Newport takes 2011 US Trust Cup
By
Alex Webbe
A reshuffled Newport/Flat Out lineup spotted Elangeni
Ranch three goals by handicap Sunday morning at the Grand Champions Polo Club
but bounced back to score a 9-8 win and take home the 2011 US Trust Cup in the
club’s season-ending contest.
After a scoreless first chukker, Elangeni Ranch 4-goaler
Diego Cossio scored the first goal from the field for a 4-0 lead. Newport remained scoreless for the second
straight period.
Juan Bollini scored a pair of goals in the third (one
from the field and one on a penalty conversion). Nic Roldan scored on a penalty shot for
Newport, but the first half ended with Elangeni Ranch boasting a commanding 6-1
advantage.
Cossio and team captain Brian Street scored single goals
to open the second half, putting Elangeni Ranch out in front of an 8-1 lead
before Newport responded. Roldan chipped
away at the lead by converting a couple of penalty shots, but Elangeni Ranch
continued to lead by an impressive five goals, 8-3 at the end of four chukkers.
Shutout defense by Newport was coupled with three
consecutive goals by Newport. Team
captain Gene Goldstein and Natascha Baecher scored single goals from the field
while Roldan converted his fourth penalty shot of the match. Elangeni Ranch continued to lead, but the
margin had been cut to two goals, 8-6.
Newport continued to press its attack in the sixth. Roldan opened the chukker with another
penalty conversion for a goal, and Baecher and Brandon Phillips scored single
goals to carry Newport into the winners circle on the strength of an impressive
9-8 come-from-behind win.
Roldan led the Newport scoring with five penalty
goals. Baecher scored twice and Phillips
and Goldstein added single goals.
Bollini and Cossio scored two goals apiece for Elangeni
Ranch. Street added a goal and the team
received three goals by handicap.
Bollini was named MVP for his efforts in a losing cause
while Halo Polo’s Miss Rock-n-Roll,
played by Roldan, took Best Playing Pony honors.