Fourth Season of World Polo League
The World Polo League’s fourth season began on Saturday 13 February at Jan Pamela Field with the opening match for The All-Star Challenge. Catamount secured themselves a 14-11 win against Netjets, establishing themselves as a leading favourite in the tournament. It was an important win for Catamount patron Scott Devon who was returning to 26 goal after a 10-year hiatus. Devon commented, “My head is kind of spinning. That was fast polo. I’m not used to it. It’s good to be back. I think I will get much better as far as the speed of the game. I’m very pleased and happy to be back. It’s thrilling to be back.” In the late 1990s and early 2000, Catamount was one of the sport’s top teams featuring a pair of 10-goalers, Mike Azzaro and Carlos Gracida Sr. Devon, a second generation polo player, won several high goal 22 and 26 goal tournaments. He was 2004 USPA Amateur Player of the Year and raised to four goals.
With only one practice as a full team under its belt, it took Catamount two chukkas to find its momentum. After trailing 4-3 and 6-5, Catamount shut out NetJets, 3-0, in the third chukka for an 8-6 half-time lead. Catamount extended its lead 11-7 and 13-8 before NetJets tried to reel them in, but fell short in the final chukka. The tournament continues this week with White Birch vs Alegria on Friday 18 February, Seminole Casino Coconut Creek vs Brookshire Polo Team and Richard Mille vs Audi on Sunday 20 February.
Photograph: The All-Star Challenge is underway. By GCPC