In the continuation of the highly anticipated first day of the 131st Campeonato Argentino de Polo, the world’s premier polo tournament, an unforgettable match unfolded on Saturday, November 2, at the historic Field 1 in Palermo. The battle between Cría La Dolfina and La Ensenada captivated spectators, who were treated to a display of resilience, skill, and strategic play. In a stunning turn of events, Cría La Dolfina triumphed 16-14 after an incredible comeback, starting their campaign with a hard-fought and morale-boosting victory.
The game began with La Ensenada taking immediate control. Their swift, aggressive play gave them a commanding lead, and by midway through the third chukker, they had stormed ahead to an astonishing 10-1 advantage. This early lead appeared insurmountable, and the crowd sensed that La Ensenada might be about to deliver a decisive blow to Cría La Dolfina’s ambitions. La Ensenada’s dynamic teamwork and precision were on full display, with players seamlessly supporting each other to control both territory and pace. But then, led by their experienced captain Diego Cavanagh, Cría La Dolfina showed remarkable composure, regrouping and restructuring their strategy in a way that completely changed the game.
Rufino Bensadón emerged as a central figure in Cría La Dolfina’s comeback. His accuracy in front of the goal proved critical as he consistently found ways to convert scoring opportunities into goals, narrowing the gap. Bautista Bayugar was equally essential, standing strong in defense and providing a reliable last line of support. With his calm under pressure and strategic positioning, Bayugar frustrated La Ensenada’s advances, allowing Cría La Dolfina to refocus their energy on scoring. As the match entered its middle phases, Cría La Dolfina staged an astonishing rally, putting together a sequence of nine consecutive goals. The scoreboard, once heavily tilted in La Ensenada’s favor, now read an even score, signaling to everyone that the momentum had fully shifted.
From that point forward, the game transformed into an intense, closely-fought contest. La Ensenada, caught off guard by the ferocity of Cría La Dolfina’s response, struggled to regain their previous rhythm. Their early lead was effectively neutralized, and despite their efforts to adjust, they found themselves unable to halt Cría La Dolfina’s newfound dominance. Each chukker added to the suspense, with Cría La Dolfina narrowly inching ahead and La Ensenada fighting to stay within reach. By the seventh chukker, Cría La Dolfina had fully claimed the lead, and despite a determined effort from La Ensenada, Cría La Dolfina maintained their edge. As the final chukker concluded, they had secured a 16-14 victory – a win that not only showcased their grit but also set a promising tone for their journey through the tournament.
Team Rosters and Scoring Breakdown:
Cría La Dolfina Lineup:
• Rufino Bensadón (Handicap 8): Scored 7 goals, showcasing his precision and ability to capitalize on critical plays.
• Diego Cavanagh (Handicap 8): Scored 1 goal and was instrumental in rallying the team after their challenging start.
• Alejo Taranco (Handicap 8): Scored 1 goal, providing consistent support throughout the match.
• Bautista Bayugar (Handicap 8): Scored 7 goals, four of which were from penalty shots, demonstrating his poise under pressure.
Team Total Handicap: 32
La Ensenada Dietrich Lineup:
• Juan Britos Jr. (Handicap 9): Scored 4 goals, contributing significantly to La Ensenada’s early lead.
• Alfredo Bigatti (Handicap 9): Scored 2 goals, showcasing agility and determination.
• Juan M. Zubía (Handicap 9): Scored 1 goal, providing strong support in offense.
• Jerónimo del Carril (Handicap 9): Scored 7 goals, three of which were from penalties, playing a key role in the team’s overall performance.
Team Total Handicap: 36
Scoring Progression by Chukker:
The match progression tells the story of the remarkable comeback:
• First Chukker: 0-5, La Ensenada takes an early and commanding lead.
• Second Chukker: 1-8, La Ensenada extends their advantage, leaving Cría La Dolfina searching for answers.
• Third Chukker: 5-10, Cría La Dolfina starts to close the gap, hinting at a potential shift in momentum.
• Fourth Chukker: 9-10, Cría La Dolfina’s rally is in full swing, putting La Ensenada under pressure.
• Fifth Chukker: 10-12, a close contest as La Ensenada tries to hold on.
• Sixth Chukker: 12-12, Cría La Dolfina equalizes, igniting the crowd.
• Seventh Chukker: 14-13, Cría La Dolfina finally takes the lead.
• Eighth Chukker: 16-14, Cría La Dolfina clinches victory.
Additional Game Highlights and Officials:
• Yellow Card: Jerónimo del Carril received a yellow card in the 7th chukker, adding to the game’s intensity.
• Referees: Guillermo Villanueva Jr. and Martín Pascual officiated the match with composure, ensuring the game’s flow.
• Umpire: Hernán Tasso contributed to maintaining fair play throughout this high-stakes clash.
Cría La Dolfina’s victory not only marked an incredible comeback but also underscored the skill and resilience needed to compete in the prestigious Campeonato Argentino de Polo. This opening-day spectacle has set an exhilarating tone for the rest of the tournament, with fans eagerly anticipating what lies ahead in this fiercely contested championship.