Smithfield Farm/Hawk Hill hold on 9-8 for Mashomack’s June 8-Goal Championship.
It was Chukker #1 and Ernie Ezcurra that was the chukker of decision in the 8 goal finals. If their had been a mvp, it would have been Ernie as he hit the field with all engines firing and scored 3 goals in the first and another in the second. Ernie then slapped in a goal in chukker number 6 which was the narrow edge that held off a comeback charge by Longfield Farm. In fact, Longfield’s Agustin Zavaleta had ball possession and was heading for the tying goal when the final horn sounded. Agustin Zavaleta was the game high scorer with 7 of Longfield’s 8 goals. Juan Olivera slapped in the other. Duke had an opportunity as he lofted two consecutive loft shots towards goal and then SFHH was able to get to the ball for a backhander.
Ernie Ezcurra had 5 goals and brother Julio who put in a solid performance scored 3 goals. Now that new guy, Philip Mactaggart, resonsible for the other half of this Smithfield/hawk Hill team maintained both of his records. One, he score again as he has done so in every game so far, and two, he remains undefeated. Philip told me earlier that the undefeated thing is what he is most pleased about. So Philip played his first league championshup, and won. Congratulations Philip. That other very familiar name, John Klopp played a brilliant defense. John had that pedal to the metal, Hanna Buchan to defend, and he did so very well, all afternoon.
So we predicted it right here that there would be a field and a farm in the winner’s name, but what took us by surprise is that I forgot about the Hill part, Hawk Hill. For some years now, we have had the Smithfield Farm and the Longfield Farm rivalry. Well now John Klopp has joined forces with Philip Mactaggart and we have Smithfield Farm/Hawk Hill. Is it fair for one team to have both a field and a hill all on the same team. Isnt that maybe a bit too much geography for any one team? We’re going to find out as we continue into the USPA Gobvernor’s Cup that starts this Friday.
The Field-side “7th Chukker Party” – Well, Karen Klopp’s idea of Mashomack putting out a field-side bar is a smashing success. The field-side parking was full of groups of spectator gatherings, picnics, and plenty of refreshments to help endure a very hot but beautiful afternoon. Thanks Karen!
Again…Thank You……….Mr and Mrs P’s Asado – Talk about a smashing success, all were invited to the asado on Saturday night and most of the club was in attendance. The true test of a fun party is the noise level in the barns the morning after. Lets put it this way, picture one of those deserted western towns with some sagebrush blowing about. There were some bodies moving around the club, but slowly and carefully. Must have been a great one. Thanks Mr and Mrs P !
Crash and Burn Notations – Amy Wisehart went down hard on her left shoulder in the morning round-robin practice game and broke her collarbone. So Amy joins Woody in rehab as Woody is recovering from his broken radius. Is it something in the water over at Woody’s? Amy will be ok, but from personal experience, she will not be sleeping well for a few weeks and it is a 6-8 week recovery. Amy loves working at Mashomack and for Woody. She loves the horses in her care even more. Fortunately for Amy and Woody, they had an assistant in the body of one of my Culver varsity players, Alex Markle. Alex will be holding down the fort until Amy is able to get back to the barn which i will predict to be very soon. We all wish her well. She is presently in very good hands as her parents live close by in Connecticut. After 40 years on horses, I happen to break mine riding a bicycle a few years back. They will usually avoid setting a broken collarbone, so it is pretty painful for a few weeks.
USPA Governor’s Cup Draw at 12 noon in the polo office on Wed.
Coming Attractions
The International Polo Challenge on July 1
The USPA Eddie Moore 8-12 Goal in July
June 6-Goal Standings (saturday 4 chukker league)
Hawk Hill Farm 4/0
Smithfield Farm 4/0
Buena Vista 3/1
Supersize 3/1
Heathcote Farm 2/2
Ramirez Financial 1/5
Longfield Farm * 0/6
* Longfield Farm withdrew due to player injury, so all teams get the win
As you can see, a tight race up in the top 5 slots. Buena Vista plays Hawk Hill this Wed. at Ten Mile, that will be a big one. Then Smithfield and Buena Vista have yet to meet, and then Heathcote still plays Hawk Hill and Supersize. Next Sat. is Smithfield against Supersize which is also big, so I guess with two weeks to go, we still have ourselves a horse race. Just the way it ought to be.