Blackberg/Barefield Farm defeats Tito's in Rolls Royce & Merrill Lynch Cup

Blackberg Ranch/Barefield Farm played Tito’s in the Rolls Royce & Merrill Lynch Cup Sunday, at the Sarasota Polo Club.

Blackberg/Barefield took off to an early lead in the first chukker, with all four of the team’s players contributing to the 4-1 lead.

Co-sponsor Mark Mulligan scored the first goal on the north end. Then Jamie Mirikitani wove through traffic for the first of his four goals on the day.

Tito’s Steve Krueger converted a penalty 2 to get Tito’s on the board before Shane Rice of Blackberg/Barefield converted a penalty 2 as well. Derek Berg ended the first chukker with a goal on the north end from approximately 40 yards out.

In the second chukker, Tito’s rebounded to score three unanswered goals by James P. Uihlien, Joe Wayne Barry and Krueger, all from the field, to tie it at four goals to start the third chukker.

Krueger scored again at the start of the third chukker, to give Tito’s its first lead of the day.

Blackberg/Barefield responded, though, as Rice converted a penalty 2 before Mirikitani put two more goals on the board. Mulligan ended the half with a nice carry and goal, giving Blackberg/Barefield an 8-5 lead at the half.

Tito’s rallied three goals in the fourth chukker, including a 60-yard penalty conversion, a field goal by Barry and a breakaway by Uihlein. Rice kept the lead for Blackberg/Barefield though with a penalty 3 conversion and a goal from the field.

In the fifth chukker, both teams had end-to-end runs, only to be defended at the last second. Rice converted a penalty 2, and Barry managed to score a goal for Tito’s, making it 11-9 going into the sixth and final chukker.

In the sixth chukker, Blackberg/Barefield had goals from Rice, Mirikitani and Berg, leaving Tito’s behind at the final horn with a final score of 14-9.

MVP for the day was Mirikitani. Best playing pony for the day was Midget, played by Rice.

WANT TO WATCH?
There’s a match at 1 p.m. every Sunday, at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Sarasota. For more information, call 720-2912.