Limited Edition 12-Goal Series

By Arianna Delin, Sharon Robb for Grand Champions Polo Club

Palm Beach Equine won the first 12-goal tournament of the eighth winter polo season Saturday at Grand Champions Polo Club.

After rain delays and rescheduling, Palm Beach Equine captured the Limited Edition 12-Goal Series with a thrilling 8-7 victory over defending champion Goose Creek.

Palm Beach Equine’s winning team of Scott Swerdlin, Ezequiel Zubiaurre, Agustin Arellano and Gringo Colombres. Photo by ChukkerTV

In a hardfought, physical game the team of Agustin Arellano, Ezequiel Zubiaurre, Gringo Colombres and Scott Swerdlin held off a late rally by the Goose Creek team of Maureen Brennan, Marc Ganzi, Juancito Bollini and Mariano Gonzalez.

Glenn Straub presents Gringo Colombres with MVP plaque. Photo by ChukkerTV

Gringo Colombres was named Most Valuable Player. Colombres’ horse Columbia was named Best Playing Pony.

The one-two punch of Colombres and Zubiaurre combined for eight goals.

MVP Gringo Colombres of Palm Beach Equine takes a pass from teammate Ezequiel Zubiaurre. Photo by ChukkerTV

The lead changed hands six times before Palm Beach Equine took a commanding 8-5 lead in the sixth chukker.

Palm Beach Equine teammates Ezequiel Zubiaurre and Gringo Colombres work together. Photo by ChukkerTV

Goose Creek tried to dig itself out of a hole with two penalty goals from Gonzalez to trail by only one but ran out of time.

Ezequiel Zubiaurre of Palm Beach Equine avoids Maureen Brennan’s hook.  Photo by ChukkerTV

Gonzalez scored a game-high seven goals for Goose Creek, all on penalty conversions.

Gringo Colombres of Palm Beach Equine keeps possession of the ball with Maureen Brennan defending. Photo by ChukkerTV

Action continues this month with 6-, 8- and 12-goal tournaments at Grand Champions Polo Club, the nation’s busiest, most innovative and cutting edge polo club. The USPA 12-Goal Sieber Memorial, Santa Rita Memorial 8-Goal and Halo Polo Trophy 6-Goal Tournament are being held this month.

Scott Swerdlin of Palm Beach Equine defends Maureen Brennan of Goose Creek. Photo by ChukkerTV

The club also features The Polo School, dedicated to teaching polo, particularly grass roots youth. Its mission is to provide individuals opportunities in polo. The Polo School operates in Wellington January through June and September through November.

Juancito Bollini of Goose Creek hits the neck shot past defenders.  Photo by ChukkerTV

ChukkerTV, leaders in polo broadcasting, is exclusively live streaming International Polo Club Palm Beach and Grand Champions Polo Club games during the 2016 season with the always entertaining polo broadcasters Toby Wayman and Dale Schwetz calling the action.

Limited Edition 12-goal Series finalists Scott Swerdlin, Gringo Colombres, Ezequiel Zubiaurre and Agustin Arellano of Palm Beach Equine, awards presenter Glenn Straub, Maureen Brennan, Marc Ganzi, Juancito Bollinto and Mariano Gonzalez of Goose Creek. Photo by ChukkerTV

ChukkerTV’s state-of-the-art technology also features team challenges and instant replay which made their debut in Grand Champions in January 2014.

Gringo Colombres’ Best Playing Pony Columbia. Photo by ChukkerTV