Polo Match RAF v Army, Crabs v Cav 2014.
Wednesday 2nd July saw me up at Tidworth Polo Club at Tidworth in Wiltshire. This ground considers itself the home of British Army Polo, and is a great place to spend time watching, and learning polo – for me it’s with a camera, and a great change from Wedding Photography and London Portrait Photography!
The annual Crabs v Cav match, blessed by a lovely day, quite muggy but with a frequent gentle breeze made for a great time. The RAF Polo teamwho won last year got off to a good lead in the first chukka despite having to wait til the fourth penalty to score.
Wing Commander Martin Adcock playing a O goal handicap showed some fiery play and skilled horsemanship, supported very well by his team. His counterpart Piers Hankinson despite the same handicap has had little chance to play this year.
The second chukka saw the RAF continue to build their lead into what looked like a whitewash developing. The army really did not play at all well in these opening two chukkas and it was only in the final two chukkas that they showed any return to form.
The game was nearly a draw in the end, with the army missing a final goal by a foot or so, to allow the RAF to retain the match.
The brilliant commentator Simon Ledger, as usual brought the whole match to life. Next stop the Rundle Cup!
The winning team: Ellie Hoogewerth, Martin Adcock, Vicky Woodhead & Ed Whitechurch
