The alliance between the Pieres brothers and the Heguy cousins continues to gather strength, and this Wednesday at the 85th Tortugas Open, it truly hit its stride. On Field 6 of the Tortugas Country Club, Ellerstina–Indios Chapaleufú dominated La Hache Cría & Polo with a resounding 17–7 victory, a performance that combined precision, teamwork, and growing confidence.
It was a different kind of triumph this time—less frantic, more controlled. Just days earlier, the team had edged La Ensenada in dramatic fashion, thanks to a last-minute, 70-meter rocket from Cruz Heguy. Against La Hache, there were no such nail-biters. From the second half onward, Ellerstina–Indios Chapaleufú took complete command, showing the composure and clarity of a team finding its best form at just the right time.
With two wins in a row and the return of Antonio Heguy following knee surgery, the team is now poised for Sunday’s crucial showdown against UAE Polo, which will decide who moves on to the final of this first leg of Argentina’s prestigious Triple Crown, the prelude to the legendary Argentine Open in Palermo.
From Advantage to Authority
On paper, Ellerstina–Indios Chapaleufú held the edge—a four-goal handicap advantage (36 to 32). But in modern polo, that number means little. The gap between top-tier organizations and the chasing pack has narrowed dramatically, thanks to improvements in breeding, training, and organization across the board. Wins today are forged not through pedigree, but through precision, pace, and focus.
That’s exactly what the Pieres–Heguy quartet delivered. Their play in the second half was sharp and seamless—quick transitions, fluid combinations, and relentless pressure. They looked like a unit in tune, playing with both intelligence and intensity. It was a calmer, more confident display than the tense affair of the previous weekend—“relaxed,” yes, but never careless.
La Hache Cría & Polo stayed competitive early on, matching goals and closing space effectively. But by the fourth chukker, their resistance began to fade. Ellerstina–Indios Chapaleufú sensed it immediately and tightened their grip on the game. From there, it was a matter of control, not survival.
A Team in Full Flow
It was a collective effort that defined the day. Each player understood his role—and executed it to near perfection.
Antonio Heguy, freshly returned from injury, was razor-sharp in attack, instinctively reading the game and punishing every defensive lapse. His seven goals equaled the entire output of the opposing side.
In the center of the field, Gonzalo Pieres Jr. was the glue holding everything together—rarely flashy, but essential. His work rate and positional awareness gave his teammates the freedom to create and attack.
Facundo Pieres, the architect, dictated tempo and direction, controlling the rhythm of play with the poise and intelligence that have long defined his game. He scored six goals—four from penalties—but contributed just as much through his passing and leadership.
And in defense, Cruz Heguy delivered a near-flawless performance. Calm under pressure and disciplined in marking, he committed just one foul all afternoon. Yet even from the back, he found opportunities to surge forward, scoring four goals with impeccable timing.
La Hache Fades After a Strong Start
La Hache Cría & Polo began with promise, pressing hard and responding goal for goal. But as the match wore on, their structure unraveled. Fatigue crept in, spaces opened, and Ellerstina–Indios Chapaleufú took full advantage.
By the closing chukkers, the gap in horsepower, organization, and experience became clear. The pink jerseys surged ahead with confidence, underlining why they’re seen as one of the strongest contenders in this year’s Tortugas Open.
The victory wasn’t just about the score—it was about rhythm, chemistry, and timing. This was a team finding itself, piece by piece, performance by performance. And with the final now in sight, the Pieres–Heguy partnership seems ready to test its growing power against one of the most dangerous organizations in world polo: UAE Polo.
Match Summary
Ellerstina–Indios Chapaleufú:
Facundo Pieres (10), Antonio Heguy (8), Gonzalo Pieres Jr. (9), and Cruz Heguy (9).
Total Handicap: 36
La Hache Cría & Polo:
Bautista Bayugar (8), Carlos María Ulloa (8), Joaquín Pittaluga (8), and Ignacio Laprida (8).
Total Handicap: 32
Score Progression: 1–2, 4–2, 5–3, 6–5, 9–6, 12–7, 16–7, and 17–7.
Scorers:
• Ellerstina–Indios Chapaleufú: F. Pieres (6, 4 penalties), A. Heguy (7), C. Heguy (4)
• La Hache Cría & Polo: Bayugar (2), Pittaluga (4; 1 penalty, 1 corner), Laprida (1)
Umpires: Guillermo Villanueva and Hernán Tasso
Referee: José Ignacio Araya
Field: No. 6, Tortugas Country Club