On Wednesday, Dec. 30, Gulfstream Polo Club held the finals of its yearly season opener–the William B. Cary 4-Goal, in memory of the late and great Bill Cary. Seabreeze took on Duck Hill despite on-and-off rain showers throughout the morning for a fabulous and friendly game. Seabreeze landed ahead of Duck Hill in a narrow 5-4 win. Will Fine’s “Doris” was named Best Playing Pony while Alix Bezak was awarded Most Valuable Player for her two goals against Seabreeze.
Seabreeze (3)
Will Fine -1
Jennifer Williams 0
Christian Weisz 0
Adrian Wade 4
Duck Hill (4)
Bob Stanton -1
Alix Bezak 0
James Gadea 1
John Gobin 4
Kicking off the first chukker with USPA Umpires Dana Fortugno and Sain Joseph, Seabreeze started out strong with a goal by Jennifer Williams. A foul from the Duck Hill team awarded Seabreeze a penalty two that Will Fine easily converted. Duck Hill kicked into high gear with Alix Bezak leading the charge. Bezak played smart and aggressively to accomplish two goals back to back, ending the first chukker 3-2 (Seabreeze awarded a goal for handicap difference).
As the rain lightened up, James Gadea managed a goal for Duck Hill, bringing the teams to an even score. But Christian Weisz hit a gorgeous long shot into the goal mouth just before the horn blew to bring Seabreeze up by one again, ending the second chukker 4-3.
Duck Hill (James Gadea, John Gobin, Alix Bezak and Dr. Bob Stanton.
Photo: Catheine Zachariadis.
The third chukker went scoreless as the two teams went round and round in a gridlock. The rain picked up again but Seabreeze remained fearless. Weisz put another goal on the scoreboard from an assist by Williams, score 5-3. Duck Hill had to think quick as the clock counted down. John Gobin snuck in a goal before the 30 second horn blew, narrowing the score 5-4.
Best Playing Pony “Doris” played by Will Fine. Photo: Catherine Zachariadis.
Each player brought a bevy of overqualified horses to the field but Will Fine’s fourth chukker chestnut mare “Doris” caught the judges eye as he played confidently and handily on her to earn the Best Playing Pony sash and saddle pad.
MVP: Alix Bezak (right) with teammate John Gobin (left).
Photo: Catherine Zachariadis.
Although team Seabreeze managed the win, Most Valuable Player was awarded to Duck Hill’s Alix Bezak. Everywhere you turned, Bezak was there on the man or with the ball. Her two goals in the first chukker impressed judges enough for her to runaway with the title.