Doug Blumenthal capitalized on a flurry of play near the goal mouth, but despite striking the final goal, Savage Pearls came up short. Huntington Paradise Properties, a new sponsor for the Kaua‘i Polo Club games, was able to enjoy a
Doug Blumenthal capitalized on a flurry of play near the goal mouth, but despite striking the final goal, Savage Pearls came up short.
Huntington Paradise Properties, a new sponsor for the Kaua‘i Polo Club games, was able to enjoy a 5-4 victory behind three goals chalked up by Nick Galindo, including a 60-yard penalty shot through a well-defended goal line.
John Love, who does the KPC photography for its season games, said the game was marked by intense competition between the two young professionals — Blumenthal and Galindo.
“They are good buddies and fierce competitors on the field,” Love said. “For this game, they played opposite each other.”
Blumenthal finished with two goals along with Krista Bonaguidi for Savage Pearls. The scoring pair got strong support from Ronny Tongg and Peter Cameron, Love said.
Carlos Elzaurdia, a KPC member since 1979, delighted long-time polo fans with his appearance on the Paradise team, and Sprite, an Arabian stallion, celebrated his 18th birthday with Doc Sims at the reins.
Coming off a 2-1 halftime lead, Paradise nailed three more goals in the third chukker while leaving Savage Pearls frustrated with a 5-1 lead at the horn.
Savage Pearls had worked the ball diligently, but had no scores to show for their effort.
Faced with the 5-1 deficit, Savage Pearls swung the momentum in the final chukker as Blumenthal struck for his first goal of the game, Tongg being instrumental in the race downfield.
Tongg took a knock-in with a power shot that dropped the ball in front of Blumenthal, but that play was stymied by Galindo who swept in on Blumenthal. Bonaguidi was there for a well-placed tap as Savage Pearls pulled to a 5-3 deficit.
But time was running out and Blumenthal, despite working the ball through traffic near the goal mouth, was able to notch just one more goal before the final horn.
Sunday marks the end of the 2007 Polo Club season, and the game will be played in memory of KPC member John Elwin who was murdered last year in the Philippines.
Love said following the game, KPC invites friends and guests to a tail-gate potluck dinner where the Polo Club Facility will be dedicated to Elwin’s memory.
Elwin’s tale was presented on “America’s Most Wanted” television series this year, and Love said they will be joining the club for this event.
Gates to the ‘Anini Polo Fields open at 1:30 p.m. with the game starting at 3 p.m.
For more information, visit the KPC Web site at www.kauaipoloclub.org.
