Rundle Cup Polo Match 2005

Shortly after finishing Exercise Iron Trungeon Ian was required to pull duty as the Garrison Duty Officer for one week. During his only weekend as duty officer there happened to be the annual Army vs. Royal Navy polo match -- the Rundle Cup - being played at the Tidworth polo grounds. Since Tidworth is a base adjacent to Bulford Camp in Ian's duty area we decided to watch polo while Ian "worked." The Army won 6 to 2. Also there was a second match that featured a UK military team, led by HRH The Prince of Wales (Prince Charles) and his son Prince Harry, against an American team. We won't share who won that match...

The Army is in Red and the Royal Navy team is in blue as they charge towards the ball and the crowd during the first chukker.

Here is part of the crowd on the long side of the polo field. The grandstand is in the middle with the flags flying.

Both teams charge towards the little white ball in front of the white horse.

A view of all eight players and the umpire

Time to ask the crowd to go "stomp the divits."

Here the band from HMS Heron plays on the field but they are surrounded by the crowd. Susan got a good chuckle out of the little girls and boys marching up and down with them.

Across the field you can see the scoreboard that is kept manually and it is a beautiful day in England.

As stated above Ian was working as duty officer and therefore wore his duty uniform. Otherwise it would have been a coat and tie...and we wouldn't have had secret access in the back gate.

Here is the introduction of the British team to play the American team in the second match.

The British are on the right in white shirts and Prince Charles is the right most player, with these photos you will just have to believe us.