CSPA HOSTS PAKISTAN MILITARY TEAM

A TOURING Pakistan Military team arrived in England in July to compete against the CSPA in a three-match test series for the Chapple Cup.

The exchange between the two countries has gone on for many years, although this was the first visit after a ten year gap.

The three-match Chapple Cup series began with the United Services Cup at Guards Polo Club. The visitors settled quickly into their stride but the CSPA team had the edge and went on to win the game by a single goal.

The second contest, held the following day, was for the Sudan Cup at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. In driving rain the CSPA proved far too strong for the Pakistan side and romped to victory by seven and a half goals to one.

The team on this day were Gp Capt Tim Brown, Capt Richard Mason, Maj Andrew Fox-Pitt and Maj Nick Hunter. Not only were they presented with the Sudan Cup but they had secured the Chapple Cup trophy too.

The final match was played three days later at Tidworth Polo Club for the Aldershot Cup. Although a formality as faras the series was concerned, it was a good close game and Pakistan were on top for much of the match.

However, the turning point came when their best player took a nasty fall and was substituted in the final chukka. In the end, the CSPA completed a clean sweep of the series with a seven goals to six victory.

The Chapple Cup was first awarded in 1998 in recognition of Field Marshal Sir John Chapple’s contribution to Services’ Polo as the CSPA President.

In 2000 the CSPA beat Abu Dhabi and in 2001, and again in 2003, they were victorious over the ECUSPA (Eastern Circuit United States Polo Association). In fact the CSPA has now won the series for the past seven years.

The CSPA enjoyed a fabulous tour to Pakistan earlier this year and the hospitality extended to them by their hosts was second to none.

Likewise, the Pakistan Military team was made to feel most welcome during their stay in England.
Throughout their visit they enjoyed a varied itinerary in addition to the polo competition.