NEWS

Story courtesy of the International Polo Club Palm Beach

Palm Beach Equine (Constancio ‘Costi’ Caset*, Robi Bilbao, Gringo Colombres, Scott Swerdlin) bounced back from Sunday's defeat by Aspen to capture their second victory in the Ylvisaker Cup over Beverly Polo (Bill Ballhaus, Peke Gonzalez*, Jorge “Tolito” Fernandez Ocampo Jr., Hilario Figueras) 11-9. Bilbao’s superb attacking skills, finishing with a season-high five goals, led Palm Beach Equine to the narrow two-goal victory at the International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC).

Losing their previous match against Beverly Polo, Palm Beach Equine managed to capture the win in the crucial match that held heavy implications for the remainder of the tournament. A hard-fought game was determined by the accuracy of Palm Beach Equine from the penalty line, converting five of their seven attempts, while also outshooting Beverly Polo from the field. Beverly Polo, with a two-goal advantage, looked to match Palm Beach Equine each step of the way, but Palm Beach Equine received a balanced attack to seal the 11-9 victory.

In the early stages of the game, Beverly Polo committed two quick fouls which quickly erased their two-goal lead on handicap. Reclaiming the lead on a penalty conversion from Ocampo Jr., Beverly Polo ended the first chukker ahead by one, but were facing a persistent offense from Palm Beach Equine. Producing five shots in the second chukker, Palm Beach Equine received goals from Bilbao and Colombres, taking their first lead of the game 4-3. Aiming to restore their advantage, Beverly Polo fought hard in an intense third chukker that saw a combined seven goals between the two teams on perfect shooting from the field and penalty line. However, Palm Beach Equine doubled their lead to two, thanks to the trio of Caset, Bilbao, and Colombres, who proved to be a significant factor in the outcome

Palm Beach Equine entered the second half continuing their strong and coordinated play, outshooting Beverly Polo 4-1 in the fourth chukker. They remained just two ahead after Ocampo Jr.’s penalty conversion matched Bilbao’s fourth goal of the game. A determined Beverly Polo team worked hard throughout an exhilirating fifth chukker, keeping Palm Beach Equine scoreless and allowing Ocampo Jr. to cut the deficit to just one goal entering the final chukker. Palm Beach Equine fought through their offensive struggles to control possession at the start of the sixth chukker as Bilbao capped off his strong performance with a goal to open scoring in the final chukker. A Penalty 3 conversion for Colombres sealed the 11-9 victory for Palm Beach Equine.

Aspen will face Tamera on Sunday, January 31 for a spot in the Ylvisaker Cup Semifinal. All games of the Ylvisaker Cup will be livestreamed exclusively on Global Polo TV.

*Peke Gonzalez is an Active Team USPA Member and Constancio ‘Costi’ Caset is a Graduating Team USPA Member. 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.