NEWS

Spanning across three months of competition, the National Arena Delegate’s Cup hosted by Brookshire Polo Club (Brookshire, Texas) came to a close on Friday, March 15, at Dripping Springs Ranch Park Event Center and Arena. Concluding a jam-packed Texas Arena League (TAL) schedule, reigning champions Roxstars (Roxy Mounter, Megan Flynn, Shane Rice) went head-to-head against Bar-Spur LLC (Mark Osburn, Stephanie Colburn*, Chad Bowman).

Every Friday over the course of four weeks, the 6- to 9-goal tournament featured three games played across multiple locations including Legends Polo Club (Kaufman, Texas) and San Antonio Rose Palace. Following three rounds of preliminary play, Roxstars, Bar-Spur LLC and Texas A&M (Victor Aguilar, Zak Coleman, Aiden Meeker, Will Mudra) were each tied with 3-0 records. Based on tournament conditions, the tie was broken on net goals, sending the reigning National Arena Delegate’s Cup champions Roxstars up against a proven Bar-Spur LLC team.

Striking quickly, Bar-Spur LLC’s Colburn found the goal mouth. Putting up a strong effort on both sides of the ball, Rice gave the Roxstars a 4-3 lead at the end of the first chukker. Bowman kept Bar-Spur LLC in striking distance, but a pair of two-pointers from Rice in the second chukker allowed for Roxstars to maintain a 9-7 edge at halftime.

Detailing Roxstars’ strategy, Rice noted, “To get all three players on our team involved and exploit mismatches [that] I could take advantage, or if I could draw two people, then the girls could take advantage of that opportunity.” Commenting on the strength of the competition, Mounter added, “When I tried to take Stephanie or Mark, it was a lot of work; they are strong players.”

Colburn struck first to begin the second half, bringing Bar-Spur LLC within one goal. As Bar-Spur LLC began to gain momentum, Roxstars responded with three goals from the penalty line. Bowman was able to counter from the field, but two additional goals by Flynn pulled Roxstars further ahead 14-11.

In the fourth and final chukker, Bowman hit a momentum shifting two-pointer for the team in blue. Hanging onto a one-goal lead, Mounter and Flynn put their defensive skills into overdrive allowing Rice to score four more goals and seal the 17-13 win.

Celebrating her second consecutive National Arena Delegate’s Cup title Flynn expressed, “This is the only time of year I get to play with Roxy and Shane, and I knew it would be the last year we could play together with the upcoming handicap changes. It was really special for me.” Mounter added, “It’s an awesome feeling, I want to keep it going.”

Leading Roxstars in scoring, Shane Rice was awarded Galvin Agency’s Most Valuable Player. The Polo InterActive Sportsmanship Award was presented to Mark Osburn for his continued positive attitude, fairness and support for his peers and off the field.

Lucy, a 17-year-old thoroughbred mare played and owned by Chad Bowman received the Nutrena Best Playing Pony award. “[She’s a] thoroughbred that never raced,” said Bowman, “she’s powerful and explosive. Anytime I need to make a run or try to get away from someone, she’s gone.”

The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program Best Thoroughbred was awarded to Piñata played by Shane Rice. “Piñata is a horse that you need to know the arena game to utilize her specialties,” noted Rice, “I have a lot of trust in her which allows me to make more plays and try more things than the normal horse.”

Sharing the excitement of competing in the 6- to 9-goal event, Bowman stated, “To think that TAL pulls in that kind of competition is great, it helps put TAL on the map.” Osburn added, “Having a national tournament along with TAL was really cool because after each game you could go to ‘This Week In Polo’ and find the tournament standings—it’s just pretty cool to see that each week.” Lastly, Colburn shared, “It’s always an honor to be able to participate in a national tournament and it gives the TAL further prestige.”

*Stephanie Colburn is Team USPA alumna. Team USPA is a USPA program designed to enhance and grow the sport of polo in the United States by identifying young, talented American players and providing mentored training and playing opportunities leading to a pool of higher rated amateur and pro players and the resultant giveback to the sport of polo.

All photos courtesy of ©David Murrell.