Las Monjitas Over White Birch 8-7
By Alex Webbe
Las Monjitas scored an 8-7 win over previously unbeaten White Birch Sunday afternoon at the International Polo Club in
In a neck and neck contest that was undecided until the final chukker, the teams battled to a 4-4 halftime score, with neither side taking control of the match.
Las Monjitas finally moved out to a 7-6 lead in the fifth chukker on the strength of an Eduardo Astrada goal, and never gave up the lead.
Adam Snow’s second goal of the match gave Las Monjitas a two-goal lead at 8-6.
White Birch continued to press the Las Monjitas defense, scoring on a penalty shot from Pancho Bensadon with 44 seconds left on the clock.
White Birch returned to the center of the field for the ensuing throw-in when time expired.
Eduardo Astrada and brother Nacho Astrada scored three goals apiece. Adam Snow added two goals in the win,
Pancho Bensadon led the White Birch team with five goals. Jeff Blake and Rob Stenzel added single goals.
Las Monjitas and White Birch ended up tied with 2-1 records in their respective division.
The feature match of the day between Black Watch (0-2) and Lechuza Caracas (1-1) was cancelled due to a health problem with a number of the Lechuza Caracas horses.
According to the International Polo Club, “Officials have elected to postpone the bracket play game between Lechuza and Black Watch scheduled for 3:00 pm.â€
The club went on to say, “medical professionals are being consulted as to the cause of what looks like an allergic reaction in the horses.â€
An exhibition match was arranged and executed as the polo club activated a rapid response of its own with a number of veterinarians and volunteers fighting to assist the affected horses.