CHARITY POLO TOURNAMENT - ROYAL MILITARY ACADEMY

TORRENTIAL rain did little to dampen the spirits or sense of occasion at the Sandhurst Charity Polo Day in aid of The British Forces Foundation.

The delightful setting of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst was barely visible during the downpours but all three matches went ahead as scheduled.

Music from The Band of the Hussars and Light Dragoons set the tone for the event and the champagne flowed.

The highlight of the afternoon’s action, sponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland, was the much anticipated game between HRH The Prince of Wales’ team and The Commandant’s team.

HRH Prince William and HRH Prince Harry lined up alongside their father and one of the world’s greatest players, Gabriel Donoso.

Facing them were Gabriel’s equally talented brother Jose, Tim Gannon, his son Chris and John Goodman.

It was end to end polo with some sublime play from both sides despite the atrocious conditions.
The princes thrilled the crowd and the quality of the Donoso brothers shone through. Young Chris Gannon proved he is a player who will go far in the game.

With goals in every chukka it was ultimately the royal side who triumphed with a seven goals to six scoreline to lift the coveted Sandhurst Cup.

Earlier in the day the Combined Services Polo Association took on the Pakistan Military touring team in what was the second game in the three-match Chapple Cup series.

Having won by a single goal at Guards, London, on the previous day the CSPA were looking to seal overall victory.

In driving rain they proved far too strong for the Pakistan side and thrashed them by seven and a half goals to one. They were presented with the Sudan Cup and had secured the Chapple Cup trophy. The CSPA team were Gp Capt Tim Brown, Capt Richard Mason, Maj Andrew Fox-Pitt and Maj Nick Hunter.

Director of the CSPA, Mark Cann, said: “It was yet another wonderful occasion which thankfully even the weather didn’t manage to spoil.

“We are deeply grateful to all those involved in putting it on and supporting it – especially Tim Gannon, John Goodman and The Royal Bank of Scotland. It was a great day for the CSPA.

Maj Gen Andrew Ritchie CBE, Commandant of The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, said: “It was a great pleasure to host the Pakistan Army Polo team this year and of course a huge privilege that HRH The Prince of Wales again agreed to play. With his talented sons and two of the finest players in the world also playing it was a brilliant exhibition.

"We should not forget the reason we gather here. This event has succeeded over the past few years in raising a wonderful amount of money for The British Forces Foundation of which HRH The Prince of Wales is Patron.

"We are deeply indebted to Mr Tim Gannon, Mr John Goodman and to the Royal Bank of Scotland for their most generous donations and support to the event."

Maj Gen Ritchie added: "Sandhurst provides many of the officer cadets with their first opportunity to become involved in this exciting sport.

"Through the support of both the Army and the Combined Services Polo Association these new players will have the chance to develop their skills and deepen their enthusiasm whilst at the Academy."

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