Lagos Polo : February 2011

Sunday, 27 February 2011

MTN Polo: Lagos Arkpolo, Yakassai Share Honours

L-R Oba Rilwan Akiolu 1, Mr Dolapo Akerele, president Lagos Polo Club and Mr Karl Toriola, chief technical officer MTN Nigeria during the presentation of the Oba of Lagos Cup at the 2011 MTN Lagos International Polo Tournament

The first stage of the glamorous MTN International Polo Tournament that has been
spreading excitement across the country, ended last night with a bang with two
bumper to bumper cup finals lighting up the city.
The first stage finals which were before a full house at the legendary Ribadu
Road Polo Ground in Ikoyi saw Lagos and Kano teams going neck to neck in their
traditional rivalry to decide the winner of the Dansa and the Lagos Low Cup.
In a dramatic and suspends filled Dansa Cup final, visiting Kano Yakassai came
from behind to snatched a sudden death victory against home boys, Lagos
Petrogroup, smiling home with the glittering Dansa Cup.
The final score line standing at 5-5 at the end of the four regulated chukkers,
the MTN powered grand fiesta went straight to the wire with a tense sudden death
decider that came down in the third minute with a low strike by Yakassai’s top
predator, Idris Ahmed.
‘We came fully prepared because the Lagos guys are always in a killer mood when
playing before their crowd. Our game plan was simple, don’t allow them space and
take every chance that come and it work well,’ enthused Ahmed.
The second game of the day was the prestigious Lagos Low Cup final in which
Lagos Arkpolo gave their teeming Lagos fans plenty to celebrate for, as they
handed the highly ambitious Kano Suleya side a 41/2-3 defeat to clinch their
first ever Lagos major title.
That victory came quite timely for the Lagosians who had earlier watched in
shock as Lagos Petrogroup suffered a sudden death defeat in the hands of another
Kano side in the Dansa Cup.

The MTN polo grand finale was witnessed by top dignitaries and teeming crowd of
polo buffs that included the Oba of Lagos, His Majesty Oba Rilwan Akiolu who
arrived with his traditional chiefs, Umaru Shinkafi and other Trustees of the
Lagos Polo Club, captains of industries and diplomats.
The Lagos Monarch, who was the Special Guest of Honour and Father of the Day,
was on hand to present the highly revered Oba of Lagos Cup to the winners and
the runners.

The second part of the MTN/Lagos international Polo Tournament is billed to
gallop off next week from March 2-6, 2011. It promises to a thrilling campaign
as the big boys compete for the ‘Lagos Open’ and ‘Majekodunmi Cup’ respectively.
Other laurels up for grabs during the grand finale include are the ‘the
Governor’s Cup as well as the Independence trophy, reputed as the oldest polo
prize in Nigeria.

Ernest Ekpeyoung.

MTN Polo: Oba of Lagos Cup Takes Centre Stage.

As the first stage of the glamorous MTN International Polo climax with fanfare
today, the prestigious Oba of Lagos Cup finals stands out as the biggest
attraction of the day. The selected cup which is played in honour of the Lagos
monarch, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, will for the first time be contested for by two
sides with team handicap of 13 goals.
Slated as the last game of the day, the battle for the royal prize will pitch
the Iga quartet of Rotimi Makanjuola, Khalifa Ibrahim, Francisco Irastorza and
Marcello Pascual, against their Eko Akete opponents parading Rojo, Ali Birjawi,
Frankie Menendez and Adamu Yaro.
The epic clash to be watch by His Majesty and thousands of polo buffs, promises
to be a thrilling four chukkas combat as all the players are already staking
huge claims for the highly revered crown that has been one of the major
highlights of the MTN polo fiesta for decades now.
The Oba of Lagos Cup final would be preceded by the Dansa Cup and the Lagos Low
Cup finals, described by bookmakers as cliff hangers that would be too close
to call.

