INTRODUCTION
The 2007 season has reflected the growing interest in Polo within the RAF. The Association has never been stronger, both financially and on a playing level, despite results not being as good as in 2006. Of the 35 members within the Association, 15 represented the RAF this season, and Flt Lt Black, OIC Development, has encouraged 21 personnel to take part in polo taster sessions at Rutland Polo Club. The ‘Behind the Bar’ scheme introduced at Tidworth towards the middle of the season has also proved a success, encouraging developing players to play more chukkas and thus improving their game.
RESULTS
The 2007 results were less impressive than the previous year, despite an encouraging start to the season: of twelve fixtures, one was cancelled, 4 won and 7 lost.
RAF v Eton: cancelled
RAF v Rutland: won (10-6)
RAF v Army Novice: won (6-3)
RAF Cranwell v Vale of York: lost (4-4_)
RAF v Tidworth: won (3-3_)
Crabs v Cavs: lost (2-5)
RAF v Cambridge: lost (0-5)
Cornwell Affiliates: lost
RAF v Defence Academy: won (2_-2)
Captain and Subalterns: lost
RAF v AGC: won
Duke of York: lost
TRAINING
The biggest improvement has been in this area. The Cranwell Weekend proved yet again to be a success and is to be expanded to a two day tournament preceded by a two-tier training day to cater for the beginners and more advanced players. The expansion is due to the ever-increasing levels of interest as well as the opening of the Leadenham Polo Club in the next village, which is keen to forge close links with the RAFPA.
Flt Lt Black has kept a steady trickle of enthusiasts from Waddington and Cranwell taking part in chukkas or lessons at Rutland Polo Club, and as usual the training courses provided by Tidworth Polo Club continue to be well used by RAF personnel. Tidworth, which is the centre for all military polo within the UK, represents the gateway to Polo for many Service players and long may it continue to do so.
CSPA REPRESENTATION
Both Sqn Ldr Adcock and Gp Capt Brown were picked to represent the CSPA this year, at Sandhurst and at the Rundle Cup respectively.
CONCLUSION
2007 has been a successful season for the RAFPA despite the results, and should prove to be a good building block for 2008, in particular with respect to the development of young players. Our next target will be to increase the number of 0 goal and above players so that the RAF can compete at the next level.