Record crowds of more than 4,000 turned out at Tidworth to watch the Navy polo team regain the Rundle Cup from the Army by winning a tense encounter by the odd goal in 11.

Playing for the first time in years without the Prince of Wales in the team, the Navy started slowly and saw the Army romp into a commanding three-goal lead in the first chukka, with Capt Mark Dollar making his presence felt.

But the Navy regrouped in the second chukka, and by half-time three goals by Capt Richard Mason – including two penalties – had restored parity.

A strong run by Lt Cooke-Priest in the third culminated in a fine cut shot to goal, and set up a tantalising final chukka in which the teams traded goal for goal.

Two neat shots in the goalmouth by Cdr Adrian Aplin rounded off the Navy’s scoring to secure victory by 6-5 in a match which had spectators on the edge of their seats.

The Rundle Cup, sponsored by BAE Systems, was presented to Capt Mason by the Prince of Wales.

The second match of the day drew plenty of attention, as the Prince of Wales was joined by his two sons in a British Forces Foundation team for the Indian Cavalry Officers Association match against the Combine Services.

The Royal players combined well to help their team to a resounding 6-1 win in a match sponsored by Mr Humayan Mughal of Akhter Computers which raised money for the British Forces Foundation charity.
The victorious Royal Navy Rundle Cup team (handicaps in brackets) was: Capt Henry Turner RM (0), Lt Nick Cooke-Priest (0), Cdr Adrian Aplin (1) and Capt Richard Mason (1).

Pictures by LA(PHOT) Louise Weaver