Marianito Gracida is challenged by Brian Boyd
Polo fans witnessed one of the most exciting 12 goal games of the season on Sunday at SBPRC as Mr. Cecils squeaked by La Karina/ Mansour in OT in the 1pm game. The 3pm game between Long Beach and Earth Polo Team didn’t go to OT but was just as exciting, as the players were going all out.
In the early game between Mr Cecils and La Karina/ Mansour, the score was tied after three of the six chukkers and neither team ever got more then a goal ahead of the other. It all came down to the sudden death overtime period, in which La Karina/ Mansour took control early on a penalty 5. However, a few plays later the ball was kicked by a pony straight to Mr. Cecils’ Julio Gracida, who took the ball forward one hit and promptly backed it right on to the mallet of Santiago Trotz. Trotz passed to Marianito Gracida who was flying towards goal on his horse Astro, and Marianito shook off the man on his hip and put the goal away for the victory, final score 11-10.
Memo Gracida necks the ball to goal
Next, SBPRC newcomer John Benitz and his Earth Polo team, led by polo legend Memo Gracida, faced off against longtime SBPRC members Danny, Matt, Henry Walker and Justin Klentner on Long Beach. Long Beach kept it close up until halftime, as they kept the pressure on Earth Polo team and got some nice field goals from Danny and Matt Walker. But Earth Polo Team pulled away in the 4th chukker on a 4-0 run, including a neckshot from about 100 yards out from John Benitz. Although Long Beach tried to rally and pulled within two goals in the last chukker, Earth Polo Team would hang on to their lead for the 11-9 win.