La Pava Grande??

So what on earth is La Pava Grande? That's what everyone, including me, was asking. But after the tournament at Polo Club Landsberg on the warm and wonderful weekend of 10-12 July we all now know! It's a huge kettle. Mounted and inscribed, it was the trophy for this tournament and set the tone for the weekend. Let's play hard, let's party hard but let's not take ourselves too seriously. Segundo, Cirilo and Thomy are doing everything right, creating an atmosphere that's special. They're known for their generosity and hospitality and so, when the call went out for the tournament in Landsberg, the community responded. Six teams arrived from Munich, Chiemsee or Donnaueschingen. Sponsors such as EZEpolomallets and Luisitomatero were there with their support. And since this tournament was organized by the fabulous three, the social side wasn't neglected. An excellent asado was provided on the Friday night with white tablecloths and candles under a starry sky.

On the Saturday night the players were invited to Kaltenberger Ritterturnier where they applauded another type of riding, another type of horse.

Back at the field, the stage was set. The weather couldn't have been better, 27°, a breeze sweeping over the polo field which had been recently sanded for a softer surface.

The results of the games on Friday and Saturday had been high and one-sided, but by Sunday, teams had found their level and their opposition, so the three games were close and fun to commentate.

Team Chiemsee/Luismatero were able to dominate the final against H3Polo Passion. H3 Polo Passion looked to me to be an extremely well blanaced team, with brothers Max and Chris van Eupen covering mid-field, Julia Hiebeler an aggressive Nr1, and Nicolas Penfold constantly moving from defence to attack. But Rafael Oliveira for Chiemsee/Luismatero has lost none of his magic and used his experience to out-maneuver the competition. He also had great support in Ken Kawamoto who was speed personified and went on to win Most Valuable Player award. Julia Lehner came in with determined ride-offs and Gregor Gruber was effective in covering the back position. Team Chiemsee/Luismatero were the team to lift the La Pava Grande.

Cirilo, a man with an easy, humorous way with the microphone, wound up the afternoon with a heartfelt thanks to all the players and ponies and promising to do even better next year. Could that be possible? La Pava Grande.....a huge success and I can't wait for the next edition.

Winners

Team Chiemsee:- Julia Lehner, Ken Kawamoto

Rafael Oliveira, Gregor Gruber

H3 Polo Passion:- Julia Hiebeler, Chris van Eupen, Max van Eupen, Nicolas Penfold

Team Fürstenberg:- Valitin Ulrich, Nina Strasser, Emanuel Janisch, Joaquin Copello

Team La Tarde:- Ann Meier, Marcus Oggenfuss, Nacho Boronat, Filipe Ferrero

Team Landsberg:- Cjaba Apati, Philip Saame, Fernando Morando, Segundo Copello

Team DAR Metal:- Leon + Charlotta Schumacher, Alice Boldis, Franqui Rodriguez, Edgar Schumacher.

MVP Ken Kawamoto prize donated by EZEpolomallets

Fair Play Prize:- Julia Hiebeler prize donated by Silver and Horsehair

BPP.- Brisa owned and played by Rafael Oliveira