HACKETT ARMY NOVICE TEAM vs RAF CRANWELL, 5 MAY 07

ON a sunny afternoon, seeming much more like midsummer than early May, a team of Army Novice Polo players rode out to do battle with the RAF.

Forgetting that the Army may have longer history of polo than our light-blue cousins, the odds were much in the RAF’s favour. They were on home turf, had played on their horses the previous day and most hadn’t had to drive for three hours and more to get there.

The game itself was one of two halves; the stronger RAF team wiped out the half-goal advantage that the Army had started with to lead by a goal to half going into the second. The Army fought back hard and were ahead by half a goal at the half time break and they left the field with renewed optimism.

However, from then on it was all downhill as the RAF’s superior skill and fresher mounts told. As the Army tired they let goal after goal slip by. The final score was a flattering 9 - 21/2 in the RAF's favour.

Nonetheless it was an exciting run out for the Army side which had only met for the first time the day before. The event was very well-organised by Squadron Leader Dave Black and there was an enjoyable dinner afterwards along with other matches to entertain and bring a decent crowd.

Such a tournament early in the season also enthused the Army novices and guaranteed that polo would be foremost in their minds as they plan their hectic social lives. The Army will surely be back next year; the RAF will doubtless be ready with a few tricks up their sleeves!