The Dansa Cup that attracted 8 teams from Kano, Ibadan and host Lagos, will
pitch Kano Yakassai who outpaced Polo Africa 61/2-4 in the closely fought semi
final game against and home favourites, Lagos Petrogroup who defeated Ibadan
Mokola 3-21/2 in their semi final clash.
Lagos Low Cup final that threw up an interesting match-up, is guaranteed all the
adrenaline rushes as Lagos Arkpolo seek their first major title against the top
running Kano Suleya Oil team that are not ready to take prisoners.
Kano Suleya who win all their games since the MTN grand event galloped off last
Wednesday, defeated Lagos Bell Oil & Gas 8-21/2 in an impressive run that made
this year’s the Low Cup campaigns the most competitive in years.
Their final game opponents could come better than the explosive Lagos Arkpolo
who destroyed the tall ambition of Linetrale with a whopping 121/2 -4 victory in
a tense semi final game that was decided before a full house at the Ribadu Road
polo theatre.
Backed by their teeming fans, Arkpolo who are clearly the highest scoring side
in the race to the Low Cup title that attracted a record nine teams, are
confidence that they would turn back their Kano opponent in the final game. But
it will take more than a mere wish to stop the rampaging Kano Boys in this epic
clash.

Ernest Ekpeyoung.

Saturday, 26 February 2011

LAGOS POLO CLUB INTERNATIONAL POLO TOURNAMENT 2011.

L-R :MS.EMAMOKE OGORO(MTN HIGH VALUE SENIOR MGR,MR.DOLAPO AKERELE.(SAN)(CLUB'S PRESIDENT),MR.OSAZEEBUOKU(MTN MGR)During cheque presentation to LAGOS POLO CLUB.

The annual Lagos international polo tournament started today, 23rd Feb.2011.The tournament promises to be exciting as top players from home and abroad shall be parading their horses and displaying the art of horsemanship on the field of play.

MR.AYO OLASHOJU addressing journalist in view of The 2011 Lagos polo club Tournament.

The Lagos international polo tournament is known for showcasing Argentine players during their tournaments and this year will showcase more players compared to previous tournaments.This was confirmed by the tournament manager,Mr.Ayo Olashoju in a press conference yesterday with media officials in Lagos polo club Ikoyi lagos.

MS.OGORO Granting Press Interviews.

There are numerous programes lined up for the tournament among is a fashion show which will come up later during the high goal session of the tournament.

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Empire Polo Club’s Youth Polo Program Puts On Demonstration

By PoloZone.

was the party of the year, at least for Sofia Bonillo and all her guests. She turned six years old and wanted to have a polo party to introduce her friends and their parents to polo. Sofia is a youth player at the newly established Empire Polo Club’s Youth Program under the direction of Connie Atkinson and Roxy Keyfauver. All the stops were pulled out to make this a special day for Sofia. Empire’s children players put on demonstration game consisting of two teams of four players, even though the game was held in the arena.

Empire’s Red team:

Sofia Bonilla
Rhyo Keyfauver
Eleanore Smith
Luke Doty

Empire’s Yellow Team:

Ella Bonillo
Cameron Smith
Kiara Jackson
Mile Doty

Every one of these children with the exception of a couple have only been riding for a few months. It was a hot and furious game as the players trotted, while others picked up speed and cantered down the arena, fighting for the ball and scoring. All these children have come a long way in their riding and playing skills in such a short time and showed it much to the delight of those in attendance.

After the game, the players lead their horses back into the arena to give those who wanted to try polo an opportunity to ride a polo horse and get instructions on how to hit the ball from the children themselves. The players placed their helmets on the individual guests and lead them around explaining the preliminaries of hitting the ball and riding a polo horse. The guests enjoyed themselves immensely, and for many, it was the first time ever being on a horse. The children instructors were also fantastic, taking great pride in their student’s achievements. What a great party day.! One that will be remembered by all for a long time to come. Thank you Empire Polo Club.

For further information about the Empire’s youth program please call Future Polo Players of Coachella Valley, Connie Atkinson, 760-899-5102.

