The first final of the Eldorado Polo Club’s 2013 12 Goal season, played on January 6, 2013, featured Jenny Lutterell’s Cotterel Farms facing off against Ron Bonaguidi’s Hanalei Bay in the Adeptus Challenge – sponsored by Dr. Colleen Wilson’s Adeptus Nutrition.
On a somewhat cool, but sunny, desert afternoon, Lutterell and Bonaguidi gave the huge opening day crowd what they were looking for – action and excitement featuring long runs and spectacular shots to goal.
The first chukkar was close and featured five goals with Cotterel leading when it was over by a score of 3 – 2.
The second was all Hawaiian as Hanalei Bay counted four unanswered goals – three by quarterback Mariano Fassetta – and the third started with the surfers up by three at 6 – 3.
The momentum from the second carried over into the third as the Bonaguidi group outscored the Lutterell foursome by a count of 3 – 2 to lead by four at 9 – 5 at half-time.
The fourth period featured a huge turn around by Cotterel, as they counted four of their own unanswered goals, and when it was over, the score was tied at nine.
Lutterell and Co. took the lead early in the fifth with a quick score but the surfers came back with three to lead by two at 12 – 10 going to the final.
The sixth was even with no scoring, and as a result, Hanalei Bay grabbed the first tournament victory of the Eldorado season, and a 30 day supply of Adeptus equine nutritional products for each team member.
For the winners, Mariano Fassetta led the scoring with six, Joseph Stuart had four, and Jared Sheldon counted a pair (one foul).
In reply, Ruben Coscia scored four, Lutterell, as a result of very aggressive play, counted three (one foul), Ignacio Saracco supplied two, and Luis Saracco had one.
Adeptus Challenge – Eldorado Polo Club
Hanalei Bay (12) – Ron Bonaguidi, Mariano Fassetta 6, Joseph Stuart 3, Jared Sheldon 3.
Cotterel Farms (12) – Jenny Lutterell, Ruben Coscia 5, Luis Saracco 4, Ignacio Saracco 3.
Tony Gregg