LAS MONJITAS WIN JULIO NOVILLO ASTRADA CUP X EDITION, PRESENTED BY JAEGER-LeCOULTRE
Las Monjitas beat Sainte Mesme 9-5 and won the Julio Novillo Astrada Cup X Edition, Presented by Jaeger-LeCoultre, following the final that took place at La Aguada Polo Club, in Open Door, Argentina. Therefore, Camilo Bautista’s team, who has played every edition of the club’s premier competition, took the trophy home for the first time.
Las Monjitas received one goal on handicap, but Sainte Mesme tied at 1-all in the first chukker. Robert Strom’s foursome took the lead in the second chukker, but Alejandro Novillo Astrada scored twice for Las Monjitas; by the end of the second period, the scoreboard read a 5-3 for Camilo Bautista’s team.
Based on very good team play and a solid performance both in defence and attack, Las Monjitas took control of the game, and widened their advantage in the next two chukkers (6-3 and 7-3). Sainte Mesme scored a single goal in the fifth chukker, their first in two periods, and opened the sixth chukker with a penalty conversion, to cut the margin to two goals (5-7). However, Las Monjitas tightened their attack, and were awarded with a penalty that was successfully converted by Alejandro Novillo Astrada. With less than a minute remaining in regulation time, it was Alejando himself who made a quick run to the goalposts, to seal the 9-5 win that Las Monjitas their first title at the Julio Novillo Astrada Cup.
Previously, ICBC beat Irongate by a narrow 10-9, and took the Subsidiary.
Miguel Novillo Astrada’s speech to thank patrons, players and guests, opened up the awards ceremony. He also made a special reference to the 50th. Anniversary of the club. Miguel was also in charge to present the trophy to the winners, while Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Eduardo MacLean, presented the members of the winning team with four watches of the prestigious watchmaker’s iconic, the Reverso
Awards were presented as follows:
MVP: Camilo Bautista (Las Monjitas)
Skeeter Johnston Fair Play Award : Johannes J. Roets (ICBC)
Best Polo Argentino Bred presented by the Argentine Polo Pony Breeders Association: Aguada Atomica (Bred by Javier Novillo Astrada and ridden by Alejandro Novillo Astrada)
River Slaney BPP: Aguada Atomica (Bred by Javier Novillo Astrada and ridden by Alejandro Novillo Astrada)
After the awards ceremony, guests enjoyed a cocktail and asado, and the warmth of the Novillo Astrada family at their home.