Unstoppable Pace to the Title: La Natividad La Dolfina Reaches the 133rd Hurlingham Open Final
The opening fixture of the Argentine high-goal calendar has set a formidable benchmark. Displaying tactical clarity, speed, and relentless execution, La Natividad La Dolfina has secured its place in the final of the 133rd Hurlingham Club Polo Open. Carrying a perfect 40-goal handicap valuation, the defending champions have controlled the main draw with an unblemished record.
A Dominant Path Through the Main Draw
Across its two main draw fixtures, La Natividad La Dolfina established immediate authority on the field, compiling 48 goals scored against just 13 conceded.
The quarter-final match against La Aguada resulted in a commanding 26–3 victory, with the team establishing control from the opening chukker. In the semi-finals against a 35-goal Las Monjitas side, an initial tight contest (7–5 over the first three chukkers) broke open as La Natividad La Dolfina adjusted its structure, producing an unanswered run to close the match 22–10.
Individual Precision and Tactical Balance
While the collective rhythm remains the team’s greatest strength, individual contributions were decisive throughout the semi-final fixture:
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Adolfo "Poroto" Cambiaso: Delivered a standout performance with 14 goals in the semi-final (including 7 penalties), consolidating his position as the tournament's leading scorer with 23 goals in two matches.
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Camilo "Jeta" Castagnola: Contributed 7 goals against Las Monjitas, driving rapid transitions alongside his brother Bartolomé.
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Bartolomé "Barto" Castagnola: Recognized with the Lüsqtoff Award following the semi-final, Barto served as the team’s central anchor, balancing defensive duties with fluid forward transitions.
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Adolfo Cambiaso: Operating entirely in a playmaking capacity, Cambiaso Sr. focused on positioning and defensive distribution, finishing the semi-final as the only player on the field without scoring a goal.
Tournament Standings and the Final Fixture
The tournament main draw and subsidiary brackets saw tight competition leading into the final matches:
Main Draw Results
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Quarter-finals: La Natividad La Dolfina 26–3 La Aguada | Las Monjitas 15–11 La Ensenada | Ellerstina Indios Chapaleufú 16–9 Don Ercole | La Hache 19–10 Híper Polo Club
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Semi-finals: La Natividad La Dolfina 22–10 Las Monjitas | La Hache 13–12 Ellerstina Indios Chapaleufú
John Drysdale Subsidiary Cup
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Semi-finals: La Ensenada 17–7 La Aguada | Híper Polo Club 17–13 Don Ercole
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Subsidiary Final: La Ensenada vs. Híper Polo Club (Thursday, 1 October)
La Natividad La Dolfina enters the final showing a level of cohesion that sets them apart early in the season. With minimal unforced errors and an ability to break down compact defensive structures, the team now turns its focus to the title match against La Hache on Saturday, 3 October.
