CONNAUGHT SEARCH UNITED SERVICES CUP & HACKETT INTER-REGIMENTAL FINAL

THE Republic of South Africa completed a whitewash the 2010 Chapple Cup Series with another emphtic win in the third and final match of the contest.

Already two nil up, the the visitors completed a hat-trick of victories with the Connaught Search United Services Cup game at Guards Polo Club.

The CSPA knew they were up against it from the start having lost by four and five goals respectively in the first two encounters at Sandhurst Polo Day and the Hackett Rundle Cup Day.

They began the game with a one and a half goals advantage but this was quickly wiped out in the first chukka. There were superb rubs by Lionel Foster and some hard riding by Tikkie van Eeden.

The CSPA showed signs of a recovery in the second chukka, scoring a goal to give them the lead by 2_ goals to 2. However, that was the last time they had their noses in front.

By half-time the score was 4 goals to 2_ and in the third chukka the South Africans had stretched that scoreline to 6 goals to 3_.

The CSPA's Ben Vestey added another two, with some wonderful play, but after that the goals for the hosts simply dried up. In contrast the visitors continued to score and by the end of the final chukka it was 8 to 5_. The deserved winners were presented with the Connaught Search United Services Cup and the coveted Chapple Cup.

In this year's Hackett Inter-Regimental Final, the Household Cavalry Regiment, holders of the trophy, took on the Royal Navy buoyed by their triumphover the Army in the Hackett Rundle Cup the previous day.

The handicaps meant that the Royal Navy, who had played well as a team all season, started the match with a half goal advantage. Mason and Suzuki in particular were in fine form.

Despite some excellent play by the HCR's Lewis it was the Royal Navy who just had their noses ahead by half-time by 2- goals to 2.

In the third chukka the HCR came back hard with a quick goal following another good run by Wales - and it looked as though the tide had turned.

Goals for both teams followed leaving the HCR with one hand on the trophy with only seconds remaining. However, from the line-up, Suzuki launched a do or die attack. He picked up the ball and charged down the field unleashing a shot. The final bell sounded a split second after the ball crossed the goal line to give the Royal Navy a memorable 5 to 4_ goals victory.

The Navy's Hero Suzuki was presented with the Pringle Cup for the player who played best to his handicap on the day.