June 4th '07: Polo Gear Cup '07 Finals@ Grand Champions PC (FL)

Finals of the 2007 Polo Gear Cup.

Newport/GTP 10, Audi 9.

Newport/GTP raced out to a quick 2-0 lead after one chukker with goals by Carlucho Arellano. But Audi was quick to respond in the 2nd period with 2 goals versus Newport/GTP’s one goal. The 3rd period belonged to Audi, as they got field goals from Bollini, then a great 40 yard run along the end line by Melissa Ganzi and finally capped off by a field goal from Toronto, Canada based patron Mike Egan to give Audi a 5-3 lead, but right before half a penalty 2 open goal conversion by Marc Ganzi cut Audi’s lead to one goal. The 4th period was fast and open with both teams trying to seize the upper hand, finally Audi would strike with a gorgeous 60 yard near side neck shot by Brandon Phillips to give Audi the 2 goal lead. But Newport/GTP would strike fast in the last 2 minutes of the 4th chukker, Marc Ganzi turning the play at speed deep near their goal racing 200 yards for the field goal and off the ensuing throw in Ganzi with the carry for another goal, knotting the game at 6 goals a piece. The 5th chukker was back and forth, Steve Dalton hitting first on a long 150 yard run to give Newport/GTP the one goal lead. Brandon Phillips right back for the tie at 7 goals all, Marc Ganzi with one last run at the end of the period to give Audi a slim 8 to 7 lead heading into the final chukker. Brandon Phillips would strike first in the 6th period with a penalty 3 open goal conversion to tie the game at 8 all. Carlucho Arellano would follow with a nice run at goal through heavy traffic to give Newport/GTP the 9 to 8 advantage. The last minute of the game would be very memorable for both teams – first it was Audi’s turn as Mike Egan would score the equalizing goal with a beautiful field goal from 40 yards. Off the throw in, Audi would take one more run for the win, but missing wide left. Off the knock in, Newport/GTP was able to get the ball forward on the attack past mid field, driving towards Audi’s goal; a crossing foul was called with 5 seconds left on the clock – for a penalty 3 in favor of Newport/GTP. Marc Ganzi would have the last word converting from 40 yards for the winning goal. Audi was paced by three goals each from Juan Bollini and Brandon Phillips. Newport/GTP was led by Marc Ganzi with five goals. MVP was Steve Dalton.

The Club also gave out its season ending awards for the 2007 Spring Invitational.

Bailey Banks and Biddle Most Improved Amateur Player – Bruce Agardy

Bailey Banks and Biddle High Goal Scorer for the Season – Carlucho Arellano

Consolation Final of the Polo Gear Cup.

Black Watch 14, Golden Point Farm 8. Black Watch had the early advantage leading 7-4 at the half and increased their lead to 10-6 by the end of the 4th chukker. Golden Point would close the gap to 10 to 8 by the close of the fifth chukker with goals by Kampsen and Bruce Agardy. But too much Black Watch, as they would score the last four goals of the game from the field by Martin Pepa, Niel Hersh and Max Stevens. Martin Pepa led Black Watch with 5 goals. Golden Point was paced by new patron Bruce Agardy who had four goals on the day. MVP was Martin Pepa.

Report by Michelle Devrient.

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