Acclaimed team expected to return

WELLINGTON — The legendary White Birch polo team, which dominated the sport for some 25 years beginning in the early 1980s, is expected to return to action at International Polo Club Palm Beach for the 2016 season.

The 17-week season begins in earnest Sunday at 3 p.m. when Villa del Lago, led by 9-goaler Hilario Ulloa, plays Coca-Cola, led by crowd favorites Julio Arellano and Sugar Erskine, in the 20-goal Herbie Pennell Cup final.

White Birch has not played high-goal polo in Palm Beach County since the 2008 season. They are only playing in the three 26-goal tournaments, which begin in late February.

White Birch patron Peter Brant should be a top contender with savvy 9-goalers Mariano Aguerre and Hilario Ulloa controlling the action.

White Birch won more than 30 championships at the 26-goal level or above during a 22-year period beginning in 1983, including 12 USPA Gold Cup titles. That is the most by any organization and has spawned many imitators. While some have dominated short-term, none has accomplished domination over such a long period.

During the early 20-goal season, Orchard Hill, led by superstar 10-goaler Facundo Pieres, looks like the team to beat. Last year, Orchard Hill had an 8-1 record during two tournaments and won the 20-goal Joe Barry Cup.

This season he is backed up by his cousin, Polito Pieres, who played for Villa del Lago last year and led all scorers. Although they are not expected to play at the same time during the 20-goal season, they give Orchard Hill the most prolific scoring of any team.

Americans Nic Roldan, an 8-goaler who spearheads Audi-Millarville, and 7-goaler Jeff Hall of Enigma, are two more high-caliber players taking part during the 20-goal season, which continues through late February.

More of the top players, including 10-goaler Adolfo Cambiaso, who is generally regarded as the best player in the world, will participate in the 26-goal season, the highest level outside Argentina.

The three 26-goal tournaments begin Feb. 24 with the C.V. Whitney Cup and continue through the U.S. Open, which concludes April 24.