While we were thrilled to be in a final of the Copa Garzaron at the famous Chapaleufú Polo Club we were not content with simply reaching it, we planned on winning as well. This game was a rematch from our first leg of group play, where we lost to this team by three and nearly saw our chances of making the finals vanish.
The morning of the final we were sore, tired and nervous. Our horses were undoubtedly feeling the three consecutive days of competition as well. While we
were nervous there was no lack of confidence or concentration for our team “La Oma”. We had played on many different fields in every weather condition imaginable against a variety of teams, players and styles.
The final was set to be played on field one, a hard rain the night before made for perfect conditions on one of the biggest fields any of has had ever played
on. The game started with a flurry as both teams were well acquainted with one another. Good players on the best field at Chapaleufú led to an incredibly fast
and open game. Both teams played loose and care free, it was truly an amazing experience.
The turning point for us was in the second chukker. One of La Oma’s players was on the painful end of a hard foul. Tempers flared briefly, but the foul turned
out to be just what we needed to gain a little motivational edge over our challenger.
Newly motivated, we were able to rattle off several goals that were unanswered due to our disciplined defense. While our foe had several brilliant moments
they could not muster the energy necessary to overcome us. The game ended with La Oma winning the rematch 11-6.
The result of the tournament was just a bonus, as the true value was found in the experience we gained. This match in particular taught us how to use emotion as a tool for motivation. Overall the lessons learned in a four day span of hard tournament play were numerous. It proved to us that when game time comes one must be ready to put everything on the line and adapt to the style of play necessary to win. We had played and beaten teams ranging from the extremely physical hit and run types, to the very handy and seemingly incapable of missing a ball in the air types. Some we beat by playing smarter, others we
beat by playing harder. But the lessons learned in every one of the games will be carried with us for the rest if our time playing.