“It’s always great to get the first one under your belt especially when you win,” said Orchard Hill Captain Steve Van Andel.

The three goal difference was not indicative of the games play as they were tied at five at the half and seven in the fourth chukker. During the fifth period Orchard Hill made it 8-7 on a field goal by Pablo MacDonough. But, Pony Express’ Matias Magrini came right back with two quick goals to reverse the margin in their favor 9-8. Orchard Hill then converted a penalty goal by Hector Galindo and MacDonough scored his second of the chukker to finish leading 10-9.

Van Andel said, “We seem to be a second half team. We get better with each chukker and today we were pretty good in the fifth and sixth.” In the final chukker Orchard Hill added three more goals to take a commanding 13-9 lead before Pelon Stirling of Pony Express put one through at the buzzer to finalize the score at 13-10.

“This is the tournament you want win and today’s victory was a real boost in our confidence. We have been building to this and we will continue to get better.” Van Andel added.

MacDonough led all scoring with nine goals and Nic Roldan of Pony Express finished with five.

US Open Polo Tournament play continues Saturday, April 4 at 11 AM when Audi plays Zacara. Sunday, April 5 there are two games, at noon Gold Cup Champion Lechuza Caracas plays White Birch and at 3 PM on the International Field and Stadium Black Watch takes on Las Monjitas.

Played since 1904 the US Open Polo Championship is the oldest polo tournament in the United States. This is the 105th year since it began and an eight team field is competing for the most coveted trophy in the United States.

International Polo is located in Wellington and hosts professional polo tournaments until the last Sunday in April. Everyone is welcome. For information call the polo hotline at 561-282-5290 or on the web at www.internationalpoloclub.com.