Unbeaten in Zone A: La Natividad La Dolfina Reaches the Tortugas Open Semi-Finals
The transition from Hurlingham to the historic grounds of the Tortugas Country Club keeps the spring high-goal momentum running at full speed. After a tight, nail-biting debut against La Zeta Kazak (15-14) and a rain-swept 17-7 victory over La Ensenada, La Natividad La Dolfina has locked down its semi-final berth in Zone A—pushing the team's incredible winning streak to 18 consecutive victories.
The Battle Against La Ensenada
Playing under the rain, the afternoon against La Ensenada was far from a straightforward affair during the first half. For the opening four chukkers, La Ensenada put up a stubborn resistance, keeping the score within a manageable distance and closing the first half 8-5.
Yet, the 40-goal lineup proved why they dictate the rhythm of the game when it matters most. Shifting gears in the second half, the team unleashed a blistering 7-0 run across the fifth and sixth chukkers, blowing the game wide open to 15-5. A late flurry in the final period simply allowed La Ensenada to decorate the scoreboard as the clock ran out on a 17-7 final result.
Moments of Brilliance on the Grass
The victory showcased the diverse brilliance within the family-led squad. Camilo "Jeta" Castagnola was once again a constant threat up front, finishing as the match's top scorer with 7 goals. His afternoon featured surgical penalty conversions, a clever corner shot, and a clinical double strike in the seventh chukker to slam the door shut.
Meanwhile, Barto Castagnola delivered one of the most talked-about plays of the day. While his name only appeared once on the official scoring sheet, his contribution was unforgettable: a brilliant defensive steal followed by a fearless, coast-to-coast gallop that left La Ensenada's defense flat-footed and brought the spectators to their feet.
Looking Ahead: The Clash of the Undefeated
Attention now turns to Saturday, October 31, at 16:00 hs, where La Natividad La Dolfina will face Ellerstina Indios Chapaleufú in the semi-finals. Both powerhouses arrive as the undisputed rulers of Zone A, carrying unblemished records into the decisive weekend.
Despite their dominant finishes, the team carries a healthy dose of self-awareness. As Poroto Cambiaso noted after their last outing, the team tends to start matches a bit slow, taking a chukker or two to find their usual blistering tempo. Against an opponent of Ellerstina's caliber, granting any early gifts on the turf is simply not an option. With Adolfito orchestrating from the back and the formidable attacking force of Jeta and Poroto ready to strike, Saturday's showdown promises to be an unforgettable tactical battle for a ticket to the Tortugas final.
