The opening game of the 2019 high-goal season at the International Polo Club Palm Beach saw Dutta Corp (Timmy Dutta, Gringo Colombres, Lucas Diaz Alberdi and Kris Kampsen) narrowly edge Patagones (Joaquin Avendano, Benjamin Avendano, Tomas Garcia de Rio and Santiago Toccalino) 11-10 to claim the Herbie Pennell Cup in front of the grandstand on Field 1 – Home of U.S. Polo Assn.
Despite receiving 11 penalty attempts in the game, Patagones was left a goal short as Dutta Corp controlled open play, scoring all but two goals from the field. The duo of Alberdi and Colombres led the way with four field goals each, while Kampsen added two penalty conversions in the victory.
Dutta Corp raced out to the early 6-3 lead behind a strong defensive performance, holding Patagones to zero field goals until late in the third chukker. It was Garcia del Rio who led the comeback, scoring his fourth goal to end the half and bring Patagones within one goal at 6-5.
The two teams traded goals throughout the second half, with neither able to separate themselves in the back-and-forth affair. With the score tied at 10-10 in the final chukker, Colombres broke the tie and claimed the 11-10 victory for Dutta Corp. Colombres was named Most Valuable Player and Fino Conejo, played by Avendano, received the Best Playing Pony award.
The IPC season continues this week with the start of the Joe Barry Memorial Cup. The first game took place on Thursday, Jan. 3.
Visit www.internationalpoloclub.com or call (561) 204-5687 for more information about the 2019 polo season at IPC.
