The Gauntlet of Polo as well as the second leg of the series, the USPA Gold Cup, has a new winner – Scone took a 13-10 win over Tonkawa and claimed the trophy, following the final that was played on Sunday Mach 28, at International Polo Club Palm Beach. The tournament saw nine teams up to 22 goals, compete.
A close contest was perhaps expected, as it was the clash of two of the most powerful teams of the competition. But the truth is that Scone dominated from the first throw-in. They took a 3-1 lead by the end of the first chukka, and extended the gap in the next two chukkas, to reach a 8-3 advantage by half time. The extraordinary combination between Scone’s three professionals – Adolfo Cambiaso, his son Poroto and the young Peke Gonzalez, was crucial for the red jerseys in order to continue their dominance on the two following chukkas. But with the match almost said and done – Scone already had a commanding 12-5 lead by the start of the sixth chukka, Tonkawa reinforced their attack in that last episode, and managed to produce five goals through Sapo Caset (1), Lucas Escobar (3) and Fran Elizalde (1). But the efforts didn’t pay off and luck was not on their side; Scone only needed to remain in control and only one goal, courtesy of Peke Gonzalez, was enough to seal the deal and win the title.
The Gauntlet of Polo is streamed live on GLOBAL POLO.
TONKAWA 13-12 LA INDIANA
Scone: David Paradice 0, Poroto Cambiaso 6 (4 goals), Peke Gonzalez 6 (4), Adolfo Cambiaso 10 (5). Total: 22.
Tonkawa: Jeff Hildebrand 0, Lucas Escobar 3 (1 goal), Sapo Caset 10 (6), Fran Elizalde 9 (3). Total: 22.
Score Scone: 3-0, 6-1, 8-3, 10-4, 12-5, 13-10.
MVP: Poroto Cambiaso.
BPP: Monjita Coronada, ridden by Adolfo Cambiaso.
BPP awarded by the Argentine Polo Pony Breeders Assn.: Lovelocks Camusericht, ridden by Adolfo Cambiaso.