ANINI—The Circle Z Polo Team defeated Coldwell Banker Bali Hai 11-7 in a thrilling 4-chukker match at the Kaua`i Polo Club’s Anini Field last Sunday afternoon. A large crowd of people who had gathered for the Rotary Club of Hanalei
ANINI—The Circle Z Polo Team defeated Coldwell Banker Bali Hai 11-7 in a
thrilling 4-chukker match at the Kaua`i Polo Club’s Anini Field last Sunday
afternoon.
A large crowd of people who had gathered for the Rotary Club of
Hanalei Bay fundraiser event was treated to outstanding polo action in the
double-header.
Starting with a 2-goal handicap for Bali Hai, play in the
first chukker was fast with Circle Z’s Mike Conant and Ronnie Tongg and Bali
Hai’s Herman Louis DeCoite demonstrating their experience and dedication to the
sport with Conant scoring twice, Tongg once, and Herman Louis DeCoite
once.
Mike Zapara contributed one goal to Circle Z.
Long runs and
“cat-and-mouse” stickwork by Tongg and Ka`aina Decoite dominated the start of
the second chukker until Tongg took over and scored for Circle Z, showing his
fans his skills that previously earned him the rating of Hawai`i’s highest
rated polo player.
Derrick Naauau scored for Bali Hai.
Powerful offense
and defense highlighted the third chukker with Greg Smith scoring once for Bali
Hai and Circle Z scoring three times, twice by Tongg.
Outstanding
horsemanship and stick work by both teams announced the fourth chukker that
provided spectators with a high level of action with Conant scoring twice and
Zapara adding one score for Circle Z.
Conant wrapped up the chukker by
taking a 60 yard penalty shot that sailed high over, and between the pylons
extracting cheers from the audience.
JJ’s Broiler defeated Budweiser
8-5 in the day’s opener with Hal Gargrave, Kimo Huddleston, and Ron Bonaguidi
highlighting the action in the first chukker that was closed on a play that had
Dori Weymouth having a good run down the field with fans assuming she had a
definite goal.
But, as the dust settled, it was discovered the pony had
kicked the ball through with the records showing it to be a “pony
goal.”
Expert hooking skills by Huddleson was the highlight of the second
chukker that had play centering outside of the goal mouth. Julian Chapa
executed a beautiful play that resulted in a score for JJ’s.
Hargrave,
dominating the play in the second chukker, opened the third chukker with an
early scor. Taking the bowl in, Bonaguidi raced through heavy field traffic to
tally a score for JJ’s.
Fast and furious play between Bonaguidi and
Huddleston was broken when Hargrave took on Huddleston allowing Bonaguidi an
opportunity to rack up another score.
The fourth chukker had offensive and
defensive play moving up and down the field with the chukker ending on a
breath-taking penalty shot by Huddleston from midfield that sailed high over
the pylons for a Budweiser score.
The Kaua`i Polo Club season is well under
way with exciting matches each Sunday at the Anini Polo Field at 1:30 and 3
p.m. Admission to the public is $5 per person.
JJ’s 8, Budweiser
5
Teams
JJ’s: Julian Chapa, Ron Bonaguidi, Hal Hargrave, John
Elwin.
Budweiser: Dori Weymouth, Kamalu Sheldon, Kimo Huddleston, Celia
Goodman.
Umpire: Herman Louis DeCoite.
Circle Z 11, Bali Hai
7
Teams
Circle Z: Mike Zapara, Ronnie Tongg, Mike Conant, Mike
Sheehan.
Bali Hai: Greg Smith, Derrick Naauau, Ka`aina DeCoite, Herman
Louis DeCoite.
Umpires: Hal Hargrave, Kimo Huddleston.
