The final of the Hurlingham Open, the second leg of the Argentine Triple Crown, between La Natividad and RS Murus Sanctus promised to be a challenging contest, being the first final in several years where neither Ellerstina nor La Dolfina were competing for the title. Having seen the level of performance of both teams throughout the tournament, overcoming the league stages unbeaten and eliminating Ellerstina and La Dolfina in semifinals, the final was expected to be a game that could be played on equal terms.

It didn’t quite play out that way, however. On Saturday November 6, on the Lewis Lacey Ground, at the Hurlingham Club, La Natividad made polo history after mercilessly defeating RS Murus Sanctus 14-8 to claim their first title in the Argentine Triple Crown. The achievement comes just three years after their fantastic debut at Palermo.

La Natividad ended the first chukka leading 2-1, but they truly took off in the second chukka, extending their advantage 4-1. After a scoreless third chukka, La Natividad held a 6-3 advantage at half time. Until then, the Cañuelas-based lineup worked perfectly as a team: Jeta Castagnola, a lethal weapon in attack and the top scorer of the match (nine goals); Barto Castagnola providing the brains, being in the right place, at the right time; Polito Pieres performing well, showing that he is at the highest point of his career; and Nachi Du Plessis, a formidable brick wall of a back. That explosive mix left RS Murus Sanctus struggling, and unable to score in four chukkas (second and third; fifth and sixth.

No one expected such a score difference between La Natividad and Murus Sanctus. The latter team is a fierce foursome, rated at 39 goals – like Ellerstina – and composed of four of the most experienced and players in the world: Sapo Caset, Facundo Sola, and two powerful 10-goalers, Pablo MacDonough and Juan Martín Nero. However, today was not their best day, and they were swept away by La Natividad.

By the end of the seventh chukka, the result was clear. La Natividad were 13-8 up, meaning that RS Murus Sanctus had to score at least five goals to send the match into OT – an almost impossible challenge. Barto Castagnola sealed the deal with one more goal, securing La Natividad’s first Argentine Triple Crown title.

The Hurlingham Open was not only La Natividad’s first title in the Argentine Triple Crown, but it is also the first for Barto and Jeta Castagnola, and for South African Nachi Du Plessis as well. But unlike the brothers, Nachi has already played a final of the Argentine Open (with Ellerstina and the three Pieres brothers, in 2014). This was Polito Pieres’ fourth Hurlingham Open, after his 2016, 2017 and 2018 wins with Ellerstina.

The final of the 2021 Hurlingham Open and La Natividad’s extraordinary victory roots a new name in the tournament’s rich history. This is undoubtedly the best preview for what’s to come: the 128th Argentine Open at Palermo. RS Murus Sanctus and La Natividad are placed in the same league – they might even have to battle it out for a place in the final. A rematch worth watching, that’s for sure!

• HURLINGHAM OPEN – FINAL – SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6

LA NATIVIDAD 14-8 RS MURUS SANCTUS

La Natividad: Camilo Castagnola 9 (9 goals, 3 penalties), Pablo Pieres 9 (3), Bartolomé Castagnola Jr. 2, Ignatius du Plessis 9. Total: 36.

RS Murus Sanctus: Facundo Sola 9 (2 goals), Guillermo Caset  10 (2 penalties), Pablo Mac Donough 10 (1, received a yellow card in the sixth chukka), Juan Martín Nero 10 (3, 1 penalty). Total: 39.

Score La Natividad: 2-1, 4-1, 4-1, 6-3, 9-5, 11-5, 13-8, 14-8.

Umpires: Guillermo Villanueva & Gastón Lucero.

Third Man: Martín Pascual.

• AWARDS

Javier Novillo Astrada MVP Award: Pablo Pieres.

Fair Play Award to the Gentleman of Polo: Camilo Castagnola.

BPP Daniel Kearney Cup, presented by the Hurlingham Club: Open Voina (Ellerstina Pícaro x Grappa Gallera), ridden by Pablo Pieres.

BPP, presented by the AAP: Monkey Puzzle (Osh Kosh x Cheeky Monkey SPC), ridden by Pablo Pieres.

Best Polo Argentino Bred, presented by the Argentine Polo Pony Breeders Assn.: Latia Ramona (Open Cabernet x Future Rayuela), ridden by Bartolomé Castagnola Jr.

IMAGES:

Final: La Natividad vs. RS Murus Sanctus

Hurlingham Open – Teams & Fixture