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Updated: August 2, 2009, 7:46 pm	Share    Print    Email

White Birch takes the field to play Heathcote Farms in an action packed match during week two of Polo in Bridgehampton. Photos by Andrea Aurichio

Bridgehampton - Spectators gathered two and three deep along the sidelines foregoing the shade of the VIP tent as the Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge 2009 got underway for week two at Blue Star Jets Field on Saturday afternoon.

White Birch team member sporting his jersey mingles with fans at game's end.

The second match of the season played on a sweltering summer afternoon on July 25 pitted the White Birch Team against Heathcote. The final score was White Birch 12, Heathcote 9. Peter Brandt, owner of the White Birch team, emerged as the star player of the afternoon as he scored goal after goal leading his team to a narrow victory.

The crowd along the sidelines watching under the blazing sun was on their feet for most of the action packed match. But, as everyone who frequents "The Tent," that's Hampton's speak for the VIP invitation only tent pitched on the side of the polo field, knows, no one really watches the game - especially not if you are standing in the shade under the breeze provided by the overhead fans inside the tent with its ample bar.

The makeshift bar spans the length of the tent. Bartenders are strategically placed at convenient intervals to shorten lines making sure nothing gets between you and an ice cold Peroni on a hot summer day. Sadly, there was no champagne in sight this year. Also missing, were the friendly waiters and waitresses of last season who circulated with trays of tasty snacks in their hands. Is there a budget cut afoot here?

The coveted first place trophy sits shining in the sun in wait of the day's victor. Photo by Joe Strand

People watchers who go to Polo to see and be seen had a chance to get a glimpse of a few of Bravo TV's divas, namely "The Real Housewives of New York City," who divide their time between their luxurious Manhattan digs and their even more spectacular homes in the Hamptons when they are not taping their hit show or embroiled in drama.

Our own Jill Zarin was there with husband Bobby, who as everyone who watches the show knows is the best. Always calm and always smiling amidst the silliness. The Countess LuAnn de Lesseps and fellow housewives stars Ramona Singer and Kelly Killoren Bensimon were under the tent too. Ramona's husband Mario made the scene along with Alex's better half Simon. The pair sometimes referred to as Silex, short for Simon and Alex - if you need an explanation because you don't watch the show - enjoyed the match.

Founder of Blue Star Jets Todd Rome was grateful for the warm weather. Photo by Joe Strand

Todd Rome, President of Blue Star Jets was watching the match being played on the field named after his company. Rome was clearly enjoying himself. "We are thrilled to be here again this year. They named the field after us." Rome, a native Long Islander has a home in Bridgehampton. He hopes to spend some more time out east this summer confident in his company's future despite the dismal economic projections that dominate the daily news. Rome has not seen any downturn in his business. "We offer service all over the world. We have 4,000 planes so we can always get people where they want to go," he said. Rome noted his company was starting a new "share jet exchange" in a nod to belt tightening in America. "The plan makes it possible to split the jet airtime and serve as many people as possible. Hopefully that will help our clients save some money," Rome said.

The spectator section on the opposite side of the field was filled with tailgaters who actually watch the game and walk out on to the field to stomp the divets at half time. If you are not interested in stomping divets in the hot sun to restore the field after the thundering horse's hooves have torn up the turf, you can always shop. That's right, you can shop till you drop under the hot sun.

The beautiful dark brown pony named "Chocolate" proudly displayed by its trainers after being named the game's most valuable pony.

The match was sponsored by Piaget, the distinctive Swiss watch maker. Piaget was showcasing their legendary Piaget Polo timepiece, now marking its 30th anniversary. To celebrate, the Swiss watch-maker was proudly displaying a watch dubbed the Piaget Polo Forty Five. The watch, as they say in the fashion world, has a bold sporty look. The watch is crafted from titanium with stainless steel accents all ready to wrap around your wrist on its molded rubber strap. Very sporty, just like a polo match.

Ralph Lauren, yes, POLO Ralph Lauren also has a booth on the where else, Polo Field. You can buy a Black Watch polo shirt here in honor of the polo team of the same name that Ralph Lauren is sponsoring. The black handbags, suggested retail, $3,300 are understated and impressive as are the other equally opulent Ralph Lauren bags on display on any given Saturday. This year, you can win a contest if you buy a Ralph Lauren Black Watch polo shirt. Your name will be entered in a drawing that may win you a photo opportunity with Polo hunk and Ralph Lauren model Nacho Figueras, a star of the Black Watch polo team. In case you haven't heard of or ever seen Nacho, he is eye candy in the Polo world.

Fans take to the field at half-time in a time honored tradition to stomp the divets and restore the field that has been trampled by the galloping ponies.

Speaking of eyes, the eyes have it on the field at the fashionable corner of the field where Jon Gruen and his wife Joan were seeing and being seen at their OPTYX by gruen booth where you can spot the most fashionable eyeglasses and get out of the hot sun at the same time. The Gruens have stores in NYC, and Greenwich, CT too. You can catch them there if you miss them and their gureneyes out east in the Hamptons.

The very short polo season ends on Aug. 22. The next match will be played on Saturday, Aug. 1 at the Blue Star Jets Field on Hayground Road. The match starts at 4 p.m. and ends at 6 p.m. If you are on the list, see you in the tent. Tailgaters arrive early, park, picnic, and expect to pay $20 for parking. It is a small price to pay to watch these action packed matches and see the horses run under the skilled control of their superb riders. Polo is a game worth watching at least once. If you haven't taken the time to go, you should.

It is for a good cause too. A portion of the proceeds from the Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge will go to the South Fork Breast Cancer Coalition.

The Awards Ceremony after a game well played ends the afternoon event.

For More Photos, Visit The Following Link(s)

Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge 2009 Week 2