Berenberg Polo Derby, Hamburg, Germany
By Antje Derks
The 2009 Berenberg Polo Derby held last weekend in Hamburg Germany was a real rollercoaster of a match. First, a clear leader, then substitutions, then the equaliser: spectators had an edge-of-their-seat experience.
Things started out easily enough. Berenberg Polo Team had a very comfortable 5 – 1 lead over Lanson Polo Team in the first chukka, and it looked like they had the match sewn up. Unfortunately, Argentine player, Cesar Ruiz Guinazu was struck in the neck with the ball and had to be treated, missing the rest of the game. Team mates Steffi von Pock, Sebastian Schneberger and Martin Podesta finally found a substitute in the form of Juan Facundo Guivera. As it turned out Juan was, for the most part, an extremely able sub.
However, in the end, the other side managed to turn the game in their favour, first equalising and then ending with a two goal lead, to take the trophy 8 – 6. Jo Schneider, Sven Schneider and Christian Grimme very much relied on Gaston Maiquez’s play-making to win the match.
Third place went to the trio of Winter brothers – Thomas, Christopher “Niffy†and Oliver. Together with Stephan Louis, they played as the Lanson Polo Team, over-coming Meissler Polo Team in the subsidiary final.