Island Hardware comes back for 6-5 win

‘ANINI — Peter Cameron broke a 4-4 deadlock and Ronnie Tongg upped the ante as Island Hardware came from behind to edge CJ’s Steak and Seafood 6-5 Sunday.

The Island Hardware move came in the third chukker as Tongg slammed a shot home followed by Scott Sims successfully completing a long run to close the chukker on a 4-4 stalemate.

That momentum carried into the final chukker as Cameron and Tongg iced the victory.

CJ’s Steak and Seafood took control early when Kaua‘i Polo Club President Ron Bonaguidi set the pace with a soft touch nearside backshop to open the action.

With no trophy at stake, players on both sides were playing relaxed and enjoyed the contest in ideal conditions at the ‘Anini field.

Kamalu Sheldon followed Bonaguidi’s goal with one of his own for the 2-0 CJ’s lead. But with the clock ticking down in the opening chukker, Sims put Island Hardware on the board.

Another Sims goal opened the second chukker to tie things up at 2, but Diego Bayugar answered to recapture the lead and momentum.

With less than two minutes remaining in the half, Bayugar broke the ball loose and on a pass, Bonaguidi took the ball and scored for a 3-2 halftime lead.

Island Hardware would go on to outscore CJ’s 2-1 in each of the next two chukkers, though CJ’s made a last-minute run of their own.

With about a minute left in the game, Bayugar scored for CJ’s. Following the toss in, CJ’s continued to attack, but fell short as the whistle blew with the ball still 50 yards out.

Every player scored at least one goal.

Kaua‘i Polo Club hosts another game Sunday at 3 p.m. at Anini. Gates open at 1:30 p.m.

An informal tailgate party is planned following play on the season finale on Sept. 24. KPC suggests people bring their own food and drinks and set up near the grandstand to socialize and talk story following the contest.