The Hurlingham Open, the second leg of the Argentine Triple Crown, is nearing its final stages. The tournament semifinals are set for Saturday, October 30, and Sunday, October 31, at the Hurlingham Club.
The tournament sees eight teams, up to 39 goals, compete. Teams are split into two leagues.
The first semifinal, due on Saturday, will see title holders, Ellerstina battle RS Murus Sanctus for the first place in the final. RS Murus Sanctus will play with their complete lineup, as Pablo Mac Donough makes a comeback from a torn muscle. Ellerstina will see Hilario Ulloa back in the saddle after being sidelined in the first match of the Tortugas Open. However, Alfredo Cappella will be subbing in for Nicolás Pieres, who suffered a bad fall in last week’s match against La Dolfina Brava. Cappella, interestingly enough, will be playing against the team he played the 2020 Triple Crown with.
“I’m better, improving everyday,” shared Nico Pieres. “I am going to the doctor again today, but I am doing well. Cappella will take my place for what’s left of the tournament. My aim is to make it to Palermo fully recovered. I want to let my body rest for few more days in order to be completely fit. We chose Alfre because we thought that he fits well in the team. He is not playing the Qualification either, so we could have him as a substitute at Palermo, too.”
Ellerstina and RS Murus Sanctus will go head-to-head on Saturday, October 30, at 4,30pm, for a place in the final. The winners’ rival will emerge on Sunday, October 31, following another thrilling semifinal, the clash of the Cañuelas-based teams: La Dolfina Saudi vs. La Natividad.
HURLINGHAM OPEN – SEMIFINAL #1 – SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30
ELLERSTINA vs. RS MURUS SANCTUS
Ellerstina:Â Facundo Pieres 10, Hilario Ulloa 10, Gonzalo Pieres Jr. 9, Alfredo Cappella8. Total: 37.
RS Murus Sanctus:Â Facundo Sola 9, Guillermo Caset 10, Pablo Mac Donough 10, Juan M. Nero 10. Total: 39.
Umpires: Gastón Lucero & Gonzalo López Vargas.
Third Man:Â MartÃn Pascual.
- LA DOLFINA BRAVA & LA ENSENADA VICTORIOUS IN LAST LEAGUE GAMESÂ
La Dolfina Brava and La Ensenada claimed wins in their respective league games, played on Friday, October 29, at the Argentine Association of Polo, in Pilar. These were very significant wins for both teams, as they claimed crucial points to qualify for the 2022 Triple Crown.
In the first match, La Dolfina Brava took a 13-11 victory against La Irenita. Next, La Ensenada defeated Alegria 14-7. The match was decided in the second half, when La Ensenada outscored Alegria 7-1.
HURLINGHAM OPEN – LAST LEAGUE GAMES – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29
- LA DOLFINA BRAVA 13-11 LA IRENITA
La Dolfina Brava.:Â Guillermo Terrera 9 (1 goal), Adolfo Cambiaso Jr. 8 (6, 4 penalties), Rodrigo Ribeiro de Andrade 8 (2), Alejo Taranco 8 (4, 1 penalty). Total: 33.
La Irenita: Santiago Loza 8 (1 goal), Segundo Bocchino 7 (2), Ignacio Toccalino 8 (1), Isidro Strada 8 (7 penalties). Total: 31.
Score La Dolfina Brava:Â 3-2, 4-3, 5-6, 7-8, 11-9, 13-10, 13-11.
Umpires:Â Federico Martelli & MartÃn Aguerre.
Third Man:Â MatÃas Baibiene.
- LA ENSENADA 14-7 ALEGRIA
La Ensenada: Juan Britos 9 (5, 1 penalty), Alfredo Bigatti 8 (1, received a yellow card in the fifth chukka), Juan MartÃn ZubÃa 8 (5), Jerónimo del Carril 8 (3). Total: 33.
AlegrÃa: AgustÃn Merlos 7 (1 goal), Pedro ZacharÃas 7 (6, 5 penalties ), Tomás GarcÃa del RÃo 7, Fred Mannix 7. Total: 28.
Score La Ensenada:Â 3-1, 5-4, 7-5, 7-6, 8-7, 11-7, 14-7.
Umpires:Â MatÃas Baibiene y Rafael Silva.
Third Man:Â MartÃn Aguerre.
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The final of the Hurlingham Open is set for Saturday, November 6.