Page 62 - RADC Bulletin 2019

AMS Polo visit to Underberg, South Africa
Capt Paul Erhahiemen QARANC
After a truly remarkable 2018 season, handicap changes and moving up divisions, it seemed appropriate for the AMS Polo team to fully prepare for the challenges of the 2019 season, and
there was no better way to do this but to undertake an Overseas Sports Visit (OSV) to Underberg, South Africa (SA).
Having played polo in quite a number
of countries, Absolute Polo in Underberg SA emerged as the best value for money
in terms of training intensity, consistency and quality. With sanction and funding granted by the Army Sports Control Board (ASCB), Army Sports Lottery (ASL), AMS Sports Union (AMSSU) and the Army Polo Association (APOLOA), it was now time to select the team of six that would benefit the most from an intensive sports tour.
After careful consideration, Maj Christoph Harper RADC, Maj Samantha Bunyan QARANC, Capt Victoria Gordon RAMC, Capt Henry Sumption RAMC, Capt Paul Erhahiemen QARANC and LCpl Felicity Townend RAMC (RWxY) were selected for the tour; a mixture of soldiers and officers, regulars and reservists representing the best of AMS Polo.
Every day started with a hearty breakfast promptly followed by a brief from Brett Watson, Coach and Owner of Absolute Polo. Not too long after, the polo would commence with a 2 hour stick and ball session on two to three ponies followed by a debrief on points for improvement before lunch.
As part of the package, we opted for lunches and dinners away from the polo club which meant that we could experience
(L to R) Maj Bunyan RAMC, Maj Harper RADC, Capt Erhahiemen QARANC, Capt Sumption RAMC, LCpl Townend RAMC, Capt Gordon RAMC
the local cuisine and see some of SA as part of our daily routine. Post lunch, there was the opportunity to review and analyse Go Pro footage as part of the coaching process and in preparation for afternoon chukkas.
Afternoons consisted of 6 – 8 chukkas which was incredibly physically demanding, but the team did well to dig deep and carry on. We all drew from the various professional competencies of team members to keep ourselves playing fit; one of the perks of having a team made up of physios, doctors, nurses, medics and dentists. Chukkas were fun despite being demanding. The heat, intensity of training and speed of play all highlighted the need for physical fitness. All
the training was the necessary build up for the tournament, where the AMS team would play against two South African teams, which was due to take place at the end of the tour.
No visit to SA would be complete without a safari of some description so, midway through the tour, we decided to have a cultural day to observe the beauty of the country, its people and wildlife. From zebras to lions, we saw so many beautiful animals living peacefully in their natural habitat.
Over 45 chukkas played in total, excluding stick and ball sessions, no injuries and a vastly improved AMS Polo team, overall a resounding success.
A chukka with the Lesotho mountains in the background
60 RADC BULLETIN 2019
SPORT