We are playing with a fantastic group of people in September. If you’ve never followed the season of polo in San Diego, September is the best month to see action-packed games. We welcome new players and new competition.
The first match on Sunday brought Hanalei Bay versus Southwind Adeptus. Ron Bonaguidi, our President and Patron of Hanalei Bay played well, scoring 1 for the team in the first chukker. Mariano Fassetta, now called the “Argentine Assasin” by our announcer Steve Lewandowski, scored 3, and Alvaro Tadeo scored 2 for Hanalei Bay.
Southwind/Adeptus played beautifully on Sunday afternoon. Pedro Orellano scored 5 for Southwind/Adeptus, Colleen Wilson scored 2, Chris Collins scored 2, and even Mike Kerley got one. Needless to say, Southwind Adeptus came out on top. They are looking good this week, defeating Hanalei Bay 10 to 6.
During intermission, the San Diego Polo Club observed 9/11 by presenting the Rainbow Riders Drill Team of Poway. The 8 women mounted horses decorated in sparkling red, white and blue colors and paraded the field with gorgeous American flags. In addition to their performance, we asked all current armed forces, veterans, and emergency responders to join us on the field.
Congressman Martin Garrick gave a wonderful speech in remembrance of those effected by the tragedy of 9/11. Our announcer, Steve Lewandowski brought the audience to tears as he congratulated each one of our heroes for dedicating their lives to helping others. It was a very special day to remember the tragedy of 10 years ago and to count our blessings.
TRINITY: Rick Paicuis 0, Patrick Uretz 1, Jared Sheldon 1, Mariano Gutierrez 5
On Friday, Trinity met in our Clubhouse to watch a previous practice game against Starmeadow in order to prep for their Sunday match. They talked strategy and how to handle one of our best and most aggressive players on the field, Graham Bray.
STARMEADOW: Graham Bray 5, Jesse Bray 3, Jessica Bailey 1, Colton Bancroft -1
The feature match started out slow, with Jesse Bray, Colton Bancroft (subbing for his mom, Joy Bancroft), and Graham Bray each scoring 1 for Starmeadow. Trinity scored 2 (Jared Sheldon and Mariano Gutierrez). Jared Sheldon spiced things up in the second chukker by getting bumped off his horse. He got right back on and continued playing.
Fans celebrated the half time Divot Stomp with tastes of Rose Champagne sponsored by Korbel California Champagne. Every Sunday we hide a decorated champagne cork on the field and the person who finds the cork gets a bottle of Champagne!
Starmeadow and Trinity took the half time to form a game plan, and both teams came back stronger than the first half. Jesse Bray scored 3 for Starmeadow and Colton Bancroft (only 14 years old!) scored one. Meanwhile, Rick Paicius, Jared Sheldon and Mariano Gutierrez each scored one for Trinity, bringing the game up to 7 to 6, Starmeadow in the lead.
In the 5th chukker, things heated up again and Sheldon had another fall. Again, a little bruised, but not seriously hurt, Sheldon continued playing. Jesse Bray scored a few more, totaling 7 goals that afternoon. Mariano Gutierrez put 2 through in the 6th chukker, but it wasn’t enough for the win. Graham Bray did the honor of scoring 2 more in the 6th chukker, just to be sure Starmeadow walked away victoriously.
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