VILLA DEL LAGO DEFEATS DAHLWOOD TO WIN WYNDHAM DRAKE GOLD CUP
Text and Photos By Karen Martino Photography
In a match that was close throughout, Villa del Lago pulled ahead in the fifth chukker to win the prestigious Wyndham Drake Gold Cup 9-7 at the Oak Brook Polo Grounds on Sunday, August 12, 2007. The tournament was hosted by the Chicago International Polo Club.
The tournament has been played at Oak Brook since 1962, the year the Wyndham Drake Hotel opened across York Road from the old International Field. Over the years, the hotel has hosted players and dignitaries from around the world, designating it the “Official Hotel of the International Polo Series.”
The 11-goal Villa del Lago team started with one goal on handicap. Mariano Obregon Jr. scored early in the first chukker to pull ahead 2-0, but Dahlwood’s Michael Matz and Alan Martinez quickly evened the score. Martinez converted a Penalty 2 in the second period, which was answered by a goal from the field by Mariano Obregon. Another goal by Martinez gave Dahlwood a one-goal lead.
Rafael Obregon converted a Penalty 2 in the otherwise-scoreless third chukker for a 4-4 tie at halftime. Good defensive play in the fourth chukker kept both teams scoreless until Martinez took advantage of a penalty 3 to put Dahlwood ahead 5-4.
The fifth chukker belonged to Villa del Lago, with Mariano Obregon Jr. scoring three goals, while teammates Jim Zenni, Augustin Obregon and Rafael Obregon managed to shut down the strong Dahlwood squad, to take a 7-5 lead.
Martinez found the mark early in the sixth period, scoring on a nice pass from David Wolf to close the gap to one goal, but a penalty conversion by Mariano Obregon Jr. quickly gave Villa del Lago a two-goal lead. Zenni got hold of the ball on the throw-in, carrying it downfield and passing to his No. 2, Augustin Obregon, who knocked it through goal, to pull his team ahead 9-6. With time running out, Martinez scored on a breakaway, his sixth goal of the match, for a final score of 9-7 in favor of Villa del Lago.
Mariano Obregon Jr.’s 6-year-old Argentine mare, Tucumana, was judged Best Playing Pony. “I played her in the fifth chukker,” he said of the dark bay mare. “She played great. I scored three goals on her. I love that she won best playing pony.”
Zenni’s excellent play above his handicap earned him MVP honors. “I’m very proud of my team,” he said. “We played very well together. I’m honored to have been chosen MVP, but it really belongs to my entire team.”
Trophies were presented by Michael Yaneck, general manager of the Wyndham Drake Oak Brook Hotel, and his children, Brian and Nicki.
In the first match of the day, Pinecroft defeated Morgan Creek 12-7 in a preliminary match in the Morgan Creek Cup, hosted by the Chicago International Polo Club. Francisco Bilbao and Antonio Galvan had the hot sticks for Pinecroft, with five and six goals respectively, while Vale Aguilar hit the mark six times for Morgan Creek.
Trophies were presented by Jorge Boudou, former president of the Colonel Suarez Polo Club, and his daughter, Ines, who was celebrating her 15th birthday.
Throughout the afternoon, Smith Barney of Naperville, and the Illinois State University Alumni Club hosted large parties in the field-side tent.
Wyndham Drake Gold Cup
Villa del Lago – Jim Zenni (0), Augustin Obregon (2), Mariano Obregon Jr. (6), Rafael Obregon (3). Dahlwood – Alan Martinez (5), Facundo Obregon (3), David Wolf (3), Michael Matz (3).
Morgan Creek Cup
Pinecroft – Tomas Collingwood (1), Francisco Bilbao (6), Antonio Galvan (5), Jim Drury (0). Morgan Creek – Dean Kleronomos (2), Julian Aguilar (4), Vale Aguilar (6), Angelo Kleronomos (0).