ARMY POLO ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

Membership: The overall level is very encouraging, a substantial number of new players have joined. I am still waiting for some of the old and bold to get their cheques in!! Just as a reminder, you are unable to represent the Army or a Representative Regimental Team unless you are signed up to the Association. During early June I will publish the membership list.

Training Day: The Training Day at Tidworth on Friday April 29 proved to be highly successful with Martin Ffrench-Blake acting as coach. Martin very kindly stepped in after Rob Cudmore had to fly to Brunei at short notice. A total of 10 members attended, numbers were restricted by pony power, with the session including some theory, Stick and Balling and an Instructional Chukka. It is hoped that another day/ session can be organised later in the season, details to follow. Those who attended included: Major L Morgan RAMC, Major Kemmis Betty BW, Captain H Burton QRL, Captain St John Price RHG/D, Capt M Fincham RLC, Captain C Bailey RDG, Captain C Moore RDG, Captain Jonas RDG, Officer Cadet Selby - Bennett, Craftsman R Collett REME

Inter Regimental Tournament: The draw has been completed for the Inter Regimental and is attached. There are a total of 6 teams in the Tournament, which given current operational tempo is encouraging, with several teams over 4 goals in handicap. The final will be held at the Guards Polo Club on Sunday July 10 on The Duke’s Ground (Number 2). All polo Reps are encouraged to spread the word through out their Regiments and encourage as many people to attend as possible. It promises to be a great day, with the highest standard of military polo being played.

Captains and Subalterns: For those who do not already know, the Captains and Subalterns Tournament will be played at Tidworth Polo Club (TPC) over the weekend July 30 – 31. The main thrust of the weekend is to get as many military players playing as possible, rank is no real barrier. In conjunction with TPC, there are plans to host a barbecue/party on the Saturday evening, a low key affair that should be great fun. For entry forms and Administrative Instruction click here.

Insurance: A letter regarding the issue of insurance within the wider arena of polo and the current policy will be forthcoming. In the meantime all members should have private accident insurance and should be fully paid up members of The Hurlingham Polo Association to give them third Party Insurance.

Winter Tour: Sadly the tour to Kenya this winter has been cancelled due to the Kenyans being unable to commit. Instead an Official Army Team is being sent to Argentina for eight days in October. The trip will be centred around the El Retiro Polo Club, with its tennis courts,nine-hole golf course, swimming pool and polo fields. The programme will include six days of polo, with a stick and ball session each morning and a four chukka match in the afternoon, including a match against the Argentine Army and possibly a game at Palermo. There will be time to visit Buenos Aires and all the major clubs in and around Pilar. All in all it looks a fantastic trip, a one in a lifetime. As with anything there is a cost, however including all the grants etc, it will not exceed £800. This includes everything from flights to accommodation to polo.

RMAS Polo Ball: RMAS are organising a Polo Ball on Fri July 8 starting at 1900 hrs with a Bicycle polo match, a hog roast and live band/ disco. Dress is black tie. The cost of the tickets is £30 – All ApoloA members are invited. If interested ring Henry Burton on 01276 412231.

Fixtures: The following are coming up:
Cornwell Affiliates Cup. An ApoloA developing team will be put out to play at Ascot Park on July 2 – team to be announced in the near future.
Rundle Cup. The Rundle Cup team will be as follows: (1) Lt Col J Stanhope-White (Captain) 1, (2) Maj J Hayward 1, (3) Capt M Eyre-Brook 0, (4) Cfn Collett 1