The Polo Report
By Steve Crowder
It is the first time in a long while we have had six teams, so it is great to see. None of the teams has a bye, which makes for some happy Patrons. It is not 20 anymore, but maybe we can head back that way if we continue to grow again and see the big names again like Cambiaso, Pieres and Stirling.
Action gets underway at 11 am with a big welcome to a new team by the name of SD Farms, led by a famous name in Polo Dantata, Sayyu. Must be a relation to Usman Dantata, who was a big time player around the world not long ago. Anyway welcome to Santa Barbara Sayyu. He brings with him a long time friend of many polo times, Alan Martinez, who has been missed on the West Coast. Stirling Giannico is also part of the team. Stirling is from Carpinteria.Cesar Polledo is also on the team. They kick-off the America Cup against Lucchese. They seem to be a very balanced team. If they all get here for today, which rumor is they will not ,and may have some subs. I have heard Marcos Llambias maybe replacing Alan for this weekend. We shall see. No matter what happens, it is great to see new patrons and teams. Restoration Hardware and Ben Solemani has returned. This has really helped bolster up the face here in town.
Other action today is Restoration Hardware taking on last tournaments Champs Farmers & Merchants Bank and Dan Walker. Walker is playing with big stick Lucas Criado and a very strong Young Gun named Herndon Radcliff.
In the final game of the day, at 4 pm, it will be Farmers and Merchants Too with Henry Walker at the helm taking on the youthful power of Klentner Ranch. There will be fireworks in this one for sure. Both teams have a lot of speed and amazing age difference on KR. I think only one player, Justin, is over 40. Farmers & Merchants Too has only 1 under 40, Felipe, but they do have experience. The low goal player on this team, a 60 something. Francisco De Narvaez is a young gun to Santa Barbara and he is playing lights out. He gets better every game and faster. Francisco was 7 or 8 goals at one time and is also the Father of Paco.
So come on out to see the fireworks. It maybe a little warm and is supposed to reach 80 F today, but no worries, there will be a ocean breeze.
Here is a copy of draw …
Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club – America Cup – July 29-Aug 7, 2016
Fri 29 11am Lucchese vs. SD Farms
2pm RH vs. Farmers & Merchants Bank
4pm FMB Too! vs. Klentner Ranch
Sun 31 10am FMB Too! vs. SD Farms
Noon Lucchese vs. Farmers & Merchants Bank
3pm RH vs. Klentner Ranch
Fri 5 11am Lucchese vs. Klentner Ranch
2pm RH vs. SD Farms
4pm FMB Too! vs. Farmers & Merchants Bank
Sun 7 10am Consolation- #5 vs #6
see ya