Argentine Open Match Updates

The weekend 11 – 12 November saw a flurry of matches played between teams for the 124th Argentine Open. The action kicked off on Saturday 11 November with four-time champions La Dolfina Sancur Sanctos making their 2017 tournament debut, managing to secure a predicable smashing defeat of La Esquina LM Navarro Correas. Although it had been three weeks since their surprise defeat by Alegría in the Hurlingham, La Dolfina didn’t show any loss of rhythm and controlled the match from the first throw-in, with their usual style and panache. As the final whistle was blown, there was no doubt as to who was in the driving seat, as the scoreboard read 24-6 in favour of La Dolfina.

In the second match of the day, La Aguada and La Irenita faced each other. Both teams were evenly matched and by the end of the first chukka, the scores remained tied at 0-0. However, La Aguada were keen to secure success and in the fourth chukka Miguel Novillo Astrada took matters into his own hands and scored three goals to take the advantage for La Aguada. The match ended with a score of 12-7 in favour of La Aguada and with that secured classification for 2018.

The following day, Sunday 12 November, was the fourth day of the competition and saw two matches played at Palermo. First up, Ellerstina made a strong debut with a 21-7 win over Chapaleufú Cardón. Facundo Pieres returned to playing following his fall in the Hurlingham Open Final, and the whole team were once again back to their usual unstoppable force. Ellerstina’s comfortable win means they will now face LD La Dolfina Polo Ranch on Wednesday 15 November. The second match of the day was between Alegría and Cría Yatay. Alegría took the advantage from the outset and Cría Yatay struggled to stamp their mark on the match, despite the best efforts of Joaquín Pittaluga and Magoo Laprida who led their team over the eight chukkas. However, Alegría took the win with a score of 14-11 and with the win, qualified for the 2018 tournament. If Alegría win their match against Chapaleufú today, Wednesday 15 November, they will take a spot in the zone Final. Meanwhile Cría Yatay will have time to prepare for their match against Ellerstina on Sunday 19 November.

Today is the fifth day of the competition with several matches scheduled, all times quoted are local times:

2pm: La Aguada Las Monjitas vs. La Esquina L. M. Navarro Correas

4.30pm: La Dolfina Sancor Seguros vs. The Albertina Abu Dhabi (for La Copa Omit)

Tomorrow will see two matches played between Alegría Land Rover vs. Chapaleufú Cardón at 2pm and Ellerstina Johor, vs. LD La Dolfina Polo Ranch at 4.30pm.