Day in the Park

28th August 2010

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The British Forces Foundation’s inaugural Day in the Park attracted more than 600 people, to watch two matches between old polo rivals.

First, the Army took on The Royal Wessex Yeomanry and then Cheltenham College went up against Cheltenham Ladies College. With pride very much at stack, and mercy in short supply, each game provided an emphatic result.

The Big Curry Lunch was followed by the main military match and The Royal Wessex Yeomanry’s horse power and skill were too much for an Army team, unused to playing together on a regular basis, who succumbed to a score-line of 8 - 1_.

If the crowd was stunned by this outcome, the subsequent dismantling of Cheltenham College by their female counterparts 6 - 1_ was no less impressive. Unlike the finely balanced team play of the first match, credit for victory in such a decisive fashion rested on the ruthless shoulders of the 4 goal ‘world’s best female polo player’ – Nina Clarkin.

When asked if he would play the following year, Cheltenham College Captain Matt Cudmore replied “I’m going to Sydney”.  Hopefully not as a result of this unexpected defeat but Matt can rest assured that two of his school squad will be spending extended periods in Argentina over the winter and with 3 goaler Tom Beim ready to take up the mantle as Captain, 2011 will be a far tougher prospect for Clarkin and her team mates.

Watch this space for details on The Berenberg Bank's Day in the Park at Cirencester Park Polo Club on Saturday 2nd June 2011.

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