Barrington's penalty conversions lead to win
Tommy Biddle Jr.'s penalty conversion percentage played a large role in Barrington's 11-8 victory over Bendabout in the 302 Polo presented by Mercedes-Benz of Augusta 20-goal USPA Silver Cup presented by Mercedes-Benz of Augusta Wednesday at Isinya. Biddle scored seven goals, one from the field and six on penalty shots, and was successful in converting 6 of 7 penalty attempts to pace Barrington.
Antonio Galvan, who was celebrating his birthday, switched to playing back, (the No. 4 position), scored two goals and played strong defense. Jeff Hall scored the other two goals for Barrington, who took a 6-3 lead into the half.
"They put a little pressure on us, but I think the difference between this game and the other game was even though there were times when we were getting pushed and pressured, we maintained our focus, which is something we've had a problem doing in the past," said Barb Uskup, Barrington. "I think the change in lineup, putting Tommy at two, changing things around and having Antonio stay back was helpful to us, and I think everyone played above their handicap. We played very well as a team. Tommy's penalty shooting was awesome."
Bendabout closed the gap to 9-7 after five chukkers and made it a one-goal margin in the final chukker on a successful 40-yard penalty conversion by Whistle Uys. But goals by Hall and Galvan in the final chukker, Galvan scoring with 17 seconds left with Hector Galindo closely marking him, gave Barrington the victory. Galindo paced Bendabout in scoring with three goals, Gillian Johnston continued her strong play scoring twice, Whistle Uys added two and Owen Rinehart added a goal.
"We needed the win so badly," said Uskup. "It was a sweet win. Both teams had a good day, but we had a better day. The guys played well. I was impressed with the way both teams played."
The tournament continues today at 4 p.m. at Loughrea with Goose Creek vs. Brigadoon.
In the Aiken Polo Club, The Partridge Inn 8-goal Invitational, Quartermore Farm defeated Duck Hill farm 15-6 Saturday; Virginia Beach beat Derry Heir 13-6; Meybohm upended Good Thunder 14-12; Blanco Texas dispatched Auto Tech 15-8 Sunday; Porsche of Hickory held off Stone Rows 12-11 on Monday and Golden Zebra had to go to overtime to defeat Buckleigh Farm 13-12 on Tuesday. The tournament continues today at 3 p.m. at Whitney Field with Auto Tech vs. Porsche of Hickory.
In the New Bridge Fall 12-goal Classic, Los Dogos soundly defeated Quartermore 17-9 Monday; Morgan Creek beat Pony Express/New Bridge 16-12 on Tuesday and Los Dogos was victorious over Porsche of Hickory 14-11 Wednesday. The tournament continues today with Morgan Creek vs. Foxdale Equine/C-Spear at 4 p.m.