A record 19 Teams (17 Army, plus guest teams from both the Royal Navy and the RAF) entered into this the second Team Army supported Captains’& Subalterns’ Trophy at Tidworth Polo Club over the weekend of the 20th and 21st July.
Team Army is delighted that a total of 61 polo players assembled to play in the second oldest polo trophy in the world in lovely weather in Tedworth Park Tidworth. Our funds helped toward the cost of running the event, as well as subsidising the cost of pony hire, meaning that more of our Servicemen and Women could participate, with a number competing in this noble sport for the first time.
Chris Andrews, the manager of the Combined Service Polo Club, said that the number of teams makes the event the largest adult weekend polo tournament in UK. Teams had come from far and wide, the 9/12L from Germany and a member of the AGC team from her post in Cyprus. Others had timed their R&R from Operation HERRICK to coincide with the event.
The teams were put into 4 Divisions enabling all to have a chance of glory according to handicap.
Division 1 was made up of the RA (A), 9/12L, the RAF, The LD, Yeomanry (G) and RMAS (A): The 9/12L retained their title from last year with APOLOA Sec Maj Eyre-Brook winning the best player award in a thrilling final that went down to the last 10 seconds.
Division 2 consisted of The Reserve Army, HCR, KRH and the AGC – who fielded 3 woman players in their line up. The Reserves won in fine style against the HCR.
Division 3 was the RN, Yeomanry (B) the QRL and the Welsh Gds. The Yeomanry triumphed over the RN.
Division 4 was hard fought between the Def Academy who won against the RA (B) whilst the RLC were unlucky to come up against a strong RMAS (B) team.
Ranks ranged from Trooper to Lt Col with the majority being Captains and Subalterns. Many Ocdts played from both the OTCs and RMAS.
If you are interested in sponsoring next years event, please contact Team Army at enquiries@teamforces.org.