WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

DE BOULLE CUP

It was a perfect Sunday afternoon for polo as De Boulle joined the Houston Polo Club in hosting the first Sunday matches of November! Spectators were treated to two thrilling games, complete with fast horses, sharp teamwork, and plenty of champagne during halftime.

Pata Life’s Jesse Weaver (black jersey) on Poncho tries to outrun the hook from Oak Bend Farm’s Jose Lezcano on Rutera

The day kicked off with Pata Life taking on Oak Bend Farm. Due to a handicap difference, Pata Life started with a half-goal advantage (0.5) and maintained a narrow lead through the first two chukkers. In the third chukker, Pata Life’s Nick Cifuni scored back-to-back goals, but Oak Bend Farm stayed close behind thanks to strong plays from Chris Ballard and Jose Lezcano, ending the period trailing 4–5.5. Oak Bend Farm’s Vasco Phagouape opened the final chukker with a quick goal, narrowing the gap to just half a goal. But Pata Life regrouped and showed off their horsepower as Jesse Weaver scored their first goal of the chukker, followed by three unanswered goals from Cifuni. Pata Life sealed the victory with a commanding final score of 9.5 to 5.

Crows Nest Polo/YOLO Polo’s Jimmy Seward keeps his eye on the ball during Sunday’s game while riding Porteña

After a hard-fought game, both teams shook hands and headed back to their tents as spectators poured onto Farish Field for the traditional divot stomp. The new Bill Fick Ford dually delivered complimentary champagne to center field, while attendees admired the sleek Land Rovers from Land Rover Houston and impressive Shoppa John Deere tractors and gators on display

Jaipur Ranch/Island Time Polo’s Bryan Middleton reaches out for a nearside back shot on his horse, CJ

After the halftime festivities, it was time for the second feature match of the afternoon. Jaipur Ranch/Island Time Polo began with a half-goal advantage (0.5) and wasted no time extending their lead, finishing the first chukker ahead 2.5 to 1. Crows Nest Ranch/YOLO Polo came alive in the second chukker, surging ahead to take the lead 4 to 3.5. A goal from Jimmy Seward extended their advantage, but Christine Agrons, who would later be named Game MVP, sank her second penalty shot of the day to keep Jaipur Ranch/Island Time Polo close behind at 4.5 to 5. In the fourth chukker, Bryan Middleton scored early to give Jaipur Ranch/Island Time Polo the edge at 5.5 to 5. Crows Nest Ranch/YOLO Polo battled back, pressing against a strong defense. In a thrilling final moment, they capitalized on a loose ball as Hank Stout connected on a decisive pass and scored in the last thirty seconds, clinching the win 6 to 5.5.

Winning team: Crows Nest Ranch/YOLO Polo
Hank Stout, Joao Aranha, Jimmy Seward, Brandy Heckeroth
presented by Sarah Boardman with De Boulle
pictured with Stout family

MVP: Christine Agrons,
pictured with Michelle Agrons,
presented by Sarah Boardman with De Boulle

BPP: Lightfoot,
played by Joe Bob Lequerica,
pictured with Sheila Lequerica, Valentia Echandia, Marcus Murphy, and Sam Shinn
presented by Sarah Boardman with De Boulle