Let’s go back in time, back to the 2008 final of the Hurlingham Open. The match was played between La Aguada and Pilará. Ultimately, the four Novillo Astrada brothers defeated Pilará by 15 goals to 14 in extra chukka, with the unforgettable Javier Novillo Astrada scoring the winning goal from a spot penalty. From 2009 to 2020, however, all of the finals of the second leg of the coveted Argentine Triple Crown have seen either La Dolfina or Ellerstina, or both, playing for the title.

But, after 13 years and 35 games, that streak has come to an end. Neither La Dolfina nor Ellerstina will be playing this year’s final of the Hurlingham Open, as RS Murus Sanctus defeated Ellerstina on Saturday, while La Natividad beat La Dolfina on Sunday. After several years of hard work, the Castagnola brothers, Barto and Jeta, have broken through. They will now play the their first ever Triple, Crown final.

The second semifinal of the Hurlingham Open was a particularly fantastic affair –  a clash between the two Cañuelas-based organisations, with Barto and Jeta going up against their uncle, the great Adolfo Cambiaso.

The match did not disappoint. The game was tied on several occasions, but La Natividad managed to hold the lead for most of the game. They held a narrow 6-5 advantage by the end of the fourth, but from the fifth chukka onwards, they overwhelmed La Dolfina. La Natividad took control of the game, with all four players performing well, an extraordinary combination of youth and experience. The two Castagnola brothers, who despite still being in their teens, play like seasoned players, were supported by the experience of Polito Pieres and Nachi du Plessis. La Natividad gave it their all, playing their best polo in order to secure a historic win against one of the greatest teams of all times.

La Natividad will play RS Murus Sanctus for the Hurlingham Open title on Saturday, November 6.

HURLINGHAM OPEN – SEMIFINAL #2 – SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31

LA NATIVIDAD 13-10 LA DOLFINA

La Natividad: Camilo Castagnola 9 (6 goals, 5 penalties), Pablo Pieres 9 (3), Bartolomé Castagnola Jr. 9 (3), Ignatius du Plessis 9 (1). Total: 36.

La Dolfina Saudi: Adolfo Cambiaso 10 (1, received a yellow card in the fifth chukka), Francisco Elizalde 9 (3, 2 penalties), David Stirling 10 (1), Diego Cavanagh 9 (5, four penalties). Total: 38.

Score La Natividad: 1-1, 2-3, 4-4, 6-5, 9-7, 11-8, 13-10.

Umpires: Guillermo Villanueva & Martín Pascual.

Third Man: Gastón Lucero.

IMAGES:

Semifinal #2 – La Natividad vs. La Dolfina

The final of the Hurlingham Open is set for Saturday, November 6.

Hurlingham Open: Teams & Fixture