In an action packed four chukker polo match at the Anini Polo Field last Sunday Island Hardware came away with a 6-3 victory over Hanalei Bay. Pam Tongg from Oahu tossed in the ball to start the first chukker. Peter
In an action packed four chukker polo match at the Anini Polo Field last Sunday Island Hardware came away with a 6-3 victory over Hanalei Bay.
Pam Tongg from Oahu tossed in the ball to start the first chukker.
Peter Ganibi put the first goal on the scoreboard for Island Hardware with exemplary teamwork from Stuart Mackenzie and Krista Hawley setting him up. Hanalei Bay came right back after Max Secunda fired off a long offside forehand shot to Ronnie Tongg who then maneuvered through the pack to score.
For the next few minutes Ganibi, Mackenzie, Tongg, and Secunda controlled play with skillful defensive plays, but Tongg, with one of his famous mosquito attacks, finally slipped through the traffic to score.
Just before the end of the chukker Hawley retaliated with a goal for Island Hardware.
In the second period both teams surged up and down the field with aggressive play on both offense and defense.
At one point Secunda ripped off a powerful offside forehand shot that broke the head off his mallet.
Although this gave Island Hardware a temporary advantage in play until Secunda was able to ride off to secure another mallet, he was able to return before a goal was made.
Although there was a lot of bumping and riding off, clashing sticks, and pounding hoofs, it wasn’t until the last minute that Ganibi was able to expertly take control and score for Island Hardware.
Sioux Ramseyer tossed in the ball to start the third period.
Ron Bonaguidi had entered the match for Hanalei Bay and, after picking up a shot by Mackenzie, with diligent riding thundered across the goal line with the ball.
Carlos Elzaurdia cleared the bowl in but, in a flurry of activity Mackenzie took over and with extraordinary stick work scored for Island Hardware. Mackenzie then returned the favor by providing tactical support for Elzaurdia to score with a dramatic shot bringing cheers from the spectators.
The final chukker was hard fought as Hanalei Bay attempted to close the gap but Island Hardware’s defense could not be penetrated.
At the four minute mark Mackenzie entertained the fans with a display of horsemanship and stick work that was pure artistry.
He maneuvered the ball through heavy traffic to make the final score of the day.
Teams: Island Hardware: Krista Hawley, Scott Sims, Stuart Mackenzie, Peter Ganibi, Carlos Elzaurdia. Hanalei Bay: Peter Cameron, Max Secunda, Ronnie Tongg, Ron Bonaguidi. Umpire: Kamalu Sheldon.
Tournament Polo continues at Anini Field on Sunday at 3 p.m.
The public are welcome. Adults $10. per person; 12-18, $5. per person. Club matches are played on Friday at 4 p.m.
