Ellerstina Indios Chapaleufú claimed a 14 to 12 victory over La Ensenada, a result that sets the stage for a decisive fight for the top spot in the group and for a place in the final of the 132nd Argentine Open. That final ticket will be disputed next Sunday at 4:30 p.m. on Field 1, the most iconic ground of the sport, when they face La Irenita La Hache.
Just like La Irenita La Hache, the Pieres brothers and their Heguy cousins did not have the pressure of needing a win this Sunday in order to reach the direct confrontation that will determine who advances to the championship match on December 6. Even so, they pushed for the result, played with purpose, and earned the points that boost confidence and reinforce momentum for what lies ahead.
The break in competition the previous weekend had a small impact on the pink-and-black team. They struggled early to find fluidity, pace, and the brisk tempo that usually characterizes their style. Little by little, as the chukkers unfolded, they began to settle.
Their plan was clear from the opening throw in: play fast, keep the ball moving, rely on quick passing and swift transitions, the type of dynamic polo that defines the modern game.
Antonio Heguy, the standout performer of the match, acknowledged the effects of the interruption. According to him, the free date made it harder to maintain rhythm, particularly for the horses. Heguy spent the afternoon darting across the field with the ease of a gust of wind, breaking through marks, appearing suddenly in open spaces, and then vanishing as quickly as he arrived.
His changes of direction were unpredictable and his bursts of acceleration allowed him to carry the ball with control and send it through the goalposts repeatedly. He finished with five goals from open play. Facundo Pieres also scored five times, three from penalties, while for La Ensenada, Jerónimo del Carril produced six goals, all of them from fouls.
Heguy spoke with a mix of pride and disbelief. In only his second Argentine Open, reaching a semifinal felt like living inside a dream. He insisted that he tries not to overthink things, but admitted that being one step away from the final is something he never imagined achieving so quickly. His cousin Cruz shares that astonishment. In his third Open, the idea of lining up for a semifinal at Palermo still feels extraordinary. His plan is simple, enjoy every moment of the coming week.
There were stretches in which Ellerstina Chapaleufú struggled, yet they managed the match with authority when it mattered. La Ensenada, thanks to the three hundred points earned on this date plus the three hundred already guaranteed simply by taking the field against La Dolfina II, secured its continuity in the Triple Crown. It is true that they leave Palermo with only defeats on their record, against La Hache Cría y Polo, La Irenita La Hache, and now Ellerstina Chapaleufú. Even so, the points collected in previous tournaments gave them a significant cushion. That safety net allowed them to play the Open with less pressure and, at the same time, increased the anxiety for other teams in similar positions, such as La Dolfina II in their group and La Zeta Kazak in the other bracket, both of which came from the qualification tournament without any opportunity to accumulate points.
Neither Antonio nor Cruz paid any attention to La Irenita La Hache’s recent setback. Their respect for their next opponent remains intact. Both players described it as a powerful and highly competitive team that has been improving steadily in Palermo. They believe that they will need to play with precision and full focus in order to overcome them. The group feels united, with strong chemistry and genuine enjoyment in playing together.
As the tournament moves toward its decisive phase, Palermo continues to offer surprising results and unexpected storylines. In Zone B, however, the fight for a place in the final involves the two teams with the highest handicaps, even if one arrives strengthened and the other slightly shaken. The real battle takes shape behind them, where some teams cling to advantages while others struggle against the odds to remain among the prestigious group of eight. Reaching that group is difficult, but staying in it is even harder.
Match Summary
Ellerstina Indios Chapaleufú (14):
Facundo Pieres 10, Antonio Heguy 8, Gonzalo Pieres 9, Cruz Heguy 9. Total 36.
La Ensenada (12):
Rufino Bensadón 8, Juan Britos 8, Guillermo Caset 9, Jerónimo del Carril 9. Total 34.
Progression: 2 to 1, 3 to 1, 4 to 3, 6 to 5, 8 to 6, 10 to 7, 12 to 8, 14 to 12.
Scorers for Ellerstina Indios Chapaleufú: F. Pieres 5 including 3 penalties, A. Heguy 5, G. Pieres 2, C. Heguy 2.
Scorers for La Ensenada: Bensadón 1, Britos 1, Caset 4, del Carril 6 all from penalties.
Umpires: Matías Baibiene and Gonzalo López Vargas.
Referee: José Ignacio Araya.
Field: No. 1, Argentine Polo Grounds.