After already being defeated once by Farmers & Merchants Bank (FMB) in bracket play, there was no sweet revenge for Bensoleimani.com as FMB emerged victorious against Bensoleimani.com once again to claim the Lucchese Pacific Coast Circuit Intra-Circuit Cup Final at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club in Carpinteria, California on Sunday, June 23. With the 12-goal trophy up for grabs and to go with it an unprecedented potential $50,000 in prize money (from which $10,000 would be awarded to the 2nd place team), both the teams fought to win as many skins chukkers as possible at $5,000 each. With a solid performance in the first half, FMB’s early lead was able to withstand Bensoleimani.com’s second-half drive, to clinch the title 11-10 and also earning $20,000.
FMB had their foot on the gas from the word go as they took advantage of an initial goal awarded on handicap, and immediately seized the opportunity to take the game away from Bensoleimani.com and widened the gap as Felipe Marquez struck first from the field. Responding with two consecutive shots of his own, A field goal and Penalty conversion by Felipe Vercellino helped his team earn 5,000 of the game. FMB owner Danny Walker was on the money throughout the first half with his skill from the penalty line, being able to propel the team forward. Danny Walker Picking up two Penalty conversions in the second, it was Jimmy Wright who matched with a goal. FMB headed to the third chukker with a lead of 5-3, as they continued to build momentum adding four powerful goals to their tally, as they tripled Bensoleimani.com on the scoreboard. In the quest to narrow the gap, Vercellino converted a Penalty 4 followed by a field goal from Ben Soleimani to end the half 9-5.
With the aim to come back stronger in the second half, a gradual rise was seen with Bensoleimani.com as they claimed all three of the remaining chukkers, accumulating $20,000 in total. FMB went in the fifth chukker without harming the scorers after each side had added a goal apiece in the fourth. FMB still had a safe cushion of lead as they entered the sixth chukker with the score-line of 10-7 in favor of FMB. Bensoleimani.com made their final push with strategic, offensive tactics in hopes of causing an upset. Opening the chukker, Danny Walker quickly matched Soleimani’s field goal to maintain the gap. Adding his second goal, Wright’s advance was followed by one last penalty conversion from Vercellino, but all that effort went in vain as FMB claimed the title, the $10,000 winning purse and $10,000 in skins.
Competing for $10,000 prize money, Lucchese was able to sneak a narrow win against rivals Novis Insurance in the Western Badge and Trophy 14-13 to round out the total of $50,000 in prize money which the tournament offered.
After having worked with the Criado family, Danny Walker was excited with his son rejoining him for the 2019 Polo season as he said. “We create moments which become lifetime memories for us in our lives ahead. For me winning this 12-goal tournament with Farmers & Merchants Bank while having my son Matthew alongside is one such great moment and a memory I will cherish for my entire lifetime.”
Polo Manager was ecstatic as she expressed her excitement regarding the activities that underwent around the club. “It was a lot of fun to watch the incredible level of competition and horses this season, the variety of teams and family connections, new sponsors stepping up to take part in a 12-goal tournament with new players coming and joining the pro pool and coaching league,” Jones was ecstatic about the first ever money game by saying. “And of course the first ever money game for the Lucchese Pacific Coast Circuit Intra-Circuit Cup was the cherry on top,”
Felipe Marquez was named Most Valuable Player for scoring five of the winning team’s 11 total goals. “It was in Alabama at Chip Campbell’s farm when I was called up by Lucas Criado and he asked me to substitute for him. I didn’t hesitate because I have always admired his horses so I knew it was going to be a fun experience,” Marquez added. “I really enjoyed playing for the Walkers and had a lot of fun playing with Lucas Criado as he is a terrific young player and has a really bright future ahead of him.”
