CNP's Team Land Rover Monmouth Wins 5-4 Over Tinicum Park Polo

By JOSEPH V. KUCA

The blistering heat of the afternoon cut the match down to just four chukkers instead of six but Colts Neck Polo's Team Land Rover Monmouth's players and horses played with passion for a close win of 5 to 4 against their rivals, Tinicum Park Polo.

Prior to the start of the match Umpire Steven Conroy notified polo announcer Carol Stahl that the first chukker would determine just how many chukkers both the players and their mounts could reasonably handle as the temperatures neared the high 90's with equally high humidity.

"We need to consider the heat and humidity for the well-being of the horses and the players," Conroy said.

CNP's Team Land Rover Monmouth Team Captain Matias Loyola began strong scoring a goal in the first chukker, followed by Ed Velarde who scored a goal for Tinicum Park Polo. In the second chukker Mike DeSaye took the ball back and scored for Colts Neck Polo only to be quickly upset by 12-year old, junior polo player, Anthony Milano making easy strides to win two goals for Tinicum.

After a 10 minute halftime, Conroy announced that players have decided to play two more chukkers but players were still uncertain about playing a full match.

In the third chukker with Tinicum ahead by one point Larry Rissin scored another goal keeping the score in favor for Tinicum. Sergio Correo captured the ball and headed for a goal for Colts Neck scoring. But the score 4 to 3 was not enough for Colts Neck to take home a win.

In the fourth chukker, with the heat taking its toll, Rebecca Linke and her thoroughbred ex-racehorse Jess, turned it up a notch and scored two goals for CNP's Team Land Rover Monmouth before the air horn was sounded ending the fourth chukker.

Both teams equally agreed to end the match leaving Colts Neck Polo as the winning team with a score of 5-4.

Special guests attending the match, the Pleasure Horse Club of Central Jersey.

Next match, Sunday, June 27th at 3PM, Bucks Mill Park, Colts Neck, NJ.