TOUGHKENAMON, Pa.-- The Barefield team of Hernan Tasso, Marcos Onetto, Mark Mulligan and Adam Lipsome defeated the New Hope team of Pelon Escapite, Denis A. Santana, Tim Cheronmcka and Rhea Lowenthal by a score of 14 to 12 in the Gerald Balding Memorial Tournament 6-8 goal final tournament at the Brandywine Polo Club on Labor Day, Sept. 3.

The winning team of Adam Lipsom, Mark Mulligan, Marcos Onetto and Hernan TassoBoth teams traveled from Tinicum in Delaware County, Pa., to compete in the tournament that began with four teams and narrowed down to the two finalists.

“It was a great competitive match," said Mulligan from the winning Barefield team. "I wasn’t sure we could pull it off, but when Hernan Tasso made four goals in the fourth chukker, I knew our luck had changed.”

 “Amazing match," said Joseph Gantert, who was a spectator but is also a polo player. "Two amazing teams. Super close. Incredible riding as well as back to back goals . 14 -12. Great to have seen it. Bravo to all.”

 

 

ESCAPITE  of the New Hope team was named the Most Valuable Player, and this award was doubly gratifying as Labor Day was also his MVP Pelon Escapitebirthday.

The Best Playing Pony award and congratulations go to Tasso's BBP Dalmiro, who is out of his mare, Dalma, and by Chalo Compinche.

Chalo Compinche is the stallion of Bartolome Castagnol.

The Gerald Balding Tournament is named for a great English player of early 20th century, born in 1909.

Balding was the last 10-goal British player to date.

Gerald and his two brothers, Ivor and Barney, played in the United States throughout the golden age of polo in the 1920s and 30s, mostly at the famous Meadowbrook Polo Club on Long Island.

Gerald Balding went on to captain the British national polo team in 1936 and 1938.

Denis SantanaThe Gerald Balding tournament, first played in 1958, has traditionally been the Brandywine Polo Club's most competitive trophy.

Names of past winners are affixed to the wooden, custom-made trophy case.

These nameplates make for interesting reading, as they include a large number of great players and teams not only from Brandywine, but also from the entire East coast.

Dixon Stroud serves as president of the Club, with the polo professional from Argentina, Charly Quincoces, serving as the polo manager.

The Brandywine Polo Club is located at  232 Polo Road in Toughkenamon.

The polo season runs from May 28 to Sept 30, and spectators are invited to attend polo matches on Fridays and Sundays.

On Fridays, the gate opens at 5 p.m., and the match begins at 5:30.

Tim Cheromcka taking a shotOn Sundays, the gate opens at 1:30 p.m., and the match begins at 3:00.

General Admission tickets are available for $15 at www.brandywinepolo.com or at the gate the day of the event.

Discounted tickets are available at Landhope Farms, at the 101 E. Street Location, for $10.

Children under 12 and adults over 75, free.

Daily tailgates available on line and at the gate for $35. Parking Free.

If it rains, as weather can cause games to be postponed or cancelled, it is recommended that spectators watch the Brandywine facebook page for latest updates or sign up for TEXT CONNECT prior to attending.

Sign up for TEXT CONNECT by texting the word Brandywinepolo to 84483.

Two of the winners celebrtingDress comfortably, but hats are encouraged, flat shoes are suggested and shorts, sun dresses and jeans are welcoThere is plenty of room to sit field side either on bleachers or bring a blanket or folding chairs.

There is a coke machine, but no food vendors, so best to take your own food and drink, and adult beverages are allowed, but glass is discouraged.

Dogs are allowed but must remain on a leash at all times.

Also, please be prepared to take your trash with you.

Brandywine offers polo lessons, and all are welcome to take private, group or Intro To Polo, polo lessons at Brandywine no matter what your age,skill level or equine experience.

Contact: Lory at poloschool@brandywinepol>