Back to Album belonging to Colonel F F Colvin 9L (1860-1936). Contains newspaper cuttings and paper ephemera
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Item 0091
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| Accession number | 912L : 2124/6 |
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the 10th " back , " which only just missed the posts ; and the way Captain Kavanagh subsequently left the ball for his No. 3 , who hit behind , showed that , though a young team , the 10th have laid to heart the principal axiom of polo - combination . On the ball being hit out , a fine rush made by Captain Little , on Cambridge , and an extraordinary and unaccountable mania for shying off the ball exhibited by more than one of their adver saries ' ponies , enabled the 9th to carry the ball on to the Walnut Tree , where it went out . Here the fight was hot enough , as Captain Little and the Hon . T. W. Brand rivalled each other in doughty deeds . Then , as if stung to determined action , the 10th flung themselves against the foe . Turning the flank of the 9th , they bore up in attack till the ball went out of play , and then , after Lord George Scott , on Abdullah , and Lord William Bentinck had taken it on right well , a rider on a roan pony shot out of the scuffling throng and , coming with a rattle , smote the ball hard . On it travelled ; hard galloped Captain the Hon . Claude Willoughby to stop it ; it neared the goal , struck a post , and rolled the right way , whilst a shout of triumph greeted the performance of the Hon . T. W. Brand and Cornelia . Yes , ' twas a brilliant feat . On ends being changed the 9th at once assumed the offensive . Captain Colvin , ever busy , and always where he was wanted - what a really sound good player he is by the bye - and a very tower of strength to his side , did suc.good work and placed the ball so well for his " forwards that Captain Little had scant difficulty in scoring , but his shot was a fine one , the result of the dash and boldness that always characterises this gallant Lancer's play . With the lead of a goal the 9th con tinued their attack , which , though repulsed for the moment , was soon renewed . Right well did Captain Kavanagh on Pasha save his goal at a critical moment , and there were some sharp rallies in which pony countered pony , and sticks were swung in all the mad rivalry of fray . The Hon . T. W. Brand , on Meath , with his front kept clear by Lord George Scott in exemplary fashion , did right good work , whilst the élan of Captain Little's rushes on Cambridge stamped him as a born Cavalry officer ; nor was Captain Bishop , on Quicksilver , a whit behind him . So the fray was fought out till , Captain Kavanagh's stick breaking , the 10th bore up in attack , and Captain Little had a shot at goal which went wide . Thus ended a hard - fought twenty " with the score - 9th Iancers , two goals to one . How to epitomise the second period I know not . It deserves greater space than I can well afford , and I feel somewhat inclined , like a " jelly dog " -don't please abuse me , you harrier men - to " bow - wow " on the line , but I will endeavour to be brief . The ball was well hit out and carried on to the Walnut Tree by the 10th , where it twice went out of play . Then a foul was given against the 9th - stick crooking over a pony'sback the cause - and they had to hit out from behind their own goal line . Good work was done by Captain Little , on Happy Lad , and also by Captain the Hon . Claude Willoughby , till the ball went out just by the Duke of Cambridge's tent . This was followed by a rush made by Lord George Scott on Abdullah , which was destined to be foiled , and a hard fight went on as the ball was bandied to and fro . Strategy and tactics were freely exemplified by both sides , tillat last the 10th hit behind . Then much scuffling , by no means slow , though sticks were too often extended in front of ponies ' legs , till the Hon . T. W. Brand coming up into the game very opportunely , slipped his field . The 9th's goal apparently lay at his mercy , but his final stroke , though there was plenty of " powder " in it , sent the ball parallel to the goal instead of towards it - a slippery stick the cause , no doubt - and the result a moment after a " hit behind . " Very neatly did the Hon . T. W. Brand dodge the ball out of a galloping scuffle , and well meant was a back - hander of Lord William Bentinck's on Jewess , but a pony intervened between the ball and the goal , so another " hit behind " was the only result . Then the rain cleared off , and in comfort we watched the remainder of a real good tussle . It was hard lines indeed that Captain Colvin's stick should have broken as he was making a good run , and this enabled the 10th once more to assume the offensive . Right well did Captain the Hon . Claude Willoughby , on Tangiers , save his goal ; then a good deal of scuffling , till Captain Kavanagh , on Pasha , made a dash , only to be foiled by Captain Little . But I must not spin out my tale any longer . and I feel I shall perhaps satisfy you best by chronicling the fact that some fine back handers by the Hon . T. W. Brand , equally brilliant play on the part of Captains Colvin and Kavanagh and Lord George Scott ended a period in which neither side added a goal to their credit , and the score still stood 9th Lancers , two goals to one . Excitement rose high as the final period began , and when the ball was thrown in from the side , the Hon . T. W. Brand and Captain Kavanagh were soon