The 80-goal handicap promised a final for the ages. The prediction fell short. The Nativity defeated 13-12 La Dolfina in the definition of 131° Hurlingham Open of pole in an unforgettable duel and with a goal from the legendary Facundo Pieres 30 seconds from the last bell.
On field 1 of the traditional Buenos Aires club, the fifth official match in the history of Argentine polo was played with a perfect score. On both sides, 40 goal handicap. It is no coincidence that La Dolfina has been the protagonist in all of them.
However, for those from Cañuelas the Hurlingham final did not start well. The start was bad and they were down 9-4. It was all comfort for the Castagnola family team, which was heading for its second title in the west. To top off the moment, Adolfo Cambiaso, spiritual and sports leader of La Dolfina, had to leave the match due to injury.
Paradox of fate or not, there began a furious raid by the black team that included a 7-0 run to add excitement and suspense to the first final of the Triple Crown season.
With 30 seconds left, Pieres put all his talent at the service of La Natividad and rehearsed a masterpiece that meant a title: a feint against Juan Manuel Nero and an 80-yard shot. Goal and green and white celebration.
La Natividad achieved his second title at Hurlingham – he had already won it in 2021 – and his sixth Triple Crown (Tortugas 2022 and 2023 and Palermo 2021 and 2023). Regarding the achievements of his players, Pablo Mac Donough won his 11th trophy at Hurlingham and Pieres his 9th; while the Castagnola brothers won the second of their careers.
The Triple Crown, the most prestigious tournament series in world polo, will continue from October 12 with the 84th Turtle Openwhose final will be played on November 2. The 131st Argentine Polo Open (Palermo) will begin on November 1 and will be defined on December 7.
Synthesis La Natividad vs La Dolfina in the Hurlingham Polo Open
- La Natividad: Facundo Pieres 10 (5 goals, three from penalties), Camilo Castagnola 10 (2), Pablo Mac Donough 10 (3) and Bartolomé Castagnola (h) 10 (3). Total: 40.
- La Dolfina Saudi: Adolfo Cambiaso (h) 10 (1 penalty) (Injured, he was replaced by Gonzalo Ferrari 7 -1- at 0.10m of the sixth chukker), David Stirling (h) 10, Adolfo Cambiaso (n) 10 ( 8, three from a penalty) and Juan M. Nero 10 (2). Total: 40.
- Progression: The Nativity, 2-1, 4-1, 7-2, 9-6, 9-7, 9-11, 12-12 and 13-12.
- Judges: Gastón Lucero and Guillermo Villanueva (h).
- Referee: José I. Araya.
- Court: No. 1 of the Hurlingham Club.
Source: Ambito
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