Following a spectacular overtime Iglehart Cup victory for Beverly Polo over La Fe, the two teams met again in the opening of the Joe Barry Memorial at International Polo Club Palm Beach. A second thrilling contest ensued, as end-to-end play came to a captivating conclusion with La Fe’s Robi Bilbao guiding the ball between the posts at the end of regulation to take the game 12-11.
Kicking off the Joe Barry Memorial on Field 5, Francisco Elizalde ignited the scoring early for La Fe on a Penalty 3. The two teams evenly matched play was apparent from the outset, with Lucas Diaz Alberdi and Jorge “Tolito” Fernandez Ocampo Jr. answering in quick succession for Beverly Polo. Tied at 2-all to begin the second chukker, Elizalde kept the pressure on Beverly Polo scoring two more goals, followed by teammate Bilbao with his first of the match. Only managing to add one to the scoreboard in the second, Beverly Polo regrouped for the third on a quick goal from a knock-in for Ocampo Jr. Following a second consecutive goal for Ocampo Jr. from distance on a Penalty 5, 9-goaler Elizalde once again responded for La Fe. As both teams pushed in the remaining time before the half, Ocampo Jr. and Elizalde traded goals once more, resulting in La Fe emerging with a narrow 7-6 lead at halftime.
Continuing his dominant play Elizalde made his impression on the fourth chukker scoring back-to-back goals, including a brilliant near side back shot assisted by Lucas Escobar. Awarded a Penalty 3, Ocampo Jr. tapped in the only goal of the chukker for a trailing Beverly Polo. Displaying horsepower and speed, Bilbao carried the ball to the goal to open the fifth, where a determined Ocampo Jr. responded in succession for Beverly Polo from the field and goal line. Making strong contributions on defence throughout the day, Louis Devaleix broke onto the scoreboard for La Fe, finding his first of the tournament. Facing a two-goal deficit, Beverly Polo were not to be deterred, grinding offensively to tie the game on back-to-back goals from Ocampo Jr. and Alberdi. As the final minute of regulation ticked by with a tied score, it appeared the second consecutive matchup between Beverly Polo and La Fe would be determined in overtime but with only seconds remaining on the clock, Bilbao managed to secure the ball off a broken knock-in to carry the ball across the line and secure the last second, heart-pounding 12-11 victory.
Semifinal action in the Joe Barry Memorial continues on Wednesday, January 12 between CK Shack and Beverly Polo at 11:00am ET, followed by Patagones against La Fe at 3:00pm ET.