The Polo Report
By Steve Crowder
Thursday, Sept. 3rd, ’09
The polo players come from many places and they are glad to be here with a chance to be in the big one . . . the finals of the Pacific Coast Open (PCO). It’s not the US Open, the British Gold Cup or the Argentine Open, but it’s a big tournament. The fact is there are only four teams left with a chance and we shall meet them right now. From E to P.
ERG from Houston, Texas
Scott Woods is a Patron who was born a Wildman. I am sure he grew up racing motorcycles and cars and he probably thought polo might keep the flow going and it has. He was here for a while last year, but broke his arm and knee. Scott is happy to be back.
Gonzalo Del Tour (GDT) is a 4 goal player who is about 25 years old and ready to roll. He was on the Champion team all year last year and he wants to add to his list of wins. I hope he does. GDT may be one of the best, young players I have ever seen. He is so talented and a good person. GDT is a polo player who could see the double digits with some help.
Paco De Narvaz is a pro with a history. He has won at least 3 PCO’s and has been a member for a long time. He even married a lady who spent most of her summers here since she was born. Paco loves good horses and always has some. He is always looking for more.
Jeff Blake – What can I say about Jeff . . . Sportsman of the year in Palm Beach County, FL. Has won every major polo tournament in the U.S. and he is still going strong. He is very athletic and very tough. Jeff grew up in NY and just liked the nice weather of the South where he now calls it home. OH YES ladies, he is SINGE.
GRANTS FARM THEY SHOULD BE THE FAVORITES
Pedro Falabela A young gun who is ready to roll and who is definitely part of a speed team where he fits in very well. He should be one of the new young guns in town and he has a very good future.
Sugar Erskine is from South Africa. He is married and he has settled some, but he is still filled with plenty of speed. Sugar would be one of the fastest players here except his teammate is Jeff Hall. Sugar was on the Audi team last year that swept the Santa Barbara high-goal league and they beat Grant’s Farm in the finals.
Jeff Hall (JH) is really from CA and he is the highest-rated player from this area. He calls Texas home these days. JH likes very fast horses and he probably wishesh he did not have them so fast as the fields are anti-speed, but most of them are quick as is JH. It will be a fun game to watch at high noon Thursday.
Andy Busch (AB) is a tall and tough mule skinner from Missouri. Not really . . . he is both sophisticated and well educated. AB is the backdoor of the Grant’s Farm team and its sponsor. AB does not play much anymore, just a little in Santa Barbara, but hee has definitely returned to form in the last two weeks.
MANSOUR (I never thought I would see them here)
Ben Solemoni (BS) has a vision of winning the Open and he is getting closer. I never even thought they would win a game now this team is 1 away from the finals. BS has been doing very well himself making some killer plays to stop Sugar on Sunday from taking the lead.
Adam Snow (AS) is the main ingredient on this team and the ultimate pro. He studies the game, has very good horses and pushes the team. It took him a month to get a win, but he has them rollin’ now. AS is a definite candidate for MVP here.
Martine Zegger comes from Chile and he is hot, long and tall. He is also ready to back up AS at a moments notice. He is a perfect teammate with AS and a very traditional player with solid shots on all 4 corners.
Santiago Trotz (ST). . . he answers the phone this is Santiago Trotz. He is from Argentina and has spent many years here in Santa Barbara. ST has a wonderful wife and is back to enjoy the sun. He is playing back for AS and hanging around quite well in this spot.
Last but not least:
Patagones
Gonzalo Avendano (GA) is my hero of the season. He is the most under-rated player here and he is a candidate for MVP as well. GA is seen in every play and his teammate, Carlos Gracida, never worries to cover him as he would normally do. He just hits the ball to him and follows him to goal. His story is unique as well as is the fact he is an Argentine who pays to play polo.
Brandon Phillips (BP) is from Canadian and he is never seen as a flash, but often on a winning team. BP plays nearly any position and has done them all very well for quite a while. He has one cup in his trunk already from Santa Barbara Polo Club this year.
Carlos Gracida (CG) was rated 10 and he was 40, but just like a good watch he just keeps on ticking. CG has the clock ticking well and Gonzalo has the QB on his team thinking to keep it rocking. He is well-mounted and he is well disciplined. Together they are a force.
Carlos Avendano (CA), yes he is the brother of Gonzalo, but often he could be mixed up with CG as he is playing amazing. CA is supposed to be back and always seems to get there, but he is also damn near anywhere else. You do want to see him. CA is the Secretary of Defense on this team for sure. He has lots of power and speed.
So there you have it. Sorry they have to be early, but there are 4 games and 3 fields and they are getting pretty beat up. The semis for the Open deserves to have the fileds at the best they can be, so come on up anyway. Thursday the traffic is much easier than Friday.
See ya.