Wellington, FL – January 30, 2021 – Palm Beach Equine bounced back from Sunday’s defeat to Aspen to capture their second victory, defeating Beverly Polo 11-9 on the Isla Carroll West field at the International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC). Robi Bilbao’s superb attacking skills, finishing with a season-high five goals, led Palm Beach Equine to the narrow two-goal victory as they wait for the outcome in Sunday’s game to determine their place in the semifinals or final of the 2021 Ylvisaker Cup.
Losing their last match against Beverly Polo, Palm Beach Equine managed to capture the victory in the crucial match that held heavy implications for the rest of the tournament. A hard-fought game was determined by the proficiency of Palm Beach Equine from the penalty line, converting five of their seven attempts, while also outshooting Beverly Polo from the field. Beverly Polo, with a two-goal advantage, looked to match Palm Beach Equine each step of the way, but Palm Beach Equine received a balanced attack that saw five goals from Bilbao, along with three each from Costi Caset and Gringo Colombres to complete the 11-9 victory.
In the early stages of the game, Beverly Polo committed two quick fouls which quickly erased their two-goal lead on handicap and leaving the game tied at 2-2. Reclaiming the lead on a penalty conversion from Tolito Ocampo, Beverly Polo exited the first chukker ahead by one, but were facing a persistent offense from Palm Beach Equine. Producing five shots in the second chukker, Palm Beach Equine received goals from Bilbao and Colombres, taking their first lead of the game at 4-3. Aiming to restore their advantage, Beverly Polo fought hard in an intense third chukker that saw a combined seven goals between the two teams on perfect shooting from the field and penalty line. However, Palm Beach Equine doubled their lead to two, thanks to the trio of Caset, Bilbao, and Colombres, who proved to be a significant factor in the outcome.
Robi Bilbao’s superb attacking skills led Palm Beach Equine to the narrow two-goal victory. ©Alex Pacheco
Palm Beach Equine entered the second half continuing their strong and coordinated play, outshooting Beverly Polo 4-1 in the fourth chukker, but remained just two ahead after Ocampo’s penalty conversion matched Bilbao’s fourth goal of the game. A determined Beverly Polo team worked hard throughout an exciting fifth chukker, keeping Palm Beach Equine scoreless and allowing Ocampo to cut the deficit to just one goal entering the final chukker. Palm Beach Equine fought through their offensive struggles to control possession at the start of the sixth chukker. Bilbao capped off his strong performance with a goal to open scoring in the final chukker and it was a Penalty 3 conversion for Colombres that sealed the 11-9 victory for Palm Beach Equine.
The last game of group play is on Sunday on the Home of the U.S. Polo Assn – Field 1, with Aspen and Tamera fighting for their place in the semifinal.
Palm Beach Equine fought through their offensive struggles to control possession at the start of the sixth chukker. ©Alex Pacheco
Polo matches at IPC are not open to the general public except for ticketed Sunday brunch. Online viewing is available with a subscription at globalpolo.com.
Click here to view the full 2021 High Goal Polo Schedule.
Click here to learn more about the International Polo Club Palm Beach.
Click here to learn more about the GAUNTLET OF POLO®.
