Players travelled from all the World (Spain, Italy, Brazil, Canada) to play in the 25th Copa de Careyes, located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico and then the rains came. Watching the weather for 6 straight days is not polo perfect. Sunshine came -finally – and the tournament started . The tournament fielded 4 – nine goal teams.
Charros Negros played the Cobra/Quinto Sol team with Manuel Matos scoring 3 of the 6 goals to lead his team to victory in the first go around. Tato Olazabal, Mexico, lead the Charros Negros team with 3 goals but not enough as they were defeated 6-5 .
Agua Alta, led by 5 goaler Guillermo Li of Peru with teammates Alberico Ardissone, Miguel Gomez de Parada and Hans Giebeler played the Careyes team with visiting players Sophia Landa, Diego Velarde, Pancho Aguilar – all from Mexico and Giorgio Brignone, resort owner and creator of the Careyes polo club. Li lead the Agua Alta team to victory in a very close game – 8-7.
Finals day was perfect weather and the locals came to watch the fast action. In the consolation Charros Negros with Daniel Roenisch as captain lead his team to victory over the Careyes team 9 to 7.
The rules for the tournament stated that if a game ends in a tie – there will be a shoot out to decide the winner and that is exactly what happened between Cobra/Quinto Sol and Aqua Alta. Cobra/Quinto Sol had led the whole game of 5 chukkers but with seconds before the first bell of the final chukker – Miguel Gomez de Parada tied the game. Ball was thrown in bell rang and Agua Alta had the ball close to goal but the second bell rang and game was over. Cobra/Quinto Sol was able to score all four shots from the 40 yard line to win the game.
Champagne and silver for the teams made for a tournament that was enjoyed by all. Manuel Matos was awarded a silver tray for most goals scored by an amateur. The club was very disappointed that some of the visiting players had to go home early including Cathy Butler of Calgary , Canada, Alejandro Aznar and son, Luis, from Spain, Eduardo Junqueira and his son, Sergio Cardoso, Carlos Mansur and Slyvio Catunho of Brazil.
The Careyes Polo Club season is November thru April – please see our website – www.careyes.com .