Ellerstina defeated La Aguada, but La Aguada wins Zone A on net goals and will meet Indios Chapaleufu II in the finals of the Tortugas Open.
The young regular lineup of Ellerstina Etiqueta Negra (38) beat the experienced La Aguada Telmex (37) by 11-10, but La Aguada won Zone A playoffs by higher net goals and is a finalist in the Tortugas Country Club Open, for the Emilio de Anchorena Cup, the great BMW award and the BMW motorcycle. The game was played on Tortuguitas’ field 6. Ellerstina went back to its practical game, but it was not enough to reach the level they had last year, when they became undoubted champions. They were unable to show the same level of play during the debut game against El Paraiso Polo Team (36) after losing by 13-12. On the other hand, the winning team improved their performance considerably, their ponies were in better condition and they seemed to be better mounted than in the previous game against the Merlo’s Team.
The four Novillo Astrada brothers played a good first chukker. There was an excellent goal scored by Eduardo Novillo Astrada (handicap 9), who was well assisted by the rest of the team. During the second chukker, Ellerstina found their best positions on the field forcing the mark from the other team. The pressure of having to anticipate the rival’s movements caused La Aguada to start playing for the score, taking advantage of their better net goals. That gave Facundo Pieres the chance to score four penalties from different distances and position the team better on the scoreboard. The team was playing with deep runs always with another player’s back up. That made the Novillos try to reduce the difference and Javier put the score 4-4, but after 5 min. 20 sec. of the third chukker La Aguada led on the scoreboard again. The score changed several times in favor of one team and the other according to the performances of the players. In the sixth chukker, Nacho Novillo scored two, 40-yard penalties bringing the score to 8-8. In the seventh chukker, Ellerstina played decisively and was able to lead the score by 10-8 at 2 min,13sec. Miguel reduced the difference at 4 min, 24sec, Gonzalito scored again for the winner, but with temperament and diligence they kept on looking for the winning move, which they only found at 6 min 57sec of that chukker when due to a foul made by Pablo, Javier sealed the scoreboard and Ellerstina won by 11-10. With that score La Aguada will play the finals of the Tortugas Open.
The Hurlingham Open will take place from Oct, 17th to Nov, 4th and the Argentine (Palermo) Open from Nov, 18th to Dec, 9th.
The teams and and goals scored:
Ellerstina Etiqueta Negra (38): Facundo Pieres 10 (7 goals, six from penalties), Pablo Mac Donough 9 (scored 1), Gonzalo Pieres (jr) 10 (3, one from a penalty) and Matías Mac Donough 9.
La Aguada Telmex (37): Javier Novillo Astrada 9 (5, three from penalties), Eduardo Novillo Astrada (jr) 9 (scored 1), Miguel Novillo Astrada 10 (scored 2) and Ignacio Novillo Astrada 9 (2 penalties).
Score by the chukker: 0-1, 4-2, 4-5, 6-5, 8-6, 8-8 y 11-10.
Umpires: Juan José Díaz Alberdi and Daniel Boudou.
Referee: Martín Haurie.