The highly-anticipated NAAC finals got off to an impressive start at Legends Polo Club near Dallas, TX with both teams scoring 2 pointers as their first goals, giving their all in the final match-up of the National Arena Amateur Cup. Cereal Asesinos hammered on and staged a coordinated defense to come up ahead at halftime with a tight lead of 10 over Patton Polo’s 8 points. Heavy hitters from both teams showcased their dedication and skill and drove their teammates to goal, alternating front-runners as all players showcased their strengths in ball-control and a few crucial penalty conversions. With a tie score of 12-12 at the end of chukker three, both teams bolted into the fourth and final chukker with vigor. Patton Polo showed fierce focus and never let-up, ending up scoring four additional goals in the final chukker to secure a final win of 18 points over Patton Polo’s 14.
Patton Polo took the National Arena Amateur Cup 2023 championship title. Lance Stefanakis was declared Most Valuable Player of the NAAC and continues to show great promise with the SMU collegiate polo team. Mark Osburn was awarded the NAAC Sportsmanship award – voted on by all of the teams in the tournament. The NAAC Best Playing Pony award was granted to David Brook’s 6 year old quarterhorse “Swan”.
Photo credit Murrell Photography