The Polo Report
By Steve Crowder
Right here in Santa Barbara, where it “almost”never rains, it did. On Tuesday night, we received 3/4 of an inch which is like a monsoon for California in June. I lied when I said it will not rain. I do not feel bad as it is generally so nice with little to no dust.
Tomorrow, Friday June 12th, every team is equal. It is 0 – 0, but not for long. Eight teams, which is the most we’ve had here in a decade, are trying to win the biggest 12- goal of them all … the USPA Intercircuit Cup. This may be the one that turns the tide. John Muse is putting his hand in the box and making a team. We have new Patrons involved this summer. Chris Maloney is herewith his Twin Palms Team out of San Diego. Phil Mataggart has joined us all the way from NY and Ireland. Ryan Gilbertson is coming back after a visit last year. The Fernandez Clan out of Monterrey, Mexico is here. Rodrigo and his Father brought a big gun “Hall of Famer” Memo to town.
I do wish they would have seeded these tournaments. I am sure it would have made for a much better final game. I also think center throw ins, marked and controlled like the U.S. Open, would be huge help in games. It would make it much cleaner and more playing time. Approximately 47 seconds a game is lost relining center throw ins per game. Things are happening.
Here is the schedule for Friday:
10 AM Piocho ranch – Antelope vs Farmers and Merchants
12 Noon Andy Busch’s – Grants Farm/Wildcats vs Hawk Hill
3 pm SBPC – Klentner Ranch vs La Herradura
5 pm SBPC – Twin Palms vs Lucchese
This is the way we all think it should be a lot of teams a lot of people happy to be here so lets do it show up and be a fan or a player .
Down south in San Diego, polo continues to be big with a wild weekend ahead. They go into week 3. It’s always a party soon after the games and during polo too.
Over the pond it is the finals of the 22-goal Queen’s Cup, a very big tournament. It is the first of the Triple Crown series in the U.K. The two best players, Adolfo Cambiaso and Facundo Pieres are at the top again. I give the edge to Facundo Pieres as he has Gonzalito. To me this may be just as good, just not so flashy. Like his Pop, the W-L will never be a close call … ? He is a WINNER without a crest.
See you @polo somewhere!