Hilario Ulloa’s La Hache La Roca were victorious 15-13 over his brother’s Carlos María La Hache Cría & Polo and claimed the first spot in the championship match of the 83rd. Tortugas Open, following the match that was played on Friday October 20, at Tortugas Country Club. La Hache La Roca, runner up of the 130th. Hurlingham Open, will play their second consecutive final of the 2023 Argentine Triple Crown.

La Hache La Roca dominated the first three chukkas through an impressive seven goal advantage at the end of the third. However, la Hache Cría & Polo were far from giving up; led by Joaquín Pittaluga, their top scorer, La Hache Cría & Polo managed to close the gap until they reached a 13-all in a thrilling last chukka. It seemed an extra chukka was about to come, but with less than to minutes left in regulation time, Fran Elizalde converted a Penalty 1, that secured La Hache La Roca a place in their second consecutive final of the season.

Previously, in the morning, Ellerstina beat La Irenita Clinova 15-13, in a contest that kicked off with two consecutive ties. From the third chukka onwards, Ellerstina widened their advantage, led by Gonzalo Pieres Jr., who delivered a remarkable performance and produced nine goals. It is worth noticing that Ellerstina made changes within their lineup – Bautista Bayugar and Gonzalito Pieres played at one and two, respectively. While Nachi du Plessis remained as the back, Nicolás Pieres played at three.

83rd. TORTUGAS OPEN – FRIDAY OCTOBER 20 – MATCH #1: LA HACHE LA ROCA 15-13 LA HACHE CRÍA & POLO

La Hache La Roca: Pablo Pieres 9 (2 goals), Hilario Ulloa 9 (5, one penalty 1), Guillermo Caset 9 (1), Francisco Elizalde 9 (7, one penalty). Total: 36.

La Hache Cría y Polo: Lucas Monteverde Jr. 7 (2 goals), Carlos M. Ulloa 7 (1), Facundo Sola 8 (2 penalties), Joaquín Pittaluga 8 (8, seven penalties). Total: 30.

Score La Hache La Roca: 1-0, 5-2, 9-2, 9-6, 11-7, 12-11, 15-13.

Umpires: Matías Baibiene & Guillermo Villanueva.            Third man: Martín Aguerre.

MATCH # 2: ELLERSTINA 17-12 LA IRENITA CLINOVA

Ellerstina: Bautista Bayugar 8 (3 goles), Gonzalo Pieres Jr. 9 (9, tres de penal), Nicolás Pieres 9 (1), Ignatius du Plessis 9 (4). Total: 35.

La Irenita Clinova: Facundo Fernández Llorente 8 (1 gol), Tomás Fernández Llorente Jr. 8 (3), Matías Torres Zavaleta 8 (2), Isidro Strada 8 (4, tres de penal). Total: 32.

Score Ellerstina: 2-2, 4-4, 8-6, 10-7, 12-8, 15-9, 17-10.

Umpires: Gastón Lucero & Rafael Silva.                               Third man: José Ignacio Araya.

La Hache La Roca’s contenders will be revealed on Saturday October 21, following the much anticipated match between the recent winners of the 130th. Hurlingham Open, La Dolfina Saudi, and reigning champions, La Natividad, due at 4pm.

Previously, La Ensenada and Cría La Dolfina will play at 1,30pm.  

83rd. Tortugas Open: Fixture & Teams

Cover photo by Matías Callejo / Prensa AAP.