Hurlingham Open– Day 5

Ellerstina defeats La Dolfina

By Jorge Andrades

Putting up a superb performance, Ellerstina demolished La Dolfina 19-13 in the expected first 80 goals official encounter in history to win the B zone and qualify for the final of the Hurlingham Open. Despite the heavy rain on Friday night, the main field of the Hurlingham Club was in a good form but nevertheless the first match between Indios Chapaleufu II and El Paraiso was suspended to preserve the number two field which looked really wet.

The match was close and hard fought during the first three chukkers, but with a mediocre level as both teams did things nervously and committed many unnecessary fouls. Thus they went goal-to goal (many of them through penalties) but playing below their high handicaps. When the third period finished, Ellerstina´s better play was reflected in the score as they were and leading 5-4. Up to then,  just Facundo Pieres understood from the rest, showing his excellent dominium of the ball.

 The fourth chukker was totally different and also decisive as the winners gained it 6-1 and took the necessary difference in the score to dominate the action and also to gain in confidence to reach an unexpected “easy” victory. Showing mental speed and also excellent horses, the black shirted Ellerstina gave an excellent polo lesson, led by Facundo Pieres who was the top scorer with Adolfo Cambiaso on 10. Nevertheless, the dangerous forward, who was unstoppable for “Lolo” Castagnola, was well helped by his team mates who showed a superb to decide the game in seven minutes.

On the other side, in spite of Cambiaso`s efforts, La Dolfina never found their rhythm and showed again that they are far from the great squad which used to be unbeatable in Palermo. In fact, the losers tried to play good polo, but contrary to their rivals, they could never do it  well as a team and discount the difference in the score they had lost in that terrible fourth chukker. Former Argentine Open multi champions could do their best just through individual attempts and occasionally, thus many of their goals were scored through penalties.

 A proof of Ellerstina´s best play was the fact that they were twice seven goals ahead (13-6 and 17-10 by the end of the fifth and seventh chukkers) and then it seemed that the final result was never in doubt. 

It was a clear victory for Ellerstina who demonstrated to be the best team this season and also the most serious candidates to win the Triple Crown.

After receiving a prize for their triumph, Juan Martin Nero said that “we didn´t expect the difference in the score should be so wide. We were trusted in winning, but it was easier than dreamed. We really had a great task…”. Meanwhile, Lucas Monteverde admitted that La Dolfina had been overcame by Ellerstina´s better mental speed. “They passed us everywhere…we could not caught them in the hole match. Their victory was clear and deserved.”

Teams:

Ellerstina (19): Facundo Pieres 10, Gonzalo Pieres jr 10, Pablo Mac Donough 10, Juan Martín Nero 10. Total, 40

La Dolfina (13): Adolfo Cambiaso 10, Lucas Monteverde 10, Mariano Aguerre 10, Bartolomé Castagnola 10. Total,40

Chukker scores: Ellerstina 1-1,4-2,5-4,11-5,13-6,15-9,17-10,19-13.

Scorers: Ellerstina : Facundo Pieres 10-2  pen, Gonzalo Pieres jr 4-1 pen, Pablo Mac Donough 2, Juan Martín Nero 3. La Dolfina: Adolfo Cambiaso 10-5 pen-1 corner, Mariano Aguerre 3.