El Overo Z7 UAE won the final of the Argentine Women's Open on Saturday 7th December, winning 10-7 against La Dolfina at Palermo and retaining their title for the second year running. An exciting, multinational match up included some of the biggest names in ladies polo including Hazel Jackson, Hope Arellano, Lia Salvo and Nina Clarkin and is the second year running that we have seen this final between the La Dolfina organisation and the El Overo Z7 UAE team. A slight change in line up saw the powerhouse Candelaria Fernandez Araujo move from La Dolfina to join the UAE side this year, a shift which had a huge impact on the team dynamic giving them even more attacking power and support midfield.
Although the match started close, with a goal apiece in the first and no score in the second, it was El Overo Z7 UAE's from chukka 2, with Hazel Jackson leading her team on the field and on the scoreboard, assisted by a dynamic performance from Fernandez Araujo who fought throughout against her former teammates. While the dominant team was never in doubt, clever play from Lia Salvo resulted in several fouls called for La Dolfina and scoring opportunities that brought them within a 2 goal difference, but still unable to ovcercome UAE's early lead.
UAE were able to successfully neutralise the La Dolfina number 4 Nina Clarkin, leaving the predominantly Argentine side essentially a man down and unable to cover the field as we have seen them do so successfully in the past. With 10 goaler Hope Arellano out front for UAE and Millie Hine closing the back door, Hazel and Cande had plenty of room to work in the middle of the field, creating space and plays and making the most of every attacking opportunity. They had 40% more shots on goal than La Dolfina of which they were ale to convert over half, making the fundamental difference and sealing them the victory which saw them defend their title.
The Teams:
Chukka Breakdown:
Score Progression:
Game Statistics:
