The Villages tops Wildcat team

The Villages defeated Wildcat 11-8 in the finals of the U.S. Polo Association’s National Inter-Circuit Cup presented by St. Stephen’s Episcopal School March 2 at the Sarasota Polo Club.

Steve Krueger scored four goals in the third chukker as The Villages took an 8-1 lead at halftime. Wildcat scored seven goals in the second half, but was unable to hold off The Villages down the stretch.

Krueger and Francisco Bilbao each scored four goals to lead the way for The Villages. Brent Mirikitani added three goals.

Joseph Stuart scored five goals to lead the way for Wildcat.

Bilbao was named the Most Valuable Professional. Krueger received the Best Playing Pony award for his horse Sweet N Low’s performance in the third chukker.

Teams return to action at 1 p.m. March 9 in the Ferrari of Tampa Bay Cup, which will feature a Ferrari parade at halftime.

WORDPLAY: Off-side Shot The off-side is the right side of the horse. It is the most commonly used shot in polo.