Four teams ranging from 5 to 7 goals have entered this weekend’s Ascot Park Charity Challenge (4 to 8.) Players in particular, please note that the draw and match times are attached to this email. Chukka players, please also note that chukkas will take place earlier on both Saturday and Sunday this weekend: at 11.30 and 12 pm on the respective days.

The Ice Trophy (4 to 8) was played last Saturday, February 12th. The two Mikes (members Mike Dodson and Mike Clark) joined forces for the first time this winter, selecting Roddy Matthews as their 3rd member of the interestingly named Needmore Squeak. Their opponents, the Eagles, comprised John Muse, Charlotte Christodoulou and Howard Hipwood, appearing for the first time in an arena fixture this winter.

A fairly evenly matched and flowing game ended in a surprise 8-all draw on the second bell of the last chukka. Following a brief convocation of the Tournament Committee and chief umpire Robert Burke, it was decided that a penalty shoot-out would be used to achieve a result, since neither team was prepared to accept a draw.

The four amateurs therefore remained in the arena, lining up to take their turn at shooting from the 15 yard line. Despite anxious protestations, only Charlotte proved to have the nerve to perform under pressure. As the only player to score in the course of the shoot out, she finally achieved a 9-8 victory for the Eagles.

Needmore Squeak (Red)

Eagles (Blue)

The Valentine's Day match programme on Sunday kicked off with the Rangitiki Polo Academy Battle of the Sexes in celebration of St Valentine’s Day. Cupid, a team predominated by male players took on the all-female Pysche team.

The prospect of pink Champagne and chocolates seemed to have a galvanising effect on many players, with Delrie Hobbs in particular demonstrating a more aggressive style of play than she has hitherto employed in the arena. Some powerful team play from Lucy Bolton and Annette Petchey proved the decisive factor, as Psyche clung on to a narrow lead for the last few minutes to achieve a 6-5 victory.

Cupid (Blue & White)

Psyche (Pink)

The second match of the day was for the Valentine’s Challenge, and Open HPA fixture run this year at two-goal level for amateur players only.

Despite a strong start from Dodson Squeak in the first chukka, they were ultimately unable to contain a powerful combination of players representing Needmore Farms. Mandie Rondel and Mike Clark fought particularly hard, both producing some of the most assured and effective play they have demonstrated this season.

Needmore Farms (Pale Green)

Dodson Squeak (Red)

Nick Beitner & George again .. for more Valentine's Day Photos .. see the Gallery Page and also  Ingrid's Photos on ingridbrady.com

National Womens’ Arena Polo Tournament 26th and 27th February

A total of ten ladies’ teams will compete this year, with the encouragingly high entry reflecting the hard work of both Pippa Grace and Mia Randall-Coath in continually promoting, encouraging and organising this and other womens’ fixtures world-wide.

Four teams rated two and three goals will compete at the higher level, with another four one and 0-goal sides also due to fight it out. Two full teams of female Rangitiki Polo Academy players will also play a match on the Sunday.

Of these 10 teams, six are dominated by APPC-based players. We also look forward to welcoming a team from the newly-formed Stewarton Polo Club, who are travelling from Perth for the occasion. Two members of the Real Polo Club de Barcelona will be playing, and local competition will be supplied by players from Hampshire’s Maywood Polo Club and last year’s winners, our neighbours from Ashe Farm.

Spectators are welcome, and David Bailey will be on hand to feed the starving hordes.

The draw will be sent to players by Tuesday of next week, but please feel free to ‘phone the polo office with any queries.

A bit more winter polo to look forward to..

All men are invited back into the arena for the Westcroft Park Plate (4 to 8) on 5th and 6th March and the Tessa Memorial Challenge on 12th and 13th March. FHM Polo Club would like to return to challenge Ascot Park yet again on 20th March, with a team of newer polo players. Further details will be supplied in due course!

Ascot Park Match Shirts

We are currently lacking several shirts from our sets of match shirts, including Joules numbered shirts in white, blue and pink….If any such have found their way into your wardrobes, PLEASE can we have them back. A total shirt amnesty is hereby declared, and any shirts can be returned, no questions asked. The problem is, that without these shirts, our team sets are incomplete. These therefore cannot be used by teams in domestic tournaments or lent out. Unfortunately, the only alternative is to ask each player from Academy level upwards to purchase his or her own set(s) of team shirts, as the majority of Club patrons already do.

Leaving aside the question of missing shirts, this is always a good idea, and can be mooted when any of you are next asked what you would like for your birthdays…

Caroline Stern

Polo Manager

Latest Fixture Lists for:

• HPA Tournaments at Ascot Park Polo Club

• Rangitiki Academy Tournaments