WELLINGTON, FL—Lechuza Caracas captured an 8-6 win in a defensive struggle over White Birch and Black Watch completed a comeback victory with eight seconds remaining to defeat Las Monjitas 10-9 in Piaget Gold Cup opening tournament action at International Polo Club Palm Beach today.
Black Watch and Las Monjitas played to a 4-4 tie at the half but in the fourth chukker Las Monjitas added three goals and took the lead 7-5. They held that lead going into the final two minutes when they committed a foul and Fred Mannix of Black Watch converted to tie it at nine. With eight seconds remaining Las Monjitas began to work the ball down the field but Mannix stole it and put it through to give his team the 10-9 win.
Lechuza and White Birch were also tied at two following the half but in the final three chukkers it was all Lechuza as they scored five field goals and held White Birch to two penalty goals by Pancho Bensadon and two from the field by Mariano Aguerre. Sapo Caset and Nicolas Espain each had three goals for Lechuza.
Piaget Gold Cup continues Sunday march 15, 2008 with two games. At noon Audi plays Pony Express and at 3 PM on the International Field and Stadium Zacara takes on Orchard Hill.
The USPA Gold Cup has been played since 1974 and 2009 marks the third year it is at International Polo Club Palm Beach. This year the eight team field has been divided into two brackets. First and second place from each bracket will cross play in the semi finals and the winners move to the Gold Cup Final on Sunday March 29.
International Polo is located at 3667 120th Avenue South in Wellington and hosts professional polo tournaments through April and all are invited to attend. The premier game of the week is played at 3 PM every Sunday on the International Field and Stadium. Information can be obtained by calling the polo hotline at 561-282-5290 or on the web at www.internationalpoloclub.com.
Black Watch 1-2-1-1-3-2=10 (Mannix 4 goals)
Las Monjitas 0-1-3-3-2-0=9 (Nacho Astrada 6)
Lechuza Caracas 0-1-1-3-1-2=8 Caset & Espain 3
White Birch 1-0-1-0-1-3=6 Pancho Bensadon 3 penalty goals