April 3, 2010
Hobe Sound, FL – As an injured Carlucho Arellano paced nervously on the sidelines his brothers-in law Juan Martin and Tomas Obregon, his cousin-in-law Matias Obregon and Nick Aliano kept fighting to win 11-10 in the finals of the Outback at Hobe Sound Polo Club 12-goal against Peapacton/Newport.
“It was a tough game,” said Juan Martin, who was named the most valuable player of the game and scored from a 60-yard penalty in the fifth chukker and a 40-yard penalty in the sixth to edge his team to victory. “At the beginning we did not coordinate really well. At half time we sat down with Carlucho to change some things and in the end we just kept on trying. We never gave up.”
The unsettled start for Aliano Realty came after a line up change meant bringing in Matias Obregon to substitute for his cousin, Facundo Obregon who was unavailable to play. Earlier in the league they had been forced to replace Arellano with Facundo due to a hand injury. Arellano had nevertheless supported his family at every game. “I was a little nervous today,” he admitted afterwards.
Aliano Realty had reason to be concerned. The opposition lined up Gene Goldstein, Matias Sosa, Michel Dorignac and Julian Aguilar and they came to the field with determination on their side. “I have played with and against Michel [Dorignac],” said Juan Martin, “and he is a great strategist – and Julian [Aguilar] is always intense.”
The score was level at half time after Dorignac ran in a 60-yard penalty. Complimentary ice cream and Easter Eggs amused the spectators as they stomped divots on the Hobe Sound Polo Club Number One field while Aliano Realty reviewed their strategy. Despite putting their heads together they were a goal behind in the fifth and as Dorignac scored from a sixty yard penalty hit Peapacton/Newport was sitting on a two goal cushion lead at 10-8. An impressive solo run from Tomas Obregon punctuated by skill with the ball in the air, deflated the lead for Peapacton/Rockport and paved the way for a close sixth chukker and eventual victory for Aliano Realty. ‘Estrella’ played by Michel Dorignac won the Best Playing Pony Award. Juan Martin Obregon named MVP after a closely fought match against Peapacton/Newport. Gene Goldstein won MVP Amateur.
Power hitter Gaston Rodriguez was named Most Valuable Player for Ocean Grill after their solid 11-4 win against Detroit Blues in the finals of the Outback at Hobe Sound Polo Club March 4-goal league. Ocean Grill was ahead 6-2 at half time, the leading tally including a well executed goal from Charlie Rapogle in the first chukker and two goals from Collin McCosh in the second.
McCosh’s displays of finesse throughout the game contrasted and complemented his team mate 3-goal Rodriguez’ ability to knock the ball from center field to the back line seemingly without effort. Detroit Blues lining up husband and wife Emmalyn and Paul Wheaton, Doug Blumenthal and Victor Hernandez had pulled off a strong victory the day before to earn their passage to the finals. Once there the tide was against them as Ocean Grill proved the stronger team.
All spectators and tailgaters are welcome at Saturday afternoon games and entry to the field is free. Hobe Sound Polo Club is located 1 mile east of I95 on Bridge Road. More information is online at www.hobesoundpoloclub.com or call (772) 546 2020.