its tracks by Palm Beach Illustrated, which scored six goals in the chukker. Much of Palm Beach Illustrated’s burst of firepower came from Facundo Obregon, who stormed the field with brilliance and determination. Until then, Obregon had been playing his usual consistent game, making one goal in each of the first four chukkers. In the fifth, however, he went Rambo, dominating both the offensive and defensive play and scoring three (of his total eight) goals. In that seven-minute shuffle, Palm Beach Illustrated doubled its score to 12 and snatched a three-point lead.

Obregon kept at it, scoring again at the top of the sixth chukker. But Enigma reasserted itself with four consecutive goals (three by Arellano and one by Matias MacDonough), ending the sixth chukker 13-13.

That’s when things really got interesting – and nerve-wracking, regardless which team one hoped would win. Overtime lurched ahead in a stop-and-go style: first a whistle (no foul called), and then another (resulting in offsetting penalties). As Arellano prepared to take the penalty shot, Enigma looked like a shoo-in. But no – Arellano hit an air-ball that went wide, as did MacDonough’s subsequent shot out of the bowl-in. Tommy Collingwood fought through Enigma’s defenders, but his goal attempt also went wide. Hall stepped in to end the conversation with a huge pass downfield to MacDonough, who popped the ball in for a 14-13 win.

All in all, the outcome an enigma – even to Enigma.

“I don’t know what happened, man!” said Hall. “We had a blinding fifth chukker. You don’t feel it, then all of a sudden boom-boom-boom! The next thing you know, you’re tied; then you’re down by one, down by two. They scored six goals! We started up by three; we ended down by three. Then we go into the sixth chukker, and we end up even. It was just a crazy, crazy game. It doesn’t happen like that very often.”

MacDonough offered his take on it. “To be honest, they were a really strong team, but the first half we didn’t feel that pressured. The fourth chukker was all right, and then in the fifth they hammered us. We were up by three, and all of a sudden we were down by three, so that was a fight,” he said.

“I think we had a pretty solid team, a ‘four-man’ team,” he continued. “Everyone was trying to do his own job. But today we had to bring something else to the game. It wasn’t enough being solid. I give (Palm Beach Illustrated) a lot of praise. To be honest, they played a heck of a game. It was tough.”

MacDonough and Hall were recognized for their contributions to the game, Hall as MVP and MacDonough for having the best-playing pony. Hall scored six goals total and played in amazing tandem throughout the entire game with MacDonough, the pair making more shared plays than you could count. Suavidad (the BPP), a product of MacDonough’s renowned polo pony breeding program in Argentina, was his fast train in the fourth chukker and in overtime.

Audi Wins Key Third Round Game over FlexJet

Audi triumphed over FlexJet 12 to 8 in the strategically important third round Ylvisaker Cup game for both teams.

Audi’s Nic Roldan stated emphatically, “It was do or die time for us!” That sense of urgency powered Audi to a convincing win over their fellow Ganzi team FlexJet.

The game started out a bit choppy as both teams probed each other for weakness. FlexJet had Gonzalito Pieres in the lineup replacing Rodrigo Andrade, but the change did not seem to disturb the rhythm of the team in white as they were equal with Audi at 2-all on the scoreboard at the end of the first chukker.

Roldan and team Audi found their stride in the second and third chukkers, capping a four-goal run with a sneak attack penalty six conversion to end the third chukker countered only by a penalty two conversion from Pieres. This gave the offensive advantage to Audi with a 6-3 lead heading into halftime.

The teams mirrored each other through the fourth chukker as each scored two goals. At the start of the fifth, Marc Ganzi drove in a field goal to initiate a four-goal run by the powerful Audi offense. Roldan and Ganzi both scored twice in the fifth chukker to give Audi an insurmountable seven-goal lead heading into the sixth chukker. FlexJet tried to rally in the sixth chukker and closed within four goals, but the Audi lead held up easily.

“We concentrated on going to the man and keeping it simple,” said Roldan who scored nine of the 12 goals. “Marc was super up front, Lucas was working his tail off in the middle, Freddie was solid at back, and I was just trying to help out.”

Ganzi, whose three goals jump started the Audi offense, paid tribute to the opposition and the fields. “We beat a good team today,” said Ganzi. “They basically have two 10-goal players with Gonzalito and Miguel. We planned to stop Cody (Ellis) since he scored five goals the other day, and it worked. The fields were amazing, the ball was rolling, and it really opened up the game.”

Audi has a bye in the next round of bracket games, but is in good position with a 2-1 record, and 1-2 FlexJet faces undefeated Orchard Hill in their final bracket game.

Orchard Hill Picks Off CT Energia 12-8

Orchard Hill defeated CT Energia 12-8 at Everglades Polo Club in bracket play for the Ylvisaker Cup.

The first chukker kicked off with a penalty one in favor of CT Energia, which gave them an automatic goal and a one-point lead starting out. A penalty shot by Joao Paulo Ganon was deflected and another penalty one was awarded to Orchard Hill, tying the score up 1-1. Lucas Criado took off on a breakaway from a bowl-in to score the first goal of the match, making the score 2-1 and ending the first chukker.

