Tue 30th Apr 2019U.S Polo Assn. Wins in MiamiWorld Polo League Beach Polo Miami Beach Cup
On Sunday 28 April, following three days of thrilling beach polo in the heat of Miami South Beach, U.S Polo Assn rallied to secure The World Polo League Beach Polo Miami Beach Cup with a 9½-8 final score against rivals Flexjet. As the youngest team on the team lists, this was a wonderful feat, with Team Captain Grant Ganzi earning himself not only the trophy, but The Winning Team Captain Award as well. From the off, it looked like Flexjet were the stronger team, with not only a higher starting handicap, but also by holding the lead up until the end of the third chukka. U.S. Polo Assn. however were hot on their heels, taking control of the match from the fourth chukka onwards, with Juancito Bollini putting the young team ahead 7½-7 in the final chukka. Flexjet then returned the favour, with a goal from Wes Finlayson, but as the chukka wound down and the teams to and froed on the score line, Carlitos Gracida scored with Ganzi then securing an insurance goal with 30 seconds to spare. Ganzi said after the match, “It was a great win. it’s fun to be on the same field with two of my best friends. In the end we started making good plays.” The American Polo Horse Association Best Playing Pony award was presented to Turquoise, played by Alejandro Novillo Astrada, whilst The World Polo League Best Playing Pony was awarded to Chip, played by Grant Ganzi. A full report will follow in the June issue of Polo Times. The World Polo League Beach Polo Miami Beach Cup Final Teams: U.S. Polo Assn. (12): Grant Ganzi (3 – Captain), Juancito Bollini (4) & Carlitos Gracida (5) Flexjet (13): Melissa Ganzi (1), Alejandro Novillo Astrada (8) & Wes Finlayson (4) Photograph: The young U.S. Polo Assn. were victorious in Miami. Courtesy of World Polo League Beach Polo Miami |