Wildcat team gallops toward overtime victory

Tito's played Wildcat in the final of the first January 8-goal match, presented by Wesco Turf, Sunday, at the Sarasota Polo Club.

Teams traded goals on penalty shots for the first four points of the day, then a goal from the field by Wildcat's Nick Cifuni ended the first chukker. Throughout the rest of the first half, teams took turns holding a one-point lead, with a score of 6-6 at halftime.

Two quick goals by Wildcat’s Joseph Stuart and Wesley Bryan started the fourth chukker, giving the team a two-point lead. Then Joe Wayne Barry of Tito's converted two penalties to tie, and Bryan scored another for 9-8 ending the fourth. In the fifth chukker, Raymond Guest had one goal and Stuart put in two for Wildcat, giving them 12, while Steve Krueger's two field goals gave Tito's 10 going into the final chukker of regulation.

James P. Uihlein came alive in the sixth to keep Tito's in the match. One carry and another chip shot off a 60-yard penalty led to a tie at 12, forcing overtime. Wildcat was quick to pounce on the ball in overtime, when Cifuni carried it to the goal. Tito's defended and made a clearing shot, but Bryan sent it back to their goal, where Cifuni put it through with 6:37 left in the overtime period.

MVP for the day was Bryan. Best Playing Pony was Dutchess, played by Stuart.

Teams return to action at 1 p.m. Jan. 18, at the Sarasota Polo Club.

POLO GAMES
Want to watch a polo game? 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.