ANINI — Coldwell Banker/Bali Hai Realty accepted the Island Hardware Challenge on Sunday, and the largest crowd of the season gathered at Anini Polo Field to witness a lively four-chukker match in which Island Hardware pulled out all the stops
ANINI — Coldwell Banker/Bali Hai Realty accepted the Island Hardware Challenge on Sunday, and the largest crowd of the season gathered at Anini Polo Field to witness a lively four-chukker match in which Island Hardware pulled out all the stops in the fourth chukker to close a two goal deficit and tie the match at 6-all in the last few minutes. Bali Hai entered the match with a handicap of 1. Island Hardware sponsor Terry Caplan tossed in the ball to open the first chukker. Although Scott Sims cleared the ball, it was Krista Hawley who captured the ball and smoothly sent the ball between the goal posts to put up the afternoon’s first score. Max Secunda and Ron Bonaguidi, playing together on the same team for a change, executed some nice plays with Bonaguidi getting the shot on goal to score again for Bali Hai. When a penalty 2 was called on Island Hardware, Peter Cameron converted on a free hit from 30 yards to an undefended goal with a solid offside forehand shot. When it looked like a runaway, Carlos Elzaurdia rose to the occasion and brought the spectators to their feet cheering as he cleared the toss in, centered the ball, then slammed it between the pylons to put Island Hardware on the scoreboard.
The up and down the field play in the second period was punctuated by two superb plays by Ronnie Tongg and Ron Bonaguidi. Tongg with his expert stick work and timing created space and ran the ball to goal. Bonaguidi got out in front of the pack and with beautifully executed shots, sent the ball over the goal line. The third period evinced some really tight play with a series of melees near the goal mouths creating chaos. Everyone held their breath while anticipating a score, but someone always backed the ball into play from the close quarters. Elzaurdia, showing some of his old time form, finally took control of the ball and carefully maneuvered his way through a sea of mallets and legs to produce the only score of the chukker. The fourth chukker was split, permitting several players to change mounts in order to play at top speed throughout the period. Island Hardware was determined to erase the deficit, and play was fast paced. Right after the toss-in, a well-positioned Tongg took control and from a difficult angle drove the ball between the goal posts. But Secunda, who rides like a Sioux Indian on the warpath, retaliated and punched one through for Bali Hai. Just before the chukker ended Tongg, who is famous for his precision play, astounded the fans with two amazing goals. When the final horn sounded it was Island Hardware 6, Coldwell Banker/Bali Hai Realty 6.
Teams: Coldwell Banker/Bali Hai Realty: Krista Hawley, Peter Cameron, Max Secunda, Ron Bonaguidi. Island Hardware: Scott Sims, Carlos Elzaurdia, Ronnie Tongg, John Elwin. Umpires: Kamalu Sheldon, Stuart Mackenzie. Polo continues at Anini Field, Sunday at 3:00 p.m. The public are welcome. Adults $10. per person; 12-18, $5.00 per person. Club matches are played on Fridays at 4:00 p.m.
