Sandhurst Polo Charity Day

12th July 2007

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IN the middle of the wettest start to a British summer on record, the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Charity Polo Day began under the threat of more storm clouds. But as the play got underway the threat of rain lifted and so too did the spirits of spectators and players alike.

And in true tradition the event proved to be a most memorable and pleasurable sporting occasion.

The first match of the Sandhurst Polo Day was the Sudan Cup – round one of the three-match Chapple Cup series between the CSPA and the touring team from Eastern Circuit United States Polo Association. In four previous visits since 1999, the ECUSPA side have come off second best to the home team, but this year – with six-goaler Nacho Figueras among their number – they meant business.

Nacho was rested for the Sudan Cup as he was to turn out for the Commandant's team in the Stanford Sandhurst Cup. Instead the ECUSPA side consisted of Juan Salinas-Bentley, Doug Barnes, Martin Brown and Geoffrey Schlesinger. They faced Lt Col Hunter, Maj Hayward, Capt Vestey and Sqn Ldr Adcock for the CSPA.

The home side proved far too strong and although ECUSPA scored a number of consolation goals, the final score was nine goals to four and a half.

Next up was the Sandhurst Cup. For the Invitational Team were John Muse, BFF Director Mark Cann, Nacho Figueras and Howard Hipwood. They squared up to the Commandant’s Team – John Goodman, HRH Prince William, John Paul and Nina Clarkin.

The husband and wife combination were an incredibly powerful force and helped the Commandant's team to a two and a half goal victory - the final score five goals to two and a half.

The final action of the day on the pitch saw the RMAS against Hagis Farm and the Cadets were soundly beaten nine goals to two and a half.