Under sunny skies, gentle trade winds blowing, and Anini Polo Field a carpet of green following the winter rains, the 2005 season of the Kaua‘i Polo Club opened at Anini Field last Sunday with Savage Pearls scoring an exciting 6-3
Under sunny skies, gentle trade winds blowing, and Anini Polo Field a carpet of green following the winter rains, the 2005 season of the Kaua‘i Polo Club opened at Anini Field last Sunday with Savage Pearls scoring an exciting 6-3 victory over Global Mortgage Group in a four chukker match.
Robin Savage Thompson, a club sponsor and long time supporter, tossed in the first ball to get the season and the match underway. As an indication of the fast play, which continued throughout the afternoon, Rustan Tongg took control within the first minute; and maneuvering through the traffic with powerful stick work he put Global Mortgage on the scoreboard with a clean shot between the pylons.
This was followed by rapid back and forth play with Ricardo Villegas of Global Mortgage and Ronnie Tongg of Savage Pearls entertaining the fans with some fierce riding off and horse races to the ball. Ronnie managed to get ball control, hit a strong offside forehand shot to Ron Bonaguidi, and Bonaguidi sent the ball sailing over the goal line for the first score for Savage Pearls.
The first chukker ended with a 1-1 score. Defensive polo dominated the second chukker. Both teams displayed exceptional tactics which led to a scoreless chukker. The high point was some furious and fancy play—riding off, hooking, and tricky stick work—between father and son, Ronnie and Rustan Tongg.
The third chukker was launched with Joan Staznaro of Global Mortgage tossing in the ball. Savage Pearls pulled ahead on the strength of two goals scored by Bonaguidi who was just coming off a successful season at Eldorado Polo Club.
In the first instance he cleared the ball from the toss in; and, despite extraordinary defensive maneuvers by Global Mortgage team, took it right down the field and drove it between the goal posts for the score. Global Mortgage turned in a fine performance of bumping, hooking, and stealing the ball in its quest to score. However, a determined Bonaguidi managed to assume control; and, before the horn sounded, racked up another goal.
Tension mounted as the teams hit the field for the final chukker. Global Mortgage went into this chukker fighting to close the gap in the score, and Savage Pearls was just as determined to stay in front. As a result, play was fast and rough.
Global Mortgage rallied to close the gap to one goal. Rustan Tongg and Villegas displayed some fine teamwork permitting Rustan to score. Then Villegas cleared the toss in and treated the spectators to some fine horsemanship as he managed to weave through the opposition for another goal. Savage Pearls pulled out all the stops and scored three times. Bonaguidi scored first, followed by a classic shot on goal by Ronnie Tongg. Seconds before the final horn sounded, Krista Hawley tapped the ball between the pylons following a toss in from the end line in lieu of a penalty shot. The final score was Savage Pearls 6, Global Mortgage Group 3.
David Speer, well-known in rodeo circles, was playing his first polo match and turned in a fine performance. Everyone was delighted to have Scott Sims riding his trusty Arabian stallion back on the field.
Teams: Savage Pearls: Krista Hawley, Ron Bonaguidi, Ronnie Tongg. Global Mortgage Group: David Speer, Rustan Tongg, Ricardo Villegas, Scott Sims. Umpires: Stuart Mackenzie, Kamalu Sheldon. Polo continues at Anini Field on Sunday at 3 p.m. The public is welcomed to attend. Adults $10. per person; 12-17, $5 per person.
