The Polo Report
By Steve Crowder
It started early and it was probably the best time to be there as it was time to LET THEM RUN and they did. On field 3 it was Patagones vs. ERG and they got a early lead on an exceptional play by Gonzalo Avendano, who constantly broke up ERG plays with aggressive riding and hustle. Then ERG got on track and started to close the gap until they were ahead and a 2-goal lead disappeared in the 5 th and it was all even in the 6th. And try as they may, ERG could not return to their winning ways. It was a very disciplined Patagones that did and they rode away with a WIN in the first round. As they should . . .Gonzalo AVENDANO may be THE BEST SPONSOR IN POLO SINCE Peter Brant in the 80’s.
Across the way on field 1, it was the English dynamo Lyndon Lea fired-up and he had his team on “go” from the minute they arrived. They were able to put an end to Mighty Mike and the Lucchese foursome, who never quit coming. They had a few bad breaks missing a #2 to even it out which could have been the difference, but that could be ever missed goal shot for all 6 chukkars.
Grant’s Farm was on fire at the 1 pm game as all four players came out fired up and if it would not have been for W@KK (Kris Kampsen) it may have been murder. Grant’s Farm came out flying and beat the defending champs thoroughly. Andy Busch and Pedro Fallabela were rockin’ and so was Grant’s Farm as they rolled over Mr. Ganzi and Audi to head to the semis. I would think in the final game of the day it was Mansour vs. Valiente, two teams that should be better than they are, but do not sem to be getting there. Mansour with Big Ben Solemani came out on top in a close game which switched leads often and never strayed to the last chukkar which Mansour won. I think in this bracket their chances are 0, as Grant’s farm and their blinding speed will ruin their day. That’s my opinion, which everyone has one, but I think Grant’s Farm will be in the semis unless they die. Audi will be next. Maybe I am wrong, but I’m going on my sight today and those two are history. I said before the tournament it would be Grant’s Farm and it will be from this side. I am sure they are playing polo on the other side is much more balanced and it will be a war. Lucchese lost by a goal and could have been different. ERG just had a bad chukker. It could have been better so this bracket is a ways from any decisions. I may have to eat my words, but its Grant’s Farm in # 1 in their bracket and I have no idea after that. You can come on out and see for yourself as all games are open too public and only Sunday games have a charge to enter. If anyone is Military they get in free.
So see you @ POLO.