"Reporting for duty", she said. "What can I do to help?" Now, that's what every polo tournament organizer wants to hear. And at Largoviapolo they were fortunate to hear it quite a bit. They're noticibly "hands-on" members and so, in no time at all, the bar stacked with ice-cold drinks was set up, catering table established, sun-flowers standing tall as decoration, chairs, cushions, sun-umbrellas lined the field, goal posts and flags in place and a wooden horse and cow-milking activity provided for the kids. With the score-board and time-keeper volunteer in place, the 6th Milch Kessel Cup at Largoviapolo could get underway on 10 - 11 August. Brilliant blue skies and pleasant breeze made up for all the rain we had at the beginning of the season. Locals dropped by either walking the dogs or taking a spin on the bike. A relaxed country atmosphere where the polo can shine.
Five teams competed with a Round Robin and one full 4 chukker game. Nik Rogerson, Janik Oertli and Chris Kiesel were the driving forces for their teams; standout performers who powered down the line, slicing through defense and exploiting any spaces naively left open by the opposition. The battling Anja Gutbrod was always a pleasure to watch, never giving up on those ride-offs. Family Eckenstein were out there with Facundo Gozzalo, who had the speed, but not the accuracy needed to slot in the goals.
On the Saturday evening those industrious helping hands were at it again, setting out the tables with white tablecloths and wild flowers for the barbecue dinner. No one was in a hurry to go home. The sponsor, Katarzyna Estate Wines, filled our glasses with rosé, white or red wine, the food was yummy and the conversation was .... you guessed it, about polo.
Sunday was even hotter than the Saturday - 34° , but again that breeze was a god-send. In the Round Robin Grand Casino Baden won out for 3rd place, with Chris Kiesel using his level-headed concentration and judgment to place the ball for his supporting players, maximizing efficiency.
The final was between Innceram and Katarzyna. The two teams were escorted to the centre of the field by two classic Porsche cars from Porsche Classic Partner Zürich .
One a 1959 yellow cabriolet, the other a 1970 metallic silver coupé. Now, I don't know anything about cars, but could I have the yellow one please?
Team Katarzyna was last year's winners and had the role of tournament favorite. Janik Oertli came out playing confidently, reading the game superbly and setting up his goal getter, Aline Haerry. But this year the combination just didn't click and it was Nik Rogerson with an impressive display of speed and skill who was able to combine better with his team. They were just quicker, more direct in their play and better organized in defense. Young Marta Gabrin was especilly helpful to her team with her ride-offs and forward -focused play. What was expected to be a much tighter game saw Inncream romp away in the second half, finishing winners with
5 1/2 to 2.
Prize-giving was a relaxed affair with everyone and the dog getting in on the action. Horses were watered and rested before being loaded for the trip home. Goodbyes all round and a big thanks to all those helping hands.
Winners
Innceram:- Marta and Ulli Gabrin Sebastian Lamm Nik Rogerson
Katarzyna:- Uris Bettio Aline Haerry Mark Felix Janik Oertli
Grand Casino Baden:- Ann-Kathrin Brändle Larissa Ehrbar Marcel Lanz Christopher Kiesel
Goba:- Sandy, Nicolas,and Gabriel Eckenstein Facundo Gozzalo
Brewbee:- Anja Gutbrod Adrian Fuchs Gabriel Hatzung Stefan Locher
BPP Domingo played by Nik Rogerson
MVP Marta Gabrin
Fun for everyone.