Exit Consulting Group- Lamar Rutherford, Mia Bray, Rodrigo Salinas & Jessica Bailey
On an afternoon presented by Don Julio, and in front of large Field Number One crowd, Lamar Rutherford’s Exit Consulting Group (Lamar Rutherford -1, Mia Bray 1, Jessica Bailey 1, Rodrigo Salinas 3) defeated Carol Farnsworth and her Bearsden Polo Team (Carol Farnsworth -.5, Hope Kerley -.5, Cody Woodfin 2, Ignacio Saenz 3) to win the Coachella Valley Officer’s Cup by a final score of 6 – 4.
With the large gathering enjoying generous samples of Don Julio Blanc, the early first chukker was dominated by Bearsden as Saenz, with help from Woodfin, scored twice – a penalty 2 and one from the field – and the Texas group was off to a very strong start. However, Exit wasn’t about to leave as Salinas quickly counted a field goal and Rutherford, with a nice run from almost 100 yards, evened the count at two going to the second.
The second period was somewhat choppy at times with neither team able to capitalize on the few opportunities that were available. Bray however earned one and made no mistakes as she scored the only goal of the second and Exit led for the first time going to the Sofia Halftime Divot Stomp at 3 – 2.
The third frame was much the same as the second with most scoring chances not taken advantage of. However, Salinas didn’t let go of one opportunity as he scored his second of the game and the Exit lead was now two at 4 – 2.
Going into the final chukker with that lead of two and sensing victory, Exit didn’t back off and pushed hard. The reward was another counter from Salinas and Bray grabbed her second and the lead was now four goals. Saenz was able to score a field goal and a penalty three for Bearsden but that would be it and Exit became the champion.
As well as receiving the sought after Richard Roenisch Bronzes, the winners were also presented with bottles of Don Julio Blanc.
Based on her very steady and opportunistic play, Bray was honored as the Most Valuable Player to her team. Tomasa, played by Salinas in the third, was chosen as the Best Playing Pony.
Tony Gregg
MVP Mia Bray
“TOMASA” Best Playing Pony owned & played by Rodrigo Salinas