NEWS

Written by Tony Gregg

On a perfect day in sunny Southern California, the 2017 Pacific Coast Circuit Governor’s Cup Final was played at the Eldorado Polo Club in Indio, California. The ultimate showdown – on Sunday, March 26 - featured Virgil Kyle and Ryan Robertson and their Bush League foursome (Kyle, Robertson, Ulysses Escapite 4, Jose Rodriguez 1) going up against Leigh Brecheen and Danny Walker’s Farmers & Merchants Bank organization (Brecheen, Walker 2, Matthew Walker 2, Antonio Juarez 1).

From the start it was obvious that Bush League had come prepared as Rodriguez took a pass from the initial bowl-in and simply ran free to score the first goal of the game. The ensuing bowl-in at center turned into more of the same as Escapite grabbed the ball and found Robertson free near the Farmer & Merchants Bank goal, widening the lead to two. The initial push continued as Robertson picked up the ball and ran from mid-field to score. The score now 3-0, the large crowd was buzzing. Farmers & Merchants Bank came back in a hurry as huge pressure allowed Matt Walker a penalty 3 opportunity that he converted, Juarez scored from the field, as did Danny Walker, and the game was tied to end the first.

The second featured nowhere near the scoring that was seen in the first. In fact, there were no goals scored as chances were missed and opportunities to advance were not taken. The result was a 3–3 tie at halftime.

The bankers came to work in the third as Danny Walker scored from the field and converted a penalty 2. Farmers & Merchants Bank led by a pair going to the final frame at 5–3 and many thought it might be over.

Coming out for the fourth, Bush League most certainly did not think it was over as they pressed, and pressed hard. The result was a penalty opportunity that Robertson converted. Escapite then took control and added his first of the day, changing the momentum. The continued pressure from Bush League allowed another open goal opportunity that Escapite capitalized on and it was over. Bush League had won their first Governor’s Cup by a final score of 6–5.

Not only had Bush League defeated Farmers & Merchants Bank to take the USPA hardware, it was presented by the man they had just overcome, as Danny Walker is the Governor of the Pacific Coast Circuit.

As a result of his ability to control play when needed and instill confidence in his teammates, Escapite was given Most Valuable Player honors. Garabinada, played by Danny Walker in the third chukker was chosen as the Best Playing Pony.

All photos © LaceyWinterton.com