Page 23 - QARANC Vol 18 No 1 2020

AMS Polo Visit to Undeberg South Africa
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, Major Christoph Harper RADC, Major Samantha Bunyan QARANC, Captain Victoria Gordon RAMC, Captain Henry Sumption RAMC, Captain Paul Erhahiemen QARANC and Lance Corporal 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
The AMS Polo team pictured against the beautiful South African countryside
of Absolute Polo. Not too long after, the polo would commence with a two 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 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 ofteammemberstokeepourselves playing fit; one of the perks of having ateammadeupofphysios,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 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.
Captain Paul Erhahiemen Secretary AMS Polo
So cute – for now!
The Gazette QARANC Association 21
The team relaxing after demanding play
Such a beautiful place to play