Colts Neck Polo & Team LR Monmouth Win Season Opener

CNP Gallops to Victory 16-8 in Opening Day Match

PHOTO COURTESY OF LARRY DUFFY & COLTS NECK POLO.

By JOSEPH V. KUCA

With a lovely clear blue sky and temps soaring well into the high 70's, the many dedicated fans of Colts Neck Polo were treated to a most spirited and high scoring opening match between Colts Neck Polo's Team Land Rover Monmouth, led by its new team captain, Matias Loyola, and Shannon Hill Polo Club.

Loyola, a veteran polo player, sent home 9 of the 16 points scored by the CNP-LRM team against their very worthy opponents from Shannon Hill.  During the highly spirited match one player was thrown from his mount, but thankfully with only the wind knocked out of him, he was able to get up, recover and continue play uninterrupted.

The match, the club's season opener, officially commenced with a ceremonial ball toss by Shaun Golden, Monmouth County Sheriff and Lillian G. Burry, Monmouth County Freeholder, two honored guests of CNP who were escorted onto the field in a new Land Rover LR4 known for its capability, versatility and desirability and supplied to Colts Neck Polo for the day courtesy of Land Rover Monmouth.

Fans of Colts Neck Polo and Team Land Rover Monmouth were treated to a display of the new model Land Rover LR4 which was showcased and available for viewing in centerfield during halftime and the long-established polo club tradition of the stomping of the divots. 

A good day was had by all as both teams and club members mingled and enjoyed each others' company over a light meal and refreshments taken on the sidelines after play in, what is often referred to by those in the know as, "the Seventh Chukker."  Polo being a game with matches divided into six periods of play, known as chukkers, the Seventh Chukker is traditionally the social hour, when attendees enjoy their picnic hampers and wine in the late afternoon sun folllowing a match.