After a wide goal attempt by Facundo Pieres, Ganon converted a penalty four to even the score up once again. In classic polo play, Criado shot the ball with pinpoint accuracy to teammate Remy Muller. Muller drove it in, to score for Orchard Hill. Pieres made a penalty conversion and Orchard Hill began to pull away from CT Energia with a two-goal lead. Criado continued the momentum with another shot through the uprights. Alessandro Bazzoni fired back with a goal for CT Energia, keeping the play lively at 5-3. But the Orchard Hill team widened the gap again when Pieres converted another penalty to end the second chukker 6-3.

Criado kicked off the third chukker with a run to goal but it went wide. However, after the knock-in, Muller worked in on CT Energia’s play and made a backshot to Criado, already on the move, who took the ball in to score. Kris Kampsen made a spirited goal attempt, breaking his mallet in the process and although the mallet head flew through the goal posts, the ball went wide resulting in an Orchard Hill knock-in. CT Energia made up some steam with a run by Ganon up field to the goal mouth and Bazzoni backed him up, scoring and narrowing the gap 7-4.

In the fourth chukker, Pieres and Criado continued their stellar teamwork, working like a well-oiled machine. Pieres drove Criado a long lofted pass to easily score. Criado’s ball shot on a trajectory that squeaked by one of the flaggers. At the end of the play, in a demonstration of sportsmanship, Criado apologized to the flagger for coming so close. Ganon sent Manifold a pass down field. Manifold drove the ball in to score, ending the fourth chukker at 8-5.

The fifth chukker teemed with goal attempts, but it was Pieres who broke the wide streak, making a run down field to score. During a timeout, announcer Gus Whitelaw thought on his feet, playing Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” to punctuate the score. After play resumed, Kampsen converted a penalty two to make the score 9-6. Pieres took off on a breakaway, scored and Orchard Hill broke into the double digits going into the sixth chukker.
Then, Pieres continued his hot streak, winning the ball off of a bowl-in and scoring, making it 11-6. CT Energia battled back, with Manifold scoring. Pieres and Criado were in the zone working together as a unified force. In another beautiful play Pieres sent a pass to Criado to score. Kampsen scored the final goal of the match in the final seconds, ending the match 12-8.

Orchard Hill patron Steve Van Andel gave credit to CT Energia for their tough play.

“They change their positions so much, it’s hard for us to follow them around,” said Van Andel. “It was a man-on-man game, and the better we did that, I think the better we scored. I’m happy we came out on top.”

Criado seconded Van Andel’s opinion on CT Energia.

“They played really well, especially in the first half, and we did better in the second half,” said Criado. “It was tough to control the game. That was the key. They have Joao Paulo Ganon, who is very good, and Alessandro [Bazzoni] scored a couple of goals.”

The action will continue on Tuesday at noon with Villa Del Lago going head to head with Tonkawa at the International Polo Club Palm Beach.

International Polo Club Palm Beach Fast Facts

What: Created by players for players, the International Polo Club Palm Beach was born out of the dream to build a facility to showcase the incredible skills of the ponies and players that dominate the sport.

Members and guests enjoy panoramic views of the action from field side box seats or lawn and terrace seating. Sponsors and fans convene at The Winners Circle to congratulate the players during the awards presentation following the games.

Gourmet brunches, après polo celebrations and the prerequisite charitable events will take place in The Pavilion, designed to accommodate large parties, corporate clients, as well as family and friends.

Featured Highlights:

Herbie Pennell Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 1-4, 2015

Joe Barry Memorial Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 4-25, 2015

Ylvisaker Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 28 – February 22, 2015

Iglehart Cup – 20 Goal
Feb. 28 – March 8, 2015

USPA C. V. Whitney Cup – 26 Goal
Feb. 15 – March 1, 2015

Piaget USPA Gold Cup® – 26 Goal
March 4-22, 2015

111th Maserati U.S. Open Polo Championship® – 26 Goal
March 25 – April 19, 2015

Directions:

From the Turnpike:
Take the Lake Worth Exit
Head west on FL-802 W/Lake Worth Rd toward Hooks Rd
Continue to follow Lake Worth Rd (3.9 miles)
Turn right onto 120th Ave S
Destination will be ahead on the left (0.4 miles)

From I-95:
Exit Forest Hill Blvd, head West
Make Left turn onto 441/St Rd 7
Make Right turn onto Lake Worth Rd
Make Right turn onto 120th Ave S
Destination on Left

Information:
3667 120th Ave S, Wellington, FL 33414
International Polo Club Palm Beach: 561-204-5687
Mallet Grille: 561-282-5340
Spa & Fitness Center: 561-282-5288
Tennis Pro Shop: 561-795-7228
Polo Operations Office: 561-282-5283
Polo Hotline: 561-282-5290

Website:
www.internationalpoloclub.com

For Tickets:
http://internationalpoloclub.ticketleap.com/

Hotels:
Hampton Inn & Suites – (561) 472-9696 – Approximately 2 miles
Hampton Inn – (561) 472-5980 – Approximately 4 miles
Four Seasons Resort – (561) 582-2800 – Approximately 9 miles
The Breakers – (561) 655-6611 – Approximately 9 miles
Kimpton Tideline Ocean Resort & Spa – (561) 540-6440 – Approximately 9 miles

Management:
John Wash – President of Club Operations
jwash@internationalpoloclub.com
561-282-5353

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com