HACKETT RUNDLE CUP DAY

A quintessentially British military day out – and a spectacular success – is how best to describe the Hackett Rundle Cup Day at Tidworth Polo Club on July 15.

An estimated 7,000 people basked in the glorious sunshine, with music from The Band of the Royal Marines, to witness two very exciting matches.

The ICOA Trophy, sponsored by BAE, was round two in the Chapple Cup series with the South Africa side looking to level the scores having lost the opening game at RMA Sandhurst two days earlier..

In fact, they did take an early lead and maintained that level of performance throughout. However, the CSPA, playing strongly as a team, had the scoreline all square at the start of the final chukka and then romped away with it for an eight goals to four and a half victory.

In the Hackett Rundle Cup itself the Army and Royal Navy battled it out for the honours – in a much better game than most pundits had predicted.

The Navy got off to a good start, faithful to their strategy of holding the Army as long as possible. But with the strength of Ct Wales and Maj Hunter in particular, the Army side just grew in confidence and gradually tightened their grip on the game. It was close up to the final chukka but the team in red scored more and more to finish the match seven goals to four and a half – another triumph for the Army.

Capt Hayman Joyce made an excellent contribution for the winners while the Navy’s Capt Mason was, as ever, reliable at the back and a playmaker going forward.

The Best Playing Pony award went, as it did at Sandhurst two days earlier, to Ct Wales’ horse. The award was sponsored and presented by ESS Support Services Worldwide.

And during the prize-giving, the PQ Saddle – awarded to a member of the Combined Services who has significantly contributed to the work of the CSPA – went to Capt Mark Dollar, retiring Secretary of the Army Polo Association.

Events at Tidworth had begun with the Jockeys versus Eventers clash in aid of the charity Inspire. The Eventers were led by Clayton Fredericks who co-ordinated the activities of Zara Phillips and Rodney Powell very well against the valiant efforts of the Jockeys led by Richard Johnson.

For the Hackett Rundle Cup Day photo galleries click here.