The 79th Tortugas Open Final

On Friday 15 November, the postponed Final of The Tortugas Open took place at The Tortugas Country Club. The first Triple Crown tournament matches were postponed in late October due to inclement weather and heavy rains. In a breath-taking Final, the world’s two best Argentine teams battled for the coveted title, with the sought-after first Triple Crown title at stake. Due to the change in schedule, the Final of the second Triple Crown tournament had already happened, The Hurlingham Open Final, which saw La Dolfina take home the trophy. With the odds in the 2018 winners, La Dolfina’s, favour, it took great gusto for Ellerstina to fight back and take the win.
From the first chukka, La Dolfina took the lead, securing an extensive 6-2 lead by the end of the third chukka. The second half saw the tables turn, as Ellerstina fought back hard. But, it wasn’t until the final chukka that Ellerstina finally took full control. At the final bell, the boys in black had secured a 12th goal taking home the win 12-11 against their La Dolfina rivals. Nico Pieres was presented with the Most Valuable Player honours, whilst the Best Playing Pony rugs went to Irenita Acertada, played by Pablo Mac Donough, for the AAP honours and Open Biznieta, played by Nico Pieres, for the AACCP honours. With two Triple Crown titles apiece, it remains to be seen who can champion in The Argentine Open, which commenced last week.
The 79th Tortugas Open Final Teams:
Ellerstina (39): Facundo Pieres (10), Gonzalito Pieres (9), Polito Pieres (10) & Nico Pieres (10)
La Dolfina (40): Adolfo Cambiaso (10), David ‘Pelón’ Stirling (10), Pablo Mac Donough (10) & Juan Martín Nero (10)
 
Photograph: Ellerstina win The 79th Tortugas Open Final. By Matias Calléjo

Story courtesy of Polo Times