The heat was on in San Diego where the Mercury neared the century mark on a very humid and tropical feeling day. It did not, however, bother former Zacara star Brandon Phillips. He was smokin’ in San Diego in the first game of the Rancho Valencia tournament in the 14-Goal. It was Mariano Gonzalez making the first goal of the 2007 Super Month of Polo in San Diego. It will be 5 weeks of speed and party time, fast horses , good polo, pretty women and just a plain good time.
There were 3 games to kick off the big month of Polo and here is a rundown. In game 1 it was Hanalei Bay loving the heat as they were fired up fast with Phillips at high speed. He is probably the one most ready just coming from a conquering of the Pacfic Coast Open. The Patron “Bones” (aka Ron Bonaguidi) was really fired up and moving fast along with newcomer to this coast Sylvester Donovan, who gave plenty of add ons to Rookie Jared Sheldon and Bones as they just mowed down the goal early. After a brief Rally in the 3rd chukker Aspen Oaks/Southwind came within 1. It was off again and the Hawaiians finished up by 4 or so.
Game 2 brought many old teammates against each other. Madison Square took on Gypsy and it was a close one. It was not a great game by either team, but always close. Once there was a 2 goal lead by each team, but it did not last long as defense and errant shots were both very evident. Pretty Lady Lisa Bosstick, who has a birthday Sept. 1, was flying and scored a couple very good goals. The Palomino (Jason Crowder) and Fast-etta (Mariano Fassetta) were so, so on their big hits. Sometimes a lot of air, but short on distance. Juan Jo (Juan Jose Gonzalez), the new addition to the team, was very tough all day. He steps up to the speed. On the Gypsy side it was Augi Dawgy (Agustin Zavaleta) the Guti (Mariano Gutierrez) and MS. Figi trying to keep the Surfer (Diego Cossio) on top and they did as they had a spectacular goal by Guti in the last 40 seconds to win by 1.
In the final game it was Silent Chris Maloney and his Tri Tech camp versus Hidden Creek without their head waterman, Patron Sean Keys. He was replaced by 13 year old Jesse Bray, who might be putting pressure on Mr. Keys if he is not careful. He played very well and was a big part of the reason Smokin’ Joe Henderson and Boss Bray were right there to the very end. The Doctor (Gaston Von Wernich) and Bro (Federico Von Wernich) had a hand full of Creek Boys in an old-fashioned hit ’em and run kinda of game. It was silent Chris practicing an emergency dismount and showing the youngsters how to get it don. He got back on his horse and saved the day by following the Doc’s orders. Chris closed the back door to stop the bleeding and put Tritech back in front at the end. They also go to 1 and 0. Then it was party time as all people headed to the Tiki Bar for a big piece of BBQ pig and a very fun Aloha Party.
See ya Sat where the biggest little tournament starts at 10 a.m.