Page 69 - RADC Bulletin 2019

SPORT
AMS Polo – Margot Turner 2019
Capt Paul Erhahiemen QARANC
Given the success of the inaugural Margot Turner Cup in 2018, this polo tournament has become a regular fixture at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and has quickly become one of the most anticipated military polo fixtures in the country.
Blessed again with glorious weather, supporters, players and guests descended upon the polo pitch at RMAS for the annual pilgrimage to watch the AMS Polo team duel with the formidable cadets of RMAS Polo.
Supported by a champagne and oyster bar hosted by Jean Boucton Champagne, guests were greeted with vintage champagne and entertainment provided by the Countess of Wessex String Orchestra. The event was also attended by Rally for Heroes who arrived in quite a remarkable collection of cars. A simple afternoon tea was also available for guests to sample as the wider AMS family got together to enjoy a wonderful family day out in the sun.
The day was very well attended with over 300 guests and VIPs including senior officers and the Deputy Mayor of Surrey Heath who kindly started the match with a throw in.
In keeping with tradition, the first match of the day was between Stowe School and RMAS which nicely set the scene for the
main event; AMS vs. RMAS. The AMS team comprised of Pte Mollie Darwin QARANC playing at number 1, Maj Christoph Harper RADC and Capt Victoria Gordon RAMC playing at number 2, Capt Henry Sumption RAMC playing at number 3 and Capt Paul Erhahiemen QARANC playing at number 4.
Last year the AMS team won by half a goal, only just clinching victory. However, having just returned from an intensive pre- season tour to Underberg South Africa, the AMS team was packing considerable punch despite being the weaker team on paper. Notwithstanding excellent play by RMAS, the AMS team cruised to a 6 – 0 victory
at the end of the final chukka. Pte Mollie Darwin QARANC was awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) prize and Capt Paul Erhahiemen received the cup for the second time on behalf of the team
The most important acknowledgement
of Best Playing Pony (BPP) was reserved
for ‘Bella’ a steel grey appaloosa argentine polo mare owned by Capt Paul Erhahiemen QARANC who was led by his groom Sophie.
£1250 was raised as part of a charity raffle which was held to raise money for Monty Roberts Equine Therapy for Veterans with PTSD, a truly powerful initiative run at the Royal Armoured Corps Saddle Club in Bovington.
2019 has been a sensational season for the AMS Polo team. From the success at the Margot Turner trophy to successes at other military tournaments, the AMS Polo team has become not only the second largest polo team in the Army, but also a highly respected household name within the military polo community.
RADC BULLETIN 2019 67