NECKTIE POLO - Lee Robinson, Peter Blake, Mitch Horne, John Welsh presented by Mike & Claudia Uretz
In what turned out to be a very exciting 2020 World Gym 4 Goal Final – sponsored by the Michael Uretz Family - Necktie Polo (John Welsh, Lee Robinson -.5, Peter Blake 3, Mitch Horne 1.5) defeated La Fortuna (Elise Bigelow -1, Carlos Rivas .5, Caroline Anier 1.5, Luis Saracco 3) by a final score of 8 – 5. While the final count shows a difference of three, the game was close until the later part of the final chukker.
The game was quick and fast at the outset as aggressive play led to, first of all, a field goal by Saracco – on a nice set up by Bigelow - and then a reply from Welsh to end the first tied at one.
Welsh scored again early in the second period to send Necktie up by one but Saracco then tied the count with a penalty number four conversion. With the score tied and Blake running to score within 40 yards of the La Fortuna goal, Saracco was accessed a penalty number one after Blake’s mount went down. With a yellow card being added to the number one call, the ensuing Necktie free hit was moved from center to 60 yards. Horne did not waste the opportunity and Necktie led by two at 4 – 2. Unfazed, La Fortuna came right back and Anier scored from the field. Saracco then converted a penalty number two from 10 yards. The game was tied once again as the large crowd went on to the field as part of the Sofia Halftime Divot Stomp.
On the surface, it appeared that Necktie was able to use the break better than La Fortuna, as Horne, with strong support from Blake, scored two field goals. In the same time frame, La Fortuna did not score and Necktie once again led by a pair at 6 – 4.
With never quit attitudes, Saracco and Anier went to work and La Fortuna was rewarded as Saracco scored his second field goal of the afternoon to come within one. As most everyone knows, a lead of one with lots of time on the clock is of little meaning. With that in mind, Blake and Horn put their own attitudes to work and Horne converted a 30 yard free shot and the lead of one was now two. With time almost out, Horne was able to get free and count a final goal for Necktie and the game was over. Necktie Polo became the World Gym Champion.
With his ability to transform help from his teammates into aggressive and accurate play, Horne was selected as the MVP. Miss Kitty, owned and played by Anier in the third, was honored as the Best Playing Pony.
Mike and Claudia Uretz were, as always, on hand to present the World Gym awards.
by Tony Gregg
Most Valuable Player - Mitch Horne
Best Playing Pony - “Miss Kitty” owned and played by Caroline Anier