In the Corporate Sponsor Day Match played at Anini Polo Field last Sunday Na Pali Properties challenged Coldwell Banker/Bali Hai Realty to a four chukker game and came away with a 5-2 victory. Na Pali was strengthened by the addition
In the Corporate Sponsor Day Match played at Anini Polo Field last Sunday Na Pali Properties challenged Coldwell Banker/Bali Hai Realty to a four chukker game and came away with a 5-2 victory.
Na Pali was strengthened by the addition of Suzanne Figi and Graham Bray from the San Diego Polo Club to the lineup.
Although the match began under sunny skies with brisk trade winds, by the second chukker skies clouded over and a couple of heavy showers cooled the ponies and players but left some areas of the field slippery.
The first chukker got underway with Global Mortgage Group sponsor Diego Lopez tossing in the ball. It was clear from the start that the two teams were evenly matched as each player marked his opponent and gave him no quarter.
It was a treat to watch the two New Zealanders, Bray and Stuart Mackenzie, display their horsemanship, stick work, and mastery of shots.
But it was Max Secunda from the UK who, late in the chukker, cleared a toss in, got out in front of the pack, raced down the field, and drove the ball between the pylons to tally the first score of the game for Coldwell Banker/Bali Hai Realty.
Corporate sponsor Robin Savage of Savage Pearls tossed in the ball to open the second period.
John Elwin exhibited some fine defensive play during this chukker with aggressive bumping and riding off and hooking. Peter Ganibi and Ron Bonaguidi continued to press their offense but had difficulty evading Mackenzie. At the end of the second chukker it was still Bali Hai leading 1-0.
The play had been so fast and furious that it was decided to take an extra 5 minutes between chukkers 2 and 3 in order to give the ponies a break.
Tommy Makanani, who was instrumental in constructing Anini Polo Field in the early 80s, was given the honor of tossing in the ball to open the third chukker.
When Peter Cameron managed to get out in front of the traffic to go to goal, Bray caught him and backed the ball. Mackenzie picked it up and passed to Secunda. Ganibi challenged him, and the two danced around vying for ball control.
Secunda managed to fire off a shot picked up by Bray. Mackenzie swooped in and stole the ball only to lose it to Bray. Bray brought the spectators to their feet cheering as he plowed through and around the pack to mark the first score for Na Pali. Mackenzie cleared the toss in with a shot to Secunda.
It was Secunda’s turn to excite the fans. With beautiful stick work and controlled horsemanship he dribbled the ball from near the sideline toward the center of the field past several challengers and then smartly slapped the ball between the pylons.
Late in the chukker Mackenzie took a knock in. There was a flurry of play, and Bray dazzled the crowd with his horsemanship and daring play to rack up another goal for Na Pali.
As the final period began with the score now 2-2, Na Pali erupted with 3 goals to settle the match. First, Bray cleared a toss in from the sideline, evaded Sims and then Mackenzie, and charged down the field to put the ball between the pylons. Second, Bray cleared a toss in with a shot to Ganibi. Ganibi raced to goal with Mackenzie on him.
Although Ganibi took the ball through the goal mouth, Mackenzie’s pony slipped and horse and rider went to the ground.
After a short time Mackenzie was back on his feet and back on his horse amidst cheers from the spectators.
Third, in a melee Secunda lost the ball to Bray. With remarkable, fast teamwork Bray and Bonaguidi maneuvered the ball through the bunch and Bonaguidi tallied for Na Pali.
The “Feel The Thunder Fundraiser” was held following the match. Featured were a Polo Clinic, Beef and Chicken Barbecue with all the trimmings, Player Awards, Corporate Sponsor Awards, Silent Auction, Door Prizes, and live music by Whirlybirds.
Teams: Coldwell Banker/Bali Hai Realty: Peter Cameron, Max Secunda, Stuart Mackenzie, John Elwin, Scott Sims. Na Pali Properties: Ron Bonaguidi, Peter Ganibi, Graham Bray, Suzanne Figi. Umpires: Michael Sheehan, Kamalu Sheldon. Scorekeeper/Timer: Jack Layton. Announcer: Inger Pa.
The final match of the Kauai Polo Club 2003 season will be played at Anini Polo Field on Sunday at 3 p.m. with the annual Coldwell Banker/Bali Hai Realty Challenge Tournament.
The public is welcome. Adults $10. per person; 12-18, $5. per person.
