CHAPPLE CUP SERIES

FOR the first time in its history the Chapple Cup series was taken to the wire, as the Eastern Circuit United States Polo Association threatened to wrestle the Cup from the CSPA.

However, having never the lost the series before the CSPA weren't willing to give it up just yet. Having drawn the first match and romped to victory in the second, they managed to scrape the third by just half a goal - and remain undefeated.

The series got off to an intriguing start at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Charity Polo Day. It was a very even match, reflected in the 5-5 scoreline, with the main battle between the CSPA's Lt Vestey (4) and ECUSPA's Juan Salinas-Bentley (3).

It was a different story two days later at Tidworth Polo Club on Rundle Cup Day when the sides met in the second match of the series, this time for the ICOA Trophy.

The CSPA were boosted by the inclusion of HRH The Prince of Wales and O/Cdt Wales who gelled fantastically with Gp Capt Brown and Lt Vestey. The team proved far too strong for the touring side with Gp Capt Brown hitting some brilliant goals. The final score was 10-4 to the CSPA.

So the stage was set for a thrilling climax at Guards Polo Club for the third and final game of the Chapple Cup series, the United Services Cup. If ECUSPA could post a big enough victory they would go home with the honours; the CSPA needed at least a draw to ensure their unblemished record stayed intact.

The game proved very tight and there was just half a goal in it at the final bell - the CSPA clinching the series 2-0.