The US Takes the All-Around Trophy at the 2nd Annual International in a Sport-Filled St Patrick’s Day at International Polo Club Palm Beach

Wellington, FL – March 17, 2012 – The International Polo Club Palm Beach created a festive St Patrick’s Day ambience on the second day of the 2nd Annual International Weekend. International Polo Club Palm Beach has a vision to create an on-going sporting venue for a variety of traditional, international sports that may not be considered mainstream in the United States.

It was the US versus Great Britain and Ireland in Croquet, Cricket, Polo, Tennis and Rugby at International Polo Club.

Yesterday, in the completion of the first of the weekend’s sports, the US beat Great Britain/Ireland in Golf at the Wanderers Club.

In Polo, Team Ireland, playing on borrowed horses, came on strong to begin. The US took advantage of some critical penalty shots to tie up the game five to five.

According to Melissa Ganzi who anchored the US team, “It was all tied up, which fit the spirit of day, because it was an exhibition. It was a nice fast-paced game for six-goal polo. They dominated for most of the game but we came back very strong, and we had some great penalty shooting by Joey Casey and Jared Zenni. I was very impressed by Team Ireland.”

In Golf Croquet Ireland/Great Britain ousted the US with a score of 5 to 4. Golf Croquet World Champion, Mark McKinerney shared, “The day went really well. We won! It was the luck of the Irish! I’m really happy. They took the lead 4-3 this morning so we had to rally. Patsy (Fitzgerald) played really well. This tournament is excellent. The facility is stunning. The croquet lawn is the best one I’ve ever played on.” Next stop for McKinerney is home for vacation then, in six weeks, the World Championships in Adelaide, Australia in six weeks.

The US All Stars bested the Ireland/Great Britain All Stars in Cricket 142 to 118. Cricket announcer, Alan Greenstein shared, “That is a very close game in Cricket. It started with the wicket being a little bit soft but the US All-Stars ranked in and scored 142 and Ireland/Great Britain lost. One of the greatest Cricket players of all time, Lawrence Rowe from the West Indies was in the audience to support us.”

Before the official Tennis match of the day, Davis Cup winners Ross Hutchins and Colin Fleming warmed up with the tennis enthusiasts from the Kids and Police Tennis Association. Founder of the program, which introduces kids at risk to Tennis, Sheriff Ira Peskowitz umpired today’s match. Another organization involved with Tennis at International Polo Club is Aceing Autism. Aceing Autism, which connects kids through tennis provided all the ball boys and girls with for the match.

The doubles match between the US Team, Ty Trombetta and Jesse Levine and the Ireland/Great Britain Team of Ross Hutchins and Colin Fleming, culminated in a win by Ireland/Great Britain by 8 to 5.

Rugby action was fast and aggressive on the Piaget Field. It drew a huge and vocal crowd. Team US definitively toppled Team Ireland/Great Britain in a huge 47 to 11 score. The win gave the US the final points to clinch the International Weekend Trophy.

Wellington Mayor-elect, Bob Margolis, was on hand with his family to enjoy the day. “It is beautiful day at International Polo Club and it’s amazing how they give back to the community and get everyone involved. I’m not Irish but I’m so excited to be here. It’s amazing! Kids are learning how to play tennis from Davis Cup winners!”

The 2nd International Weekend delivered a perfect St Patrick’s Day for family fun. It provided an opportunity to enjoy the highest level of international competition in Cricket, Croquet, Polo, Rugby, Tennis, and Golf at one of the most highly regarded venues in the world. International Polo Club Palm Beach, famous for its five-star cuisine, served up a delicious array of Irish inspired fare including Shepherd’s Pie, Bangers and Mash and Corn Beef and Cabbage. The popular Irish band, Hermitage Green entertained in the evening as guests clad in green enjoyed an Irish Celebration. A great time was had by all at the 2nd Annual International Weekend!

For Golf Croquet fans, another day of play by the world’s leading players continues Sunday at 9:00 am.

2nd Annual International Weekend Fast Facts

What:

Join us for three days of family fun, great international sport, and good cheer at the 2nd Annual International Weekend on St Patrick’s Day weekend at International Polo Club Palm Beach. The weekend includes the finest in International competition with athletes from the Ireland, Great Britain, and United States competing in Cricket, Croquet, Polo, Rugby, Tennis, and Golf.

When:

Friday, March 16, 2012 through Sunday, March 18, 2012

Where:

International Polo Club Palm Beach, 3667 120th Avenue South, Wellington, Florida 33414

Wanderers Club, 1900 Aero Club Drive, Wellington, Florida 33414

Admission: $10 admission per person on Saturday. Children 14 and under admitted for free

For more information on this event go to www.internationalpoloclub.com.

Media Contact: Mason Phelps
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389  fax 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com

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