SANDHURST CHARITY POLO DAY: JULY 13 2006

Blessed by the sun, and some exceptional polo, the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Charity Polo Day on July 13 proved hugely successful.

Not only were events on the field a real crowd-pleaser but the organisation and sponsorship behind the day raised some £80,000 for Service charities and military polo.

The first match of the Sandhurst Charity Polo Day was the Sudan Cup – round one of the three-match Chapple Cup series fought between the CSPA and a touring team, who this year, were from South Africa.

The home side, with Lt Ben Vestey at the helm, proved just too strong for the visitors in their first match on strange horses.

The CSPA ran out comfortable winners by eight goals to three and a half, although it was a good flowing game with solid performances on both sides.

Next up was the Sandhurst Cup which saw the CSPA Invitational Team go head-to-head with the Commandant’s Team. This was a terrific match – probably the best of its kind since its inception nine years ago, with the spectators treated to some outstanding polo.

American two-goaler Phil Heatley made a welcome return for the Invitational side and although he hasn’t been playing as much as he used it wasn’t difficult to see how this strong and talented player has won the US Open.

Both teams were evenly matched with the Chilean brothers Jose and Gabrielle Donoso – one on either side – controlling the play from the back. Their team-mates were inspired and each of them raised their game, playing above their handicap.
The Invitationals established an early lead in the first chukka which was whittled away over the course of the match.

Come the fifth, with 30 seconds left on the clock the Commandant’s Team converted a penalty to take a 5-4 lead. But there was more drama to come as, in the dying seconds, the Invitational team were awarded a spot penalty which was struck home to secure a 5-5 draw.

There was an outstanding performance from Chris Gannon and eye-catching stuff too from Ct Wales and John Goodman. O/Cdt Wales had a tight start but relaxed into the game and scored a great goal.

The final action of the day saw Hursley Pony Club hand out a polo lesson to the gallant RMAS team in a nine goals to four and a half drubbing. George MacIntosh in particular was in excellent form and showed plenty of skill with his very long drives.
However, two players from the home-side who deserve a special mention are Officer Cadets Matthew Blakiston and George Arbuthnott. They made a valiant attempt to overcome the fluency and teamwork of the Hursley play and showed real potential for the future.