As the Round Ground at RMAS had no relief from the draught, the Leadership and Excellence polo was moved to Tidworth Polo Club. The competition was 4-team US style tournament of two Sandhurst teams, and RAF and RN teams Additionally, Sandhurst Staff challenged the remaining cadets in the polo club that were not already playing in the tournament to a 2 chukka ‘matchette’. Teams were put together for Sandhurst by Capt Chris Pyman, Scots Dragoon Guards, who has coordinated the coaching from Greenpoint Polo; Sophie Heath and JJ Spark
Umpires were provided by Tidworth Polo Club. Friends and family enjoyed a champagne bar, the TPC club facilities and a commentary for all matches.
The first Semi-Final was a conclusive affair between the RN and the Sandhurst A team, 51/2 to 1, particularly effective was Lt Cdr Steve Spiller 0 who scored 2 very well taken 60 yard penalties. The second was much closer between Sandhurst B and the RAF, this was a strange match with the RAF scoring earl and holding their 2 goal lead until the last minute of the last chukka. OIi Powell 2 for Sandhurst turned on the afterburners and scored twice in 45 seconds, thus at 2 goals apiece an extra 30 seconds was played and once again Oli Powell found the flags in fine style to put them through - just.
The 3rd/4th play off was a one sided affair with the RAF running away with it and some fine play by Jon Perry 0 who scored from 80 yards out. The Sandhurst team never really got in gear, although both Camm 1 and Benyon 0 had their chances.
The Final between the RN and Sandhurst B was weighed in the RNs favour and they certainly started the stronger with Lt Cdr Tom Burrows -1 scoring well. Sandhurst though under the expert guidance of Powell started to be in the right place at the right time and Fortescue and Lane-Fox, both -2s, -did well to latch onto some passes and score. Thus the Cup went to Sandhurst B, the MVP went to OCdt Jon Perry of the RAF UAS. Prizes were presented by Simon Ledger, Director of both Army and Sandhurst Polo.
In the Staff/Cadet challenge chukkas the Staff won with two fine goals from Maj Umaar Farook.
Teams: Royal Navy 1. Sub Lt Jack Carlisle RN -2
2. Lt Cdr Tom Burrows RN -1
3. Capt Dean Basset RN -1
4. Lt Cdr Steve Spiller RN 0
Royal Air Force 1. Flt Lt Sara Darby RAF -2
2. Flt Lt Dan Rose RAF -1
3. Gp Capt Mark Smithh RAF -1
4. OCdt Jon Perry RAF UAS 0
RMAS A 1. OCdts Will Addison/Hannah Good -2
2.OCdts Nathan Turner/ Lucy Henry -2
3.OCdt Rufus Camm 1
4.OCdt Seb Pudney 0
RMAS B 1. OCdts George Lane-Fox/Tom Fortescue -2
2. OCdts Billy Richardson/Anthony Hill -2
3. OCdts George Pack-Drewery-Lowe/Alex Humphries -2
4. OCdt Oli Powell 2
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