Page 32 - QARANC Vol 16 No 2 2018

30 QARANC THE GAZETTE
Army Medical Services (AMS) Polo Team – Margot Turner Challenge 2018
This year saw the first ever Dame Margot Turner Challenge at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) on the 23 June, which was the idea of the Army Medical Services Polo captain, Lieutenant Paul Erhahiemen. The day saw AMS personnel, friends, families and guests descend on RMAS for a day of polo and picnics. Blessed with clear blue skies, sunshine and a light breeze, it was time for the latest fixture, the Margot Turner Challenge, to get underway.
The setting could not have been more spectacular, with the white walled Old College looming large in the background, providing the perfect backdrop for a sophisticated day of polo. Spectators were welcomed to this inaugural tournament with a cooling champagne aperitif and an oyster bar hosted by Jean Boucton Champagne. First to compete was RMAS vs. Stowe, then it was time for the signature event, AMS vs. RMAS in the Margot Turner Challenge.
The victorious AMS Polo Team with Colonel Alison McCourt CNO(A)
Some excellent play by Captain Henry Sumption RAMC, who combined well with Major Christoph Harper RADC, saw some early goals by the AMS. The team generally played well together, with Private Mollie Darwin QARANC, only in her second season of polo delivering some excellent play, which led to her being awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Lieutenant Paul Erhahiemen QARANC demonstrated remarkable offensive and defensive play. Paul marked superbly, with RMAS’s zero goaler Officer Cadet Seb Pudney having significant difficulty getting past him. As the final bell sounded, only half a goal divided both teams with a 5 1⁄2–5 final score, and AMS lifted the trophy.
Of course, no summer event could be complete without the addition of a picnic. The Argentinians favour an asado – or barbeque at polo fixtures but Brits prefer to complement an afternoon of sport with a traditional hamper full of food and a glass of
Private Mollie Darwin (centre)
champagne.
The prizes were presented by the
Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) (Army) Colonel Alison McCourt, with the Masta Rugs Best Playing Pony rug presented to Lieutenant Paul Erhahiemen’s Canario; a palomino Argentine polo pony led up by Frances Chappelow.
It was indeed a great day, which honoured an extraordinary woman, Brigadier Dame Evelyn Marguerite Turner DBE, RRC (1910–1993) known as Margot Turner. She showed unstoppable tenacity in the face of many hardships during her time as a British military nurse during World War II and was the first woman in British nursing history to be taken a prisoner of war. Befittingly she was remembered by a display of teamwork and spirit, which so characterised her life.
Lieutenant Paul Erhahiemen AMS Polo Captain
Photography by: Steve Wall Equestrian Photography
Lieutenant Paul Erhahiemen (right)
The Army Medical Services Polo Team