RMA Sandhurst Polo Day

The Republic of South Africa Zulus team lined up against the CSPA at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst for the first match of the Chapple Cup Series sponsored by Savoy Investment Management.

On a hot day on the Wish Stream ground the touring team, on unfamiliar ponies, were slow to start. It was the CSPA who drew first blood but ironically that goal only served to spur the Zulus into action.

They began to push forward in strength with some accurate hitting and some particularly hard riding off, and by the half-time bell they found themselves one goal ahead.

By the vital third chukka the visitors really had found their stride and they gelled beautifully to score three quick goals. Playing at number two Lionel Foster 1 scored the goal of the match when at full gallop he stole the ball on the near-side from under the noses of the CSPA and slotted it between the flags.

The CSPA rallied in the fourth chukka and managed to steal a goal back but the South Africans replied with a strong run by Angus Williamson who went on to score sealing the Zulus' victory by eight goals to four.

The second match of this Sandhurst Polo Day, held in aid of The British Forces Foundation, was the inter-Regimental semi-final encounter between the Kings Royal Hussars and the Household Cavalry Regiment.

Despite the best efforts of David Woodd and Nick Hunter who held KRH firm for a time, the collective might of HCR's Mann, Lewis and Wales proved too strong. The scoreline finished 4_ to 7 to set up a mouth-watering final, three days later between the HCR and the Royal Navy.