By Alejandra Ocampo
La Dolfina Saudi did everything very well on Lewis Lacey Ground, the Hurlingham Club’s main field, on Sunday October 29. They only needed a win to earn the second spot in the final of the 129th. Hurlingham Open, but instead, they overwhelmed Ellerstina to claim an impressive 14-6 victory, which not only placed them in the championship match but also claim League B unbeaten. As a result, la Dolfina Saudi will go head-to-head for the title against La Irenita Grand Champions, on Saturday October 29. The second leg of the Argentine Triple Crown sees eight teams between 29 and 39 goals, in participation.
There’s not much to say about a match that was completely dominated by the Cañuelas-based lineup. Despite they had a signifcant advantage to earn a spot in the final, La Dolfina Saudi got off to a strong start against Ellerstina, closing the first chukka with a commanding 4-0 lead. Thoroghout the seven chukkas of play, they imposed their remarkable teamplay, widening their advantage chukka after chukka, led by an extraordinary Poroto Cambiaso, man of the moment, who produced no less than 12 goals. It was really tough for Ellerstina to overcome them. With the legendary Memo Gracida in the ponylines as the team’s coach, Ellerstina weren’t able to find their form not even to close the gap. And if that wasn’t enough, halfway the foruth chukka Nico Pieres left the field due to an injury and was subbed in by Ignacio Laprida.
As a result, La Irenita Grand Champions and La Dolfina Saudi will clash for the second title of the Triple Crown, in a match that promises to be unforgettable.
129th. HURLINGHAM OPEN – SUNDAY OCTOBER 23
LA DOLFINA SAUDI 14-6 ELLERSTINA
La Dolfina Saudi: Adolfo Cambiaso 10, David Stirling 10 (2 goals), Adolfo Cambiaso Jr. 9 (12, 8 penalties and 1 corner), Juan Martín Nero 10. Total: 39.
Ellerstina: Facundo Pieres 10 (3 goals, 1 penalty, 1 corner), Hilario Ulloa 9 (2), Gonzalo Pieres Jr. 9 (1), Nicolás Pieres 10 (subbed in by Ignacio Laprida 8, in the fourth chukka). Total: 38.
Score La Dolfina Saudi: 4-0, 5-3, 8-4, 9-5, 9-5, 12-5, 14-6.
Umpires: Martín Pascual & Gonzalo López Vargas. Third man: José Ignacio Araya.
IMAGES
129th. Hurlingham Open – La Dolfina Saudi vs. Ellerstina
La Irenita Grand Champions and La Dolfina Saudi will play the final of the 129th. Hurlingham Open on Saturday October 29.