Col Paul Belcher retires as Chairman of Guards Polo Club after 10 seasons

The focus of the last weekend of the 2011 season was not only some great polo on several grounds at the Club, but the various farewells for our retiring Chairman, Col Paul Belcher. He has been Chairman of the Club for 10 years and his successor, Jock Green Armytage, paid tribute to him and his wife Sanda at the Chairman's Tournament Dinner. The Chairman has been at the helm during many significant events at the Club, not least the 50th anniversary celebrations, the 50th anniversary of The Queen's Cup and the opening of the new Clubhouse in 2009. After Sunday's games, Board Member Susan Bailey and the Non Playing Membership at the Club made a presentation to the Chairman in recognition of his many years as their representative on the Board. However, the Chairman and his wife have been presented with Life Membership of Guards Polo Club and so we look forward to welcoming them back to the Club next season. Caption: Colonel Paul Belcher and his wife Sanda stand alongside The Queen's Ground at Smith's Lawn on his final day as Chairman of Guards Polo Club (Centaur Photographic) 2011 season was not only some great polo on several grounds at the Club, but the various farewells for our retiring Chairman, Col Paul Belcher. He has been Chairman of the Club for 10 years and his successor, Jock Green Armytage, paid tribute to him and his wife Sanda at the Chairman's Tournament Dinner. The Chairman has been at the helm during many significant events at the Club, not least the 50th anniversary celebrations, the 50th anniversary of The Queen's Cup and the opening of the new Clubhouse in 2009.

FRANCE - POLO DE DEAUVILLE AND BLACK STORM won and remained unbeaten on the fifth day of the French

On a day lucida, which had the impeccable animators Argentine players, took place on Thursday 8 / 9 the fifth day of qualifying, which had two duels unbeaten vibrant, under the great French Open which takes place in the city of Chantilly . For Zone 1, the formation of Black Storm, with the Argentines Juan Martin Zavaleta-h-, Clemente Zavaleta-h-and John Jauretche, Cheval Des Andes beat with his fellow Christian and Juan Bernal Ambroggio 8 to 7 ½, in a close game where the winner from the start took the lead on the scoreboard after discounting the benefit of ½ goal that gave great defensive power and kept it until the end, despite the onslaught of the loser. For Zone 2 Polo de Deauville, with Dario Musso, Thomas and Mark Mocoroa Reinoso, who received ½ goal lead, beat murus Sanctus, Facundo Sola, and Alfredo Matias Fabian Benoit Capella 9 ½ to 8 predisposed the winner came out better in the game, I hit the willows (particularly in the early chukkers) and finished at the end to define a good performance by Dario Musso. The tournament will continue on Friday 9 / 9 with the games they will face, for Zone 1, Marquard Media (1 win, 1 lost), with the Argentines Marcos Di Paola and Martin Aguerre-h-vs. In The Wings (1 g, 1 p), with Francisco and English Bensadon Luke Tomlinson, and Zone 2, Paprec (2p) with Pablo Alejandro Muzzio and Sirvent, vs. Tom Taylor (1 g, 1 p), with Eduardo Anca, Nicolas Ruiz and Juan Manuel Gonzalez Guiñazú. In this contest involving ten teams of 14 and 16 goals for recovery. The ten teams are grouped into two zones of five and will play 12 qualifying sessions, followed by the semifinal and final. Many of these players have worn this season in this Europe, which enters its final stretch of this successful and traditional event.

Ellerstina and Estancia Grande record wins in Sunday’s Argentine Open action

By Alex Webbe. ( Palm Beach).

Ellerstina scored an opening win over Alegria Sunday afternoon in the opening round of play in the 118^thArgentine Open played on the fields at Palermo in
Buenos Aires. The 20-17 victory held little in common with arch-rival La Dolfina’s 23-10 walk over Chapa Uno yesterday, but a win is a win, and Ellerstina certainly showed its ability to score goals in the match.

Ellerstina took an early 2-1 lead after the first chukker with goals from Facundo Pieres and Nico Pieres. Francisco Bensadon kept Alegria from being shut out with a single goal.

Ellerstina and Alegria scored two goals apiece in the second period. Bensadon added two more for Alegria while Facundo Pieres accounted for both of Ellerstina’s goals. Although seemingly in control, Ellerstina held on to a narrow one goal 4-3 lead after two.

Ellerstina notched three goals in the third, two more from Facundo and one from Gonzalito Pieres. Ellerstina opened up a two goal spread, 7-5, holding Alegria to just two goals from Francisco de Narvaez.

Alegria pumped up its efforts in the fourth, outscoring Ellerstina 3-2 and trailing by
a single goal, 9-8, at the end of the first half of play. Alegria got one from Bensadon and a pair from de Narvaez. Ellerstina got single goals from Nachi Heguy and Nico Pieres.

Two goals from Ellerstina’s Gonzalito Pieres in the fifth were offset by a single goal
from de Narvaez. After five chukkers of play, Ellerstina led by a just two goals, 11-9.

Ellerstina exploded for three goals in the sixth, getting two from Facundo Piers and one from Nico Pieres. Alegria struggled to stay close, tallying goals from Freddie Mannix, Mariano Aguerre and de Narvaez and trailing by two goals, 14-12.

