BUCKLEIGH FARM ADVANCES IN PRESIDENT’S CUP
The USPA President’s Cup is always a highlight of the first half of the Saratoga Polo tournament season, but the matches are rarely as hard fought or high scoring as the game this past Wednesday. Buckleigh Farm emerged the winners from this fierce contest over Bloomfield with a final score of 16-12.
Buckleigh Farm did jump out to the early lead and stayed in front for most of the game, but Bloomfield was never far behind. While Buckleigh received a goal apiece from riders Osiris Jacques, Oliver Butterworth and Luis Galvan in the first chukker, AJ Famiano responded in the first to keep Bloomfield in the thick of it. In the second Butterworth added 3 more tallies, but Bloomfield’s Cuko Escapite responded with 3 of his own. Peter Lusardi also had a goal in the second, helping keep Bloomfield within striking distance for the rest of the match.
The contest was truly decided in the final chukkers. Every time Buckleigh would build up a small lead, Bloomfield responded to keep them within 1 at the close of every chukker. It wasn’t until fifth and penultimate chukker that Buckleigh Farm asserted itself, holding Bloomfield scoreless for all seven minutes while receiving another goal each form Jacques and Butterworth. In the sixth and final chukker Bloomfield struck back with 3 scores, but Buckleigh Farm continued to build on their lead to close out the match with a healthy 4-goal margin.
Butterworth and Escapite tied this evening for highest scorer with 7 markers apiece.
The next match at Saratoga Polo is scheduled for Sunday, July 28TH at 5:30pm. Matches are played every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday until Labor Day weekend. For more information, call 518-584-8108 or visit saratogapolo.com.
TOTAL GOALS SCORED
Buckleigh Farm – 16
Osiris Jacques – 4
Oliver Butterworth – 7
Luis Galvan – 5
Peter Bibeau – 0
(Alt) Pedro Lara – 0
Bloomfield – 12
Tab Orthwein – 0
Peter Lusardi – 1
Will Orthwein – 3
Cuko Escapite – 7
(Alt) AJ Famiano – 1