The First Matches of the HSBC Argentine Open Finally Underway
There were big results in both of the first two matches of the Argentine Open that took place on Monday 24 November. In the first match of Zone A, Tortugas and Hurlingham champions La Dolfina faced a weaker Magual side defeating them by an impressive 11 goals. Magual couldn’t get close to the formidable 40 goal team and every one of the 9 goals difference in team handicaps were felt, even when Pelon Stirling, injured, retired in the seventh chukka having been hit on the hand. The rhythm and pace of the game was not slowed by Rodrigo Andrade’s more than capable replacement, and the match ended 18-7 in favour of the unstoppable La Dolfina. Reports from the sidelines are reassuring; Pelon’s injuries will not prevent him from playing his next game on Saturday 28 November against Alegria.
The second match between La Aguada and Alegría was a lot closer although not reflected on the scoreboard. An impressive first chukka saw La Aguada go 7-0 up before Alegría could get their heads in the game. This however, they did in the third and fourth chukkas, creeping up on La Aguada in an impressive comeback that had the two teams neck and neck at 14-14 in the final minutes of the sixth chukka. The seventh chukka was all about La Aguada as Agustín Merlos and his teammates scored an incredible 6 goals to beat Alegrría 21-15.
The tournament continues tomorrow with Zone B matches between Ellerstina and Washington followed by Chapaleufú vs La Aguada Las Monjitas later that afternoon.
Photograph: La Aguada defeat Alegría on the opening day of the Argentine Open. By Matias Callejo
http://www.polotimes.co.uk/?pg=35