Polo The Rundle Cup
Despite a lack of match practice, Army determination leads to victory
THE annual Hackett Rundle Cup, contested by teams from the Army and Royal Navy, was won by the Army on Saturday. For the first time in the cup’s history, a female player graced the field in the shape of Capt. Jess Wood.
“I am honoured to be representing the Army in such a high-profile match,” said Jess. She highlighted that following a big push by the Army, supported by Tidworth Polo Club, more female polo players are progressing.
The Royal Navy had a twogoal advantage due to handicap, having regrouped following the departure of Hiro Suzuki — the team’s leading light for many years. Nonetheless, they had some experienced players on the field in comparison with the Army’s young side. Indeed, the Army team hadn’t played or practised together before the match due to work commitments, so they had to gel quickly after the first throw-in.
It was clear from the start that the Army was determined to break their two-year drought. They attacked relentlessly and, while the Royal Navy did a great job defending, they couldn’t stop Capt. Paddy Selfe scoring.
FAST AND FURIOUS
THE ground was playing fast, and the Army’s Lt. Rishi Ahluwalia managed to find the posts, tying things up between the two teams at the start of the second period. Despite several bouncing balls, further brilliant team work by Capt. Mossy Hamilton and Wood saw Hamilton score — edging his team in front. Another fine goal from Ahluwalia put the Army 4-2 in front at half time.
Selfe came out guns blazing at the start of the third chukka, with a goal that wouldn’t have looked out of place on a 22-goal field.
The Royal Navy’s Lt. Cdr. Steve Spiller missed the chance to claw one back, meaning his side was trailing 5-2 into the final chukka.
Superb teamwork secured another goal for the Army — set up by Hamilton and converted by Selfe — in the final chukka. A last-minute undefended penalty in favour of the Royal Navy looked like a chance to close the gap slightly, but it went wide. The final score was 6-2 to the Army.
The most valuable player was awarded to Selfe of the King's Royal Hussars, while the best playing pony was won by Solsa, who is owned by Jessica Andrews and was played by Selfe in the third chukka.