Tue 28th Nov 2023The Julio Novillo Astrada CupBardon triumphant with 13-7 win
On a chilly and rainy afternoon of Tuesday 21 November, Bardon emerged victorious with a 13-7 triumph over El Milagro, clinching The Julio Novillo Astrada Cup at La Aguada Polo Club in Open Door, Argentina. In the opening chukka, El Milagro’s Lukin Monteverde secured the first goal; however, Bardon swiftly responded with Jeta Castagnola and Rufino Lauhlé establishing a 2-1 lead for Bardon by the end of the first chukka. From that point onward, Bardon dominated the match, maintaining the lead throughout the six chukkas. By half-time, Bardon had a 7-3 advantage over El Milagro. Despite El Milagro's efforts in the second half, Andras Tombor's team continued to control the game, thwarting any attempts to turn the tide. As the sixth chukka commenced, Bardon had a commanding lead of 12-5. In the closing moments of the match, Bardon sealed their victory with one final goal, securing a 13-7 win and claiming the XIX edition of The Julio Novillo Astrada Cup. Notably, this marks the organisation's second title, following their previous victory in The La Hache Polo Cup. After the match there were numerous awards presented: Lauhlé was chosen as Most Valuable Player, Luca Cartagena, played by Alfredo Bigatti received the River Slaney BPP, Siempre Mala Fama (Open Iphone x Luca Mara), played by Bigatti was the Best Polo Argentino Bred, presented by the Argentine Polo Pony Breeders Assn., Gonzalo Lozano received the Skeeter Johnston Fair Play Award and Bigatti was also nominated as the Best Mounted Player. The Julio Novillo Astrada Cup Final Teams: Bardon Polo Team (22): Andreas Tombor (0), Rufino Laulhé (3), Alfredo Bigatti (9) & Camilo ‘Jeta’ Castagnola (10) El Milagro Polo (22): Gonzalo Lozano (1), Santiago Solari (6), Lukin Monteverde (7) & Ignacio Novillo Astrada (8) Photograph: Bardon Polo Team, winners of The Julio Novillo Astrada Cup. By Adrián Melo |