Newcomer Ryan Gilbertson’s Wildcat Polo team dominated the first 12 goal tournament of the season, handily winning the Lisle Nixon Memorial Cup 14-10 over Farmers and Merchants Bank.
Wildcat Polo: Andy Busch, Santi Wulff, Joseph Stuart & Ryan Gilbertson.
FMB started out the scoring, with Dan Walker getting the first goal of the game, and play was even throughout the first two chukkers. But in the 3rd chukker, Wildcat outscored the FMB team 4-1 to jump out to an 8-4 lead. By halftime, all four players on the Wildcat team, including Gilbertson and co-captain Andy Busch, had scored, demonstrating a very balanced attack.
After halftime, Wildcat continued to outscore the other team 3-1 in the 4th chukker, with every player strong is his position and Busch continually frustrating the FMB attack with disciplined play at back. The score was 11-5 at the end of the 4th chukker in favor of Wildcat, and although FMB rallied in the 5th and 6th chukkers Wildcat secured the championship with a final score of 14-10.
Joseph Stuart’s mare “Mistress” was named BPP and Santiago Wulff, who scored a game high 7 goals, was named MVP.
In the consolation, Dark Horse, Mansour and Antelope played a good natured round robin game, which was won by Dark Horse, and all three teams were awarded prizes from Island Brewery of Carpinteria