Rancho Santa Fe, CA (June 15, 2009) – Opening day of the San Diego Polo Club was Sunday June 14, 2009 and the very many in attendance were treated to an excellent game that went to overtime.
The match, part of the Chris Hoyman Memorial Tournament. presented by Riviera Magazine, featured Chris Collins and Chris Maloney and their combined Southwind/Tri Tech foursome facing off with Krista Bonaguidi and Jay Thornton’s Jaybird/Hanalei Bay group.
From the outset it was evident, and with Pioneer Porsche onhand, that quality polo was to played on this somewhat cool afternoon and anyone who wanted to slow the game down needn’t have applied. With the Umpires, Graham Bray and Kimo Huddleston’ prepared to let the game roll, both teams showed up and provided entertainment worthy of a San Diego opening – fast, no nonsense action.
Tied at four coming out of the 24 Carot Champagne Divot Stomp, the two Chrises took a three goal lead on the strength of quaterback Gaston von Wernich’s ability to use his team, which included Jesse Bray, and it appeared that things mignt be over. However, Mariao Fassetta had some ideas and went into the sixth down by a pair at 8 – 6. Drawing to within one early in the period on a counter by Matias Obregon, Jaybird/Hanalei Bay had many chances to tie but were unable and it looked like Southwind/Tri Tech would be the victors in regulation. Enter once again Fassetta and with but four seconds left on the clock he scored and sent the game, tied at eight, to a seventh chukker – the famous San Diego apres polo party would now become the Eighth Chukker.
It turned out, however, that the party wouldn’t wait for long as von Wernich took the ball from the initial throw-in, ran to goal and scored, giving Southwind/Tri Tech a 9 – 8 win and the Riveria Magazine Opening Day awards.
For the winners, Jesse Bray scored five times, Collins (1 foul) and von Wernich added two each.
Fassetta led the runners-up with four, Thornton had a pair (1 foul), with Bonaguidi and Obregon supplying one each.
Chris Maloney’s Jimmy Choo was selected as the best playing pony.
Riviera Magazine’s San Diego Polo Club Opening Day
Southwind/Tri Tech (9) – Chris Collins 1, Chris Maloney 1, Gaston von Wernich 5, Jesse Bray 2.
Jaybird/Hanalei Bay (9) – Jay Thornton, Krista Bonaguidi -1, Mariano Fassetta 6, Matias Obregon 4.
Tony Gregg