Thu 19th Nov 2020Ellerstina Reach Hurlingham Final15-10 win against La Natividad/Las Monjitas
On Wednesday 18 November, the second Hurlingham Open finalist was decided in the match between Ellerstina and La Natividad/Las Monjitas on Field 2 of the Alfredo Lalor Headquarters of the Argentine Polo Association in Pilar. Prior to the match, it was expected to be a closely fought contest, but on the day Ellerstina seized control from the outset and overwhelmed La Natividad/Las Monjitas with superior play in the first four chukkas mainly owing to the performance of Facundo Pieres, who is currently the tournament’s top scorer with 20 goals. Ellerstina took advantage of all the penalty opportunities passed their way by La Natividad/Las Monjitas and by the second chukka had secured themselves an 8-1 lead. Ellerstina seemed to ease of the gas in the second half, which allowed La Natividad/Las Monjitas to bounce back into the competition and closed the gap to just three goals with a score of 11-7 in the fifth chukka. With viewers tuning in via the AAP’s livestreaming service on the edge of their seats, wondering if La Natividad/Las Monjitas would be able to turn the tables and secure themselves a place in the Final there was all to play for in the final chukkas. However, Ellerstina’s earlier lead proved too much to overcome and secured themselves a place in Sunday’s Final with a score of 15-10, where they will face RS Murus Sanctus. The Hurlingham Open Semi Final Teams: RS Murus Sanctus (35): Facundo Sola (9), Francisco Elizalde (8), Guillermo Caset (10) & Alfredo Cappella Barabucci (8) La Dolfina Saudi (34): Adolfo Cambiaso (10, Adolfo Cambiaso (6), Pablo Mac Donough (10) & Ignacio Laprida (8) Ellerstina (39): Facundo Pieres (10), Hilario Ulloa (10), Gonzalo Pieres (9) & Nicolás Pieres (10) La Natividad/Las Monjitas (36): Camilo 'Jeta' Castagnola (8), Pablo ‘Polito’ Pieres (10), Bartolomé Castagnola (9) & Ignatius Du Plessis (9) Photograph: Ellerstina has secured themselves a place in Sunday’s Final. By Sergio Llamera |