Yesterday Tuesday March 31st was a thrilling day in Casa de Campo polo, with both La Carbuccia and Lechuza CTE charging to victory in their respective matches and thus securing their place in the finales this Saturday April 4th.
The largest crowd we’ve seen at the games yet turned out to watch first HOLA vs. Lechuza CTE, and then later the crowd swelled for the face-off between La Carbuccia and Garcia. With the families of the players in the stands as well as many tailgaters, there was cheers, rounds of applause and at the end a standing ovation led by Alfonso Paniagua, the ecstatic father of Luis Alfonso Paniagua – who played the game of his life.
“Although there are two more matches to be played tomorrow (Thursday), all other teams are mathematically eliminated from the finals, making Lechuza CTE and La Carbuccia the undisputed finalists of the Casa de Campo Copa Semana Santa.” Casa de Campo Director of Polo, Calixto Garcia-Vélez told Casa de Campo Living.
And with these being two of the most exciting games ever played on the Casa de Campo polo fields, here we bring you a run-down of action as written by Julio López, team captain of the Marat Legal Lopera polo team.
Casa de Campo Copa Semana Santa, day 4 – by Julio López
Hola vs. Lechuza
Tournament favorites and the unbeaten La Lechuza went into the match needing a win to qualify for Saturdays final.
Hola started out pretty well, competing evenly with Lechuza in what was a very tight yet fast flowing start to the game. Hola battled hard and reached halftime only down by one goal.
Eventually Lechuza’s superior horse power saw them race away with a strong lead and win the match 13-7. Lechuza reached their goal of qualifying to the final with an undefeated record of 3-0!
La Carbuccia vs. Los Garcia
2-0 La Carbuccia faced off against 2-1 Los Garcia in order to determine what team would face La Lechuza in Saturday’s final.
Los Garcia started the game very well, with 5 goal pro Santiago Loza commanding the game. Eventually, the brilliant forward play of Luis Alfonso Paniagua, who scored one of the best goals ever seen at Casa de Campo polo club, with an 60 yard neck shot at full speed, (showing signs that he did inherit some of his fathers famed polo skills), and the experience of 6 goaler Zenon Zorilla got La Carbuccia back into the game, tying it at 6 all going into the fifth chukker.
After La Carbuccia raced to an early lead in the 5th, Los Garcia battled back to tie the game in the final seconds of the chukker to head into the final chukker tied 8-8.
After exchanging blows during the game, the knockout punch was delivered by La Carbuccia, after they raced onto a 4 goal lead within the first 4 minutes of the final chukker. Los Garcia battled hard to get back into the game but it was too late, and La Carbuccia, led by captain Luis A. Carbuccia marched onto the final on Saturday with a 3-0 record and will be facing the other undefeated team La Lechuza.
Despite the finalists having already been decided, tomorrow, Thursday April 2nd the Casa de Campo Copa Semana Santa will continue with Hola vs. Marat Legal Lopera at 2:30pm and La Carbuccia vs. Lechuza CTE at 4:30pm
While today a low goal game will take place between Volvo and Azimut at 4:30pm.
And after that it’s the finals on Saturday April 4th, events and activities start with the red carpet opening at 11am. Just check out our video for a glimpse of what’s to come:
Finals of the Casa de Campo Copa Semana Santa
WHEN: Saturday April 4th, 11am-6pmWHERE: Casa de Campo polo fieldsSPONSORED BY: Veuve Clicquot, Vinos SA, Casa de Campo, Casa de Campo Polo Club, Stella Artois, Azimut, INFINITI and SILGON.
DRESS CODE: Whimsical Chic with a Touch of Polo
For the ladies think maxi dresses, wedges or flats, wide-brimmed hats, funky sunglasses and statement jewellery. For the gentlemen we’re talking shirts and slacks, and for the most stylish- light jackets and even bow ties.
SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES:11am: CasaLife / Stella Artois red carpet opening Come strut your stuff and show off your #PoloStyle on the red carpet.
11am-2pm: Complimentary pony rides for the little ones! You bring your little ones. we bring the ponies – fun for all the family!
12pm-2pm: A toast with Stella Artois As one of the event sponsors, Stella Artois will be offering a round of complimentary Stellas to the first 200 people, who also get a Stella Artois Chalice to take home with them.
12pm-2pm: Live music with Chantal del Pino All-day: CasaLife / Stella Artois Brunch
Reserve your picnic table free of charge: hello@silgon.net
The La Cantina/CasaLife bar The La Cantina/CasaLife bar will be open all day serving a variety of drinks and cocktails, and between 12pm-2pm there’ll be a special on mimosas!
Brunch! Come eat, drink and be merry! Trattoria Pizzarelli will be serving freshly baked pizza all day! Meanwhile Lucas, everyone’s favorite Italian restaurant in La Romana, has prepared a delicious brunch menu with treats such as quiche, mini caprese salad, paninis and even cannoli!
2pm: Low goal final The two finalists of the low goal competition will compete to be crowned the low goal champions of the Casa de Campo Copa Semana Santa.
2pm: Opening of The Veuve Clicquot Experience Tent Exclusive invited guests will enjoy the days activities in unique #ClicquotStyle.
3pm: Divot Stomping with Veuve Clicquot All spectators are encouraged to converge on the field to stomp down the turf that has been torn up by the pony’s hooves… Everyone taking part in this fun activity will get a complimentary glass of champagne from Veuve Clicquot.
3:30pm: Paso Fino show by ADOPASO ADOPASO, the Dominican Association of Paso Fino Horse Breeders, will be coming to Casa de Campo especially for this event, and will be bringing some of their finest Paso Finos and riders to showcase the elegance and beauty of these incredible horses.
4:30pm: High goal final The two finalists of the high goal competition will compete to be crowned the high goal champions of the Casa de Campo Copa Semana Santa.
