After 13 years and 35 games, neither La Dolfina nor Ellerstina will be playing the final of the Hurlingham Open. Instead, on Saturday, November 6, RS Murus Sanctus and La Natividad will go head-to-head for the coveted title. The final will be played just a few days before the start of the most important polo competition in the world: the 128th Argentine Open, at Palermo.
Rated at 39 goals, RS Murus Sanctus is the highest handicapped team, alongside Ellerstina, playing the Triple Crown. The former hired 10-goalers Pablo Mac Donough and Juan Martín Nero, former members of both Ellerstina and La Dolfina, to help them win the big titles. With Pablo and Juanma playing alongside two gifted and powerful players like Facundo Sola and Sapo Caset, Corinne Ricard’s French organisation is a true dream team, an explosive lineup, armed and ready to win any tournament of the Argentine Triple Crown. They earned their spot in the final after defeating title holders Ellerstina.
This final will be the biggest challenge for the Castagnola brothers so far; over the last three years, Barto and Jeta have become the biggest sensation in the sport, winning several tournaments abroad while working hard to break through in Argentina. The skills of the teenage sons of the legendary Lolo Castagnola and his wife, Camila Cambiaso, are remarkable. Jeta is the lethal weapon in attack, while Barto is the brains of the team. Behind their enormous success is a lot of effort and hard work. Polito Pieres’ adds experience to the line-up, while Nachi du Plessis shines as an extraordinary back. The fact is that finally, Barto and Jeta, have broken into the top level in Argentina. They will play their first ever Triple Crown final after defeating one of the best teams in polo history, La Dolfina.
RS Murus Sanctus and La Natividad are ready to play a historic final. It is interesting to note that these teams have never played against each other before, and after several years, the Hurlingham Open will be won by a new champion. Fasten your seatbelts and get ready to enjoy a spectacular final, due to be played on the Lewis Lacey ground, at the Hurlingham Club, on Saturday, November 6, at 4,30pm. See you there!
HURLINGHAM OPEN – FINAL – RS MURUS SANCTUS vs. LA NATIVIDAD
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 6, 4,30pm
RS Murus Sanctus: Facundo Sola 9, Guillermo Caset 10, Pablo Mac Donough 10, Juan Martín Nero 10. Total: 39.
La Natividad: Camilo Castagnola 9, Pablo Pieres 9, Bartolomé Castagnola Jr. 9, Ignatius du Plessis 9. Total: 36.
ROAD TO THE FINAL
- RS MURUS SANCTUS
9-7 vs. La Dolfina Brava
14-9 vs. La Irenita
13-12 vs. Ellerstina (semifinal)
- LA NATIVIDAD
13-8 vs. La Ensenada
20-11 vs. Alegria
13-10 vs. La Dolfina (semifinal)
Hurlingham Open – Teams & Fixture