Ellerstina Indios Chapaleufú made a memorable debut in the 85th Tortugas Open, claiming a dramatic 16–15 victory over La Ensenada in what proved to be one of the most gripping matches of the season so far. The clash, held at the Tortugas Country Club — the historic first stage of Argentina’s prestigious Triple Crown of Polo — had everything: high emotion, technical brilliance, unexpected comebacks, and a breathtaking finish that had spectators holding their breath until the very last second.
The game began under tense and damp conditions, as the day’s schedule had to be advanced due to forecasted rain. Yet, the players wasted no time setting a high tempo. From the very first chukka, the intensity was palpable. Facundo Pieres, Ellerstina’s maestro and one of polo’s most consistent stars, opened the scoring with a magnificent 100-yard drive that sliced through La Ensenada’s defense — a statement of intent from the Pieres-led side. But La Ensenada immediately struck back through Juan Britos, demonstrating their resilience and capacity to counterpunch.
By the end of the first chukka, La Ensenada managed to take a narrow 2–1 lead, capitalizing on a last-minute opportunity. However, Ellerstina quickly regrouped. In the second chukka, their coordination sharpened: Lorenzo Chavanne, stepping in for the injured Antonio “Toni” Heguy, blended seamlessly into the team structure, scoring a key goal and showing composure beyond his years. Alongside him, Cruz Heguy, playing with remarkable maturity, began to find his rhythm, helping Ellerstina retake control. The scoreboard soon reflected the shift in momentum, and by the third chukka, both teams were level at 5–5, setting the stage for a see-saw battle.
The fourth chukka brought more drama. La Ensenada surged again, finding themselves ahead 7–5 thanks to disciplined play and accurate penalty conversions from Jerónimo del Carril. But Ellerstina, showing the pedigree of a multi-generation dynasty in Argentine polo, roared back. Every player — from Pieres’ playmaking to Chavanne’s tenacity and the strategic positioning of the Heguy brothers — contributed to a blistering 4-0 run. By halftime, Ellerstina had turned the game on its head, leading 9–7.
The fifth chukka was arguably Ellerstina’s best stretch of play. Their passing game clicked beautifully, and they dominated possession. Their defensive structure, anchored by precise marking and quick counter-attacks, frustrated La Ensenada’s attempts to regain momentum. With a 4-1 run, Ellerstina extended their lead to 13–8, appearing firmly in control. But in polo, no lead is ever safe — and the sixth and seventh chukkas would prove just that.
As fatigue began to creep in, La Ensenada showed tremendous character. Del Carril once again became a central figure, converting penalties and orchestrating attacks that gradually eroded Ellerstina’s advantage. Britos added crucial goals, and Gonzalo Ferrari — who had come in for the absent Guillermo “Sapo” Caset — delivered an admirable performance, covering the field with energy and determination.
By the final minutes of the seventh chukka, the impossible seemed possible: La Ensenada had leveled the match at 15–15, completing a remarkable comeback. Spectators at Tortugas could sense the tension rising; overtime seemed imminent. Both sides exchanged desperate defensive stands, and every possession carried the weight of the match.
Then, with just 20 seconds remaining, came the defining moment. Receiving a loose ball near midfield, Cruz Heguy unleashed an astonishing shot from approximately 70 meters — a perfectly struck forehand that soared over the defenders and split the posts. The Ellerstina supporters erupted, and even neutral fans applauded the sheer audacity of the play. It was a moment of brilliance and courage, sealing a 16–15 victory in storybook fashion.
As the final bell rang, Ellerstina players embraced in relief and celebration. The win was not merely a testament to their technical skill but also to their mental toughness and team chemistry. For a squad incorporating new and substitute players — Chavanne for Antonio Heguy, and the younger Heguy brothers stepping into leading roles — it was a performance full of character.
La Ensenada, though defeated, earned widespread respect for their spirited fightback and discipline under pressure. Despite missing one of their stars, the team showed cohesion and grit that promise to make them dangerous opponents throughout the tournament.
The 85th Tortugas Open continues to reinforce why Argentine polo remains unmatched in quality and tradition. Matches like this, full of tension, precision, and raw emotion, remind fans why the sport is often described as “chess on horseback.” Ellerstina’s narrow victory not only marked a successful debut but also sent a clear message: the legacy of the Pieres and Heguy families remains alive, fierce, and determined to reclaim the top of Argentine polo.