We're at Dundee Perth Polo in Scotland and a gentleman comes across the field to the commentary stand. "Who's the commentator?" he demanded. I shrink; fingers point to me! "Well, congratulations on your commentary - the right mix between following the game and information about polo. And I love the way you've incorporated information about the horses; shows you've done your homework."
Phew, relief, passed the test!! Pity we didn't get that on video. It was just so nice.
And polo at Dundee and Perth Polo passes the test too. 7 teams and 2 leagues playing on a super, well-drained field. A pleasure for ponies and players. The HPA umpire, Martin Fewster gave this field top marks.
But there were other tests. Grateful to the fantastic grooms, Gilly Lockhart organized a grooms race - run to pony held at the middle of the field - tack up pony as in game ready - run with pony to spectator sidelines where Gilly inspected each pony and tack. Anything messy, loose or unbuckled had points taken off. Six grooms took part. Cam was the girl coming in first here with her pony Manuleta - passing the test!
As you can see this is not the usual tournament blog, the blow by blow account of games played. Because this is Scotland and things are differnt here.We have a vintage sports car (don't ask me the brand/name) lined up to race against one of Grant Collet's splendid ponies, sprinting down the field. The pony's massive acceleration left the sports car looking to find traction and having difficulty in swinging around the poles at the end of the field.
Yes, the pony won - passing the test.
The picnicing crowd, enjoying their afternoon, were focused on all the action. So let's return to the polo for a bit. In the Silver League the team with the interesting name of
The Vets and their Nurses defeated Isle of Man team Ramsay Crookall. Peter Munnoch on a mahogany bay called Bad and Dangerous (who picks these names!) was well pleased with his attacking game. Cath Wilson riding Foxy in the first chukker played with the menace she's know for.
Mark Copley for Ramsay Crookall combining well with Reggie Harrison tried to gain a bit more momentum but Vets/Nurses wrestled their way to victory.
The Round Robin games in the Gold League were all tight and close with that half goal advantage often being the decider. These games were truly fun to commentate.
The final between The Doves and a second Ramsay Crookall team was, in comparison, a bit of a one-sided affair with Ramsay Crookall leading by 6 goals at halftime. Team Doves had to rethink their game play and they did. Shehan Samaranayake came out in the third chukker and put in a goal for his team. Cheers went up from the crowd but it was too late to make any real inroad here. Grant Collett is a relentless performer and his ponies are of outstanding quality, overpowering Team Dove with the end score of 7:2. Despite it being a bit one-sided the crowd gave this final top marks for spectacular play.
At the club pavilion under the flags of Scotland and Isle of Man, Thom Bell, with Gilly Lochart, organized a prize-giving loaded with Scottish treats.
So, yes, Scottish polo passed every test possible with flying colours. Impressive.
Thank you so much for your warm hospitality .
Winners
Ramsay Crookall:- Affrica Crookall Vicky Fenner Katie MacDonald Grant Collet
Silver League
The Vets and Their Nurses:- Cath Wilson Peter Munnoch Ben Henderson Andrew Humphries
BPP Isla owned and played by Grant Collet
Photo Credit Victoria Adams Photography
Many thanks, Vic, for your generosity.
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