The Rundle Cup

The Army secured the 2021 Rundle Cup

Photography by Sam Churchill

The Rundle Cup was instituted in 1910 by Malta’s Governor and has only been cancelled three times in its history – once when the Cup transitioned from Malta to the UK, again due a World War and lastly due to Covid-19 in 2020. With the 2021 event rescheduled twice, a looming ‘pingdemic’ and Storm Evert doing its best to destroy the retail village with gale force winds the night before, there were certainly some who were beginning to doubt if this year’s event would be called off. However, thanks to the skills of the new management team, Tedworth Park Polo Club were well prepared and optimistic, with Saturday 31 July dawning to a hopeful smattering of sunshine and the grounds drying out ready for the matches later in the day.

Approximately 4,000 strolled in under clear skies, and it was a delightful sight to watch as the sidelines filled in with picnickers and the British Polo Gin bar keeping everyone refreshed once their own chilled supplies had run dry!

With `Lt. Col Simon Ledger firmly grasping the microphone once more, the first match of the day got underway; this was a new match, supported by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and Tedworth Equestrian Charity and saw The Veterans pitted against the Strategic Shipping Heroes team. The teams displayed the hard work and determination on the road to recovery, with Strategic Shipping Heroes securing the win 2½-1. Strategic Shipping’s Peter O’Rorke commented, “I am in awe of how much everyone has improved. They gave the crowds a proper game of polo and as a result a much higher level of confidence radiated from everyone. I am having another proud moment!”

Before the second match of the day, for The ICOA Trophy, the REME Lightning Bolts parachuted in – an impressive feat considering the windy weather – before Her Majesty’s Band of the Royal Marines escorted the teams onto the ground for the Indian Cavalry Officers Trophy. This match was new

Photograph by Michael Berkeley

The Rundle Cup was founded in 1910

for 2021 and allows the playing members of the Club to play against the UK Armed Forces Polo Association (UKAFPA). The first two chukkas saw both teams evenly tied and as Tedworth Park Polo Team found their feet they began to move ahead, however on the day UKAFPA opened up towards the end of the match, with the final score resting on 7½-5. Roulette, owned and played by Ed Whittington, was chosen as the Thales UK Ltd Best Playing Pony, while James Haigh, was chosen as the Most Valuable Player.

The third match of the day saw the crowds settle in for the famed Rundle Cup, played annually between the Army and Royal Navy. Newcomer Capt Scarlett Glover was the first to score for the Army, however the Royal Navy swiftly followed this up with a goal from Spiller. With both teams forced into their own defensive lines, it was the Army who managed more success at closing the back door, much to the frustration of the Royal Navy side. As the Army side reached full speed, it became apparent it was not going to be the Royal Navy’s day and the final score read 9-2½, adding the Army to The Rundle Cup Hall of Fame for 2021. Ruby, owned and played by Harry Rourke, was chosen as the WL Gore & Associates Best Playing Pony while Lt Will Cecil was chosen as the Forensic Risk Alliance Most Valuable Player.

Heroes & Veterans Teams: Strategic Shipping Heroes (-5):

Vicky Adams (-2), Fran Townend (-1), Giles Hadland (-1) & Dickie Winchester (-1) Tedworth Park Veterans (-4): Steve Wall (-1), Elaine Corner (-1), Brett Hamlington (-1) & Robert Talbot-Rice (-1)

ICOA Trophy Teams:

UKAFPA (4): Sqn Ldr Vicky Woodhead (0), Lt Hector Fair (1), Maj Will Mawby (1) & Capt John Sleeman (2) Tedworth Park (3): George Hankinson (0), Elspeth Talbot-Rice (0), Ed Whittington (1) & James Haigh (2)

Rundle Cup Teams:

Royal Navy (-1): Steve Worsley (-1), Harry Rourke (0), Max Cosby (0) & Steve Spiller (0) Army (0): Capt Paul Erhahiemen (-1), Capt Scarlett Glover (-1), Lt Will Cecil (0) & Capt Paddy Selfe (2) For social pages from Rundle Cup, please turn to Sidelines