San Diego Polo Club’s historic Spreckels Cup opening matches were graced with antique and classic airplanes and cars on the Willis Allen field. The fly in was organized by family member Bill Allen, of Allen Airways, and they entertained the crowd with aerobatics at end of the game as they flew off into the sunset.
There was plenty of close up action as TriTech’s Chris Maloney (1), Gaston VonWernich (5), Matias Obregon (4), and Jesse Bray (2) won 9 to 7 over Gypsy’s Suzanne Figi (0), Alvaro Tadeo (3), Diego Cossio (5), and Juan Curbelo (4). Gypsy was first on the board with Tadeo hitting one from the field, followed by another of his own, a penalty shot. TriTech was zip in the first chukker. Tadeo opened the next chukker with another penalty shot, keeping it so far – all Alvaro – 3 to 0 Gypsy over TriTech.
VonWernich got TriTech on the scoreboard at the top of the second period with a penalty conversion. Then he carried it from throw-in to goal on a hot run finished with a cut shot moving them up to 2. Cricket followed with a short one punched through to tie the game 3 all at the end of the second period. TriTech held the lead to the half, ahead 5 to 4.
The second half opened with a throw in near Gypsy’s goal at the 20 yard line, then a foul, and Curbelo hitting a penalty shot to even things 5 all. Curbelo scored again which gave Gypsy the lead once again, now 6 to 5. It was short lived, as TriTech’s VonWernich backed it to Cricket who scored to tie all at 6.
Cricket started the fifth chukker with a penalty shot upping TriTech 7 to 6 over Gypsy now. Bray played hard with some killer carries and long runs and VonWernich scored on a feed by Bray to put TriTech futher ahead by two, 8 to 6 over Gypsy. With a minute left on the chukker clock, Gypsy’s Tadeo scored an open goal penalty shot to help them one back to 7.
The last period was scoreless for 5 minutes when Cricket hit his fourth goal of the game giving TriTech a two point lead, 9 to 7 over Gypsy. Gypsy’s last chance was Tadeo’s penalty shot which looked good but bounced back off the goal post. It ended with TriTech winning by a margin of two.
Earlier in the (4-6 goal) match, Star Meadow’s Joy Bancroft (-1), Tomas Obregon (4), Kyle Fargey (3), and Jocelyn Parker (0) won 6 to 5 over Princeps team of Alisha Wray (-1), Carlitos Galindo (3), Kimo Huddleston (4), and Meaghan Scanlon (0). Princeps led early and held the lead for three chukkers with goals by Huddleston, Galindo and Scanlon. But in the fourth chukker Star Meadow’s Obregon had three in the period and scored the winning shot with just :26 seconds on the clock. Obregon was high scorer of the game and sole scorer for his team making all six goals for Star Meadow.
Entertaining the crowds between matches, the Rainbow Riders performed with their precision drill team. Also called the “Blue Angels on horseback” they are a popular local group of riders.
See all the incredible tournament and social shots by Dominick Lemarie, San Diego Polo Club’s official photographer. Just click here.
The season finale Spreckels Cup finals is October 4th and reserved seats are sold out! Pack your tailgates with food and drink and get in for just $25/per carload (sorry no flame or barbeques) on the field east side, or come enjoy Player’s Club general admission. Call 858-481-9217.
San Diego Polo Club
14555 El Camino Real
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
www.sandiegopolo.com