The air was electric as the first ball was bowled in for the start of the 2018 12-Goal Tournament. The fieldside cabanas and the stadium were filled with polo enthusiasts looking to cheer on their favorite player and team. Farmers & Merchants Bank featured a lineup similar to last year, Dan Walker (2), Felipe Viana (5), Leigh Brecheen (A) played alongside Marcos Bignoli (4) and faced off against the Antelope squad HIlario Figueras (2), Peke Gonzalez (5), Santi Trotz (5) and Geoff Palmer (A).

After falling short to Klentner Ranch in the first round of play, Farmers & Merchants Bank quickly found their stride in the first chukker with team captain Felipe Viana leading the charge with three quick goals. Trotz broke the momentum momentarily, putting the first tally on the board for Antelope. Bignoli drew next blood, pushing FMB into a 5-1 lead early in the second chukker. Young Figueras took control of the scoreboard for the remainder of the chukker and into the third, putting the next three marks on the board for Antelope closing the gap to 6-4 in favor of FMB as the team rode into halftime.

Walker jumped out in front after halftime, scoring his second goal of the game, but Antelope began edging back into the game as Farmers & Merchants Bank was unable to maintain their fast pace of the first half. Trotz expertly converted a penalty four to keep his team within two goals of the lead. Viana pushed forwards once again with his fourth goal of the match, but Antelope answered back with two goals of their own. The sixth and final chukker swung in favor of Antelope, ending with the final score 10-9.

Round 1:
Klentner Ranch def. Farmers & Merchants Bank 12-8
Antelope Jr. def. Antelope 13-8

Round 2:
Antelope Jr. def. Klentner Ranch 12-11
Antelope def. Farmers & Merchants Bank 10-9

Teams:
Antelope Jr.: Grant Palmer A, Jim Wright 3, Felipe Vercellino 6, Herndon Radcliff 3.
Klentner Ranch: Luke Klentner A, Jesse Bray 5, Santi Wulff 5, Justin Klentner 1.
Antelope: Hilario Figueras 2, Peke Gonzalez 5, Santi Trotz 5, Geoff Palmer A.
Farmers & Merchants Bank: Dan Walker 2, Marcos Bignoli 4, Felipe Viana 5, Leigh Brecheen A.

Located on the beautiful American Riviera, the Club offers three high goal fields, a Polo School, boarding facilities, polo lessons and country club amenities, including eight tennis courts and a fitness facility, all alongside the Pacific Ocean. The 2018 season opened May 8th and runs through the first week of October. For more information about the Club and to purchase tickets please visit www.sbpolo.com.