The teams combined for six more goals in the seventh. Ellerstina picked up single goals from Facundo, Nico and Gonzalito Pieres. Alegria countered with goals
from Mannix, Aguerre and de Narvaez, again. Alegria still trailed by two goals, 17-15, with seven minutes left to play.

Ellerstina outscored Alegria 3-2 in the final period of play with Facundo Pieres scoring all three. Mannix responded with a pair of goals, but the 2010 Argentine Open defending champion held on for the 20-17 win.

Facundo Pieres led all scoring with 11 goals. Nico Pieres and Gonzalito Pieres scored four goals apiece with Nachi Heguy adding a goal for the win.

De Narvaez set the pace for Alegria with seven goals. Mannix and Bensadon scored four goals each while Aguerre added two goals.

ESTANCIA GRANDE 18, CHAPA II 13

Estancia Grande closed out the day’s Argentine Open play with an 18-13 win over Indios Chapaleufu II.

Estancia Grande charged out to an early4-1 lead with Agustin Merlos and Lolo Castagnola scoring two goals apiece. Eduardo Heguy converted a penalty goal for Chapa II.

Agustin Merlos scored two more goals for Estancia Grande in the second but Chapa II
responded with three goals, cutting the Estancia Grande lead to two goals, 6-4.

A penalty goal from Agustin Merlos and a goal from the field from Lucas Monteverde were answered by two penalty conversions from Heguy. At the end of three chukkers Estancia Grande maintained a two goal lead, 8-6.

Agustin Merlos scored on a penalty shot and Castagnola added a goal from the
field. Heguy scored his team’s only goal of the chukker as Estancia Grande rode off the field at the end of the first half with a 10-7 lead.

Defenses tightened in the fifth, with Chapa II shutting down the Estancia Grande offense for the first time all day. The Chapa II attack didn’t do much better, managing a single goal from Alejandro Novillo Astrada and a penalty goal from Alberto Heguy. Chapa II still trailed, but it was just a single goal behind, 10-9.

Monteverde scored a pair of goals in the sixth and Sebastian Merlos added a goal. Astrada scored from the field for Chapa II and Eduardo Heguy converted a penalty shot for a goal. Estancia Grande led 13-11. Sebastian Merlos received his fourth yellow card in the game, however, and would not be allowed to play in Estancia
Grande’s next outing.

Agustin Merlos added two more goals to the Estancia Grande total with Julio Arellano scouring the only goal of the seventh chukker for Chapa II. Estancia Grande took a three goal, 15-12 lead into the final period.

Alberto Heguy managed a single goal in the eighth, but two goals from Castagnola and a goal from Monteverde shut the door on Chapa II as Estancia Grande celebrated the 18-13 win.

Play will continue in the opening rounds of play in the Argentine Open on Saturday,
November 26 with La Aguada (1-0) meeting Chapa Uno (0-1) at 2pm followed by a
faceoff between La Dolfina (1-0) and Pilara Piaget (0-1) at 4pm. On Sunday, November 27, Estancia Grande (1-0) will meet Alegria (0-1) at 2pm followed by a showdown between La Dolfina (1-0) and Chapa II (0-1).

SANTA BARBARA, CA - SANTA BARBARA POLO CLUB - Lucchese Takes Second Straight Open Title

The Cinderella Piaget polo team that fought its way into the finals of the 2011 Bombardier Pacific Coast Open at the Santa Barbara Polo Club this afternoon had little to apologize for in its 11-9 loss.Astrada scored on another 60-yard penalty shot in the second as Piaget went up 4-1, but that would be the extent of their offense for the rest of the period. Two goals from 10-goaler Adolfo Cambiaso (one from the field and one on a penalty shot) were followed by a pair of goals from Blake, and Lucchese left the field on top of a 5-4 score. “The second chukker killed them,” said polo veteran Steve Crowder. “After jumping out to a three goal lead, and have them come back with four straight goals, it was just awful,” he added.

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Sunday, 27 February 2011

MTN Polo: Lagos Arkpolo, Yakassai Share Honours

MTN Polo: Oba of Lagos Cup Takes Centre Stage.

Saturday, 26 February 2011

LAGOS POLO CLUB INTERNATIONAL POLO TOURNAMENT 2011.