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La Fe clinches East Coast Bronze Cup Championship in triumphant fashion

Ezequiel Ferrario (pink jersey) of Level Select CBD faces off against Lucas Diaz Alberdi of La Fe at Sunday’s East Coast Bronze Cup Final at the Greenwich Polo Club. (Photo by Claudia Suica)

By Liz Leamy

Last Sunday, La Fe, the firecracker Wellington, Florida-based high goal contingent who’s been taking the U.S. high-goal community by storm every since they first arrived on the scene several years ago, clinched the East Coast Bronze Cup Championship title at the Greenwich Polo Club in valiant style, routing Level Select CBD, a power-charged team also based out of Wellington, 10-9.

These two formidable teams, who qualified for the Bronze Cup final by accruing the highest number of points among four total entries in a three-week 16-goal series, went head-to-head against one another on this glorious Sunday afternoon with Level Select CBD leading in goals right up to the sixth (final) chukker, until things took a turn in La Fe’s favor.

Right from the outset through the midway point of the sixth chukker, Level Select CBD was the frontrunner until La Fe charged past them during that game-changing period.

At this juncture, La Fe, whose roster featured Lucas Diaz Alberdi, a six goaler, five goaler Robi Bilbao, Agustin Palomeque, a four goaler and Louis Devaleix, its captain, turned the match around to triumphantly wind up at the top of the leaderboard.

“It was a tough, but great game. The other team was excellent and we knew we just had to hang in there and stay focused,” said Louis Devaleix of La Fe. “I’m super happy. The horses were amazing and the grooms were fantastic. It’s a great team effort with everyone and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.”

Robi Bilbao (white jersey) of La Fe, named the MVP of the East Coast Bronze Cup final, stands with his mare, Paparazzi, who was awarded the Argentine Best Playing Pony East Coast Open Finals citation. (Photo by Liz Leamy)

Robi Bilbao, who was named Most Valuable Player of the match who is said to be a rising force in the sport, agreed.

“We just tried to stay as focused as possible. All games are long and there’s always opportunity,” said Bilbao. “Level Select is very strong and everyone out there played great today. Part of sport is that it’s a competition and that is what is exciting.”

At the same time, Bilbao’s mare, Paparazzi, was named the Argentine Best Playing Pony of the East Coast Bronze Cup Finals, another development of which he was extremely happy about.

“She’s awesome. She’s a super strong mare and super loyal,” said Bilbao, who trains with La Fe at the Mashomack Polo Club in Pine Plains, New York during the summer high-goal season. “I’m so excited.”

All of the thousands of spectators at the match certainly seemed to be enjoying themselves as well with many who were happy to express how wonderful it was to be there that day, which also happened to be Father’s Day.

“In true family tradition of coming to polo at the Greenwich Polo Club every Father’s Day for the past several years, there’s nothing that can compare to this,” said Eric Klein of Greenwich, editor of the celebrated ‘Chopped’ series on the Food Network who was there with Adriane, his wife, and Talia, their 16 year-old daughter who is a Greenwich High School junior. “The standard of playing here is incredible. At the same time, you’re among so many wonderful friends and people who are having a great time. You can see that everyone really appreciates being here and that it is what makes it an experience unlike any other.”

The strong sense of community among everyone on hand at this match was palpable as the crowd, athletes (both equine and human), Greenwich Polo Club management and staff, food, clothing and accessory vendors and others interacted in graceful and harmonious concert throughout the entire afternoon.

“It’s so beautiful here and everyone is just very friendly and nice,” said Jackie Cicogna, owner of Jackie Cicogna Millenery based out of Somers, New York, whose stunning collection of custom-designed hats drew throes of customers all afternoon. “The club is beautifully laid out, the polo is amazing and everyone is so kind and helpful and this has been a fantastic experience all around.”

Cicogna further elaborated on the unity and feeling of goodness among the whole crowd at the Greenwich Polo Club that day.

“There’s an intuitive kindness and gentleness among everyone here,” said Cicogna, who plans to be at the Greenwich Polo Club matches in a vending capacity for much of the summer. “I’m so excited to be here and I’m definitely looking forward to coming back.”

Next Sunday, June 26th, the East Coast Silver Cup series match will commence at the Greenwich Polo Club. For more information, please contact Greenwich Polo Club at www.greenwichpoloclub.com.

Robi Bilbao (white jersey) of La Fe fiercely battles to carry the ball at the East Coast Bronze Cup final last Sunday. (Photo by Peter Michaelis)
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