Coldwell Banker/Bali Hai Realty scored an exciting victory over Hanalei Bay 7-5 on Sunday in the polo match at Kauai Polo Club’s Anini Polo Field. The action was non-stop, continuing until the final seconds of the game. The teams were
Coldwell Banker/Bali Hai Realty scored an exciting victory over Hanalei Bay 7-5 on Sunday in the polo match at Kauai Polo Club’s Anini Polo Field.
The action was non-stop, continuing until the final seconds of the game.
The teams were equal in all aspects, the competition was fierce, and the game never offered an opportunity to predict a winner.
Mike McCabe, representing Island Hardware, tossed in the ball to get the first chukker under way.
Until the two teams settled down, everybody played with a little caution.
Midway in the period Max Secunda changed horses.
When play resumed, Secunda cleared the bowl in. Peter Ganibi took control and with great stick work sent the ball through the pylons to score for Hanalei Bay.
As Ronnie Tongg and Stuart Mackenzie battled for ball control, along came Secunda, and with a superbly executed play took the ball through the traffic and down the field to score for Bali Hai.
Sioux Ramseyer tossed the ball in for the second period.
Mackenzie and Secunda continued to skirmish with Tongg and Ganibi. Despite harassment from Mackenzie, Tongg managed to get out in front of the pack and went coast to coast to score for Hanalei Bay.
In a flurry of action after the toss in Bali Hai drew umpire Kamalu Sheldon’s whistle. Ron Bonaguidi converted a penalty shot from 40 yards to an undefended goal to score for Hanalei Bay.
Just before the period ended Secunda put one up for Bali Hai.
Despite the humid weather the third chukker was filled with some rather awesome aggressive play. Irene Sheldon tossed the ball in, and shortly thereafter Secunda managed to gain control and score.
During the ensuing few minutes Tongg and Mackenzie engaged in some impressive defensive cat-and-mouse play to the enjoyment of the spectators.
Eventually Mackenzie pulled out all the stops and skillfully took off down the field to score.
As tensions mounted Bali Hai sustained a penalty; and Bonaguidi again converted the penalty shot for Hanalei Bay.
Secunda closed the scoring in the third period with a remarkable dash the length of the field.
Kauai’s Mayor, Bryan Baptiste, tossed in the ball to kick off the final chukker.
Play slowed somewhat as the humidity was taking a toll on both players and ponies.
Mackenzie, with great style, scored twice as he demonstrated his polo prowess and moved Bali Hai to the fore.
Hanalei Bay continued to fight back, and Ganibi’s shot on goal split the pylons just as the final horn sounded.
Teams: Coldwell Banker/Bali Hai Realty: Krista Hawley, Max Secunda, Stuart Mackenzie, John Elwin. Hanalei Bay: Mike Sheehan, Ron Bonaguidi, Peter Ganibi, Ronnie Tongg, Peter Cameron. Umpire: Kamalu Sheldon.
Tournament Polo continues at Anini Field this Sunday at 3 p.m.
The public is welcome. Adults $10 per person; 12-18, $5 per person. Club matches are played on Friday at 4 p.m.