beading a desperate attack on the 9th's goal , whilst Lord George Scott cleared their front right well . But Captain the Hon . Claude Willoughby was not to be caught napping ; twice he frustrated the attempt on his goal , and was well aided by Captain Little . Like a thunderbolt the latter shot through the crowd , and hit so hard that the 9th worked their way down to the Walnut Tree . At length Captain Kavanagh , on Rufus , got in possession of the ball , and in very dashing style ran it up the ground till , near the corner by the pigeon - shooting enclosure , he was ridden off . Then Lord William Bentinck came SUMMARY . FIRST TIES . with a wet sail , and tried an angle shot at goal . It was FINAL TIE . a difficult stroke , and but well attempted , and so near 10th Hussars beat 13th Hussars by six goals to two . a thing that it seemed to us a goal scored . But i 9th Lancers beat Inniskilling Dragoons by five goals was not so , and , after some give - and - take play , and two . hot attack kept up by the 10th , Captain Kavanagh 17th Lancers beat 12th Lancers by four goals to one . placed the ball well . At it dashed Lord George Scott 4th Hussars a bye . on Abdullah . He has it - no , he has missed . On SECOND TIES . thunder friend and foe , some ten lengths behind , a 9th 10th Hussars beat 4th Hussars by three goals to two . man tries a back - hander , and then , with as neat a9th Lancers beat 17th Lancers by three goals to one . stroke as you ever saw , which I can best describe as a " side - hander , " Lord William Bentinck scored , and once 10th Hussars beat 9th Lancers by three goals to two , more the rivals were equal with two goals eacwon the Cup . On ends being , changed , I think it must be freely PREVIOUS WINNERS . admitted that the 10th had somewhat the best of it , and once a stroke of Lord William Bentinck's must have scored had not a pony's quarters stopped the ball . Time after time the 9th tried to break through the attacking squadron , and at length a dart made by Captain Little in his most brilliant style succeeded to a certain extent , and the Hon . T. W. Brand's stick breaking , the chances seemed all in favour of the 9th . Captain Kavanagh On the came to the rescue , however , and backhanding the ball , it went over the boundary boards just by the stand . And now I have to chronicle one of the smartest feats of the day . When the ball was thrown in , Lord George Scott , on Abdullah , got on it out of the scrimmage , and was away at score . Gaily Abdullah sprang into his bridle , and like a greyhound from the slips shot to the front ; as he tucked his haunches under him , and seemed regularly to curl his back as every vertebral muscle was brought into play , you began to realise what a pace that somewhat plain , flat - sided pony can go . He did go , I can tell you , whilst his rider hit hard . ball went , and then glanced off the boards beyond the pavilion . " He will never hit a goal from that angle , " were the words which I will be bound to say rose to the lips of more than one of us . Behind thun dered Captain the Hon . Claude Willoughby on Tangiers and Captain Colvin on Impshi ( the latter lately bought from Mr. Tilney ) ; both ponies were doing their level best to catch the flying grey , both riders were squeezing the last ounce of their respective ponies , but the distance was hardly diminished . One pull Lord George Scott took , and then a third hit sent the ball between the posts , as clean a cut goal and as gallantly won as registered even at Hurlingham . Whoo - whoop ! whoo whoop ! Ay , ye backers of the 10th , well may you shout , for this practically won the game , and must be writ down in polo history as a very brilliant performance . Only five minutes ' more of play remained as the rivals formed up again , but what a rare five minutes it was ! How brilliantly everyone played , and the fire of the 10th team was quite equalled by that of their opponents . Again and again did Captain Little distinguish himself , and draw forth shouts of applause ; splendid was Captain Colvin's play , whilst the backs " of either side rivalled each other in hitting good backhanders . Still the dash of the younger team told . was ever " Once did Lord William Bentinck have a sitting shot at the 9th's goal , and twice it was seriously threatened , till , just as the Hon . T. W. Brand's stick broke and there seemed one last chance of the 9th suc cessfully breaking through the attacking force , the ball went out , the bell rang simultaneously , and the Inter - Regimental Tournament of 1893 was won by the 10th Hussars by three goals to two , after as tight a game as you would wish to see . Criticism on the game I forbear to make , for the simple reason that I have none , but I must record my admiration of the fine hitting on rather bumpy ground made by both teams . Maybe I missed some points of tactics and strategy , but I can only say it seemed to me real good polo , devoid of any shade of animosity , and that not once was an objection raised about " crossing . " Congratulations and sympathy I extend to victors and vanquished , and the remark one of the conquering team made will best explain , I think , the feeling existing between the two corps . Said he , " Of course , I am awfully glad we won , but I do feel sorry for the dear old 9th . They played such a grand game that they deserved to win , and we would sooner be beaten by them than by anyone . " The Cup was then presented to the winners by H.R.H. the Duke of Cambridge , who said : " Gentlemen , of the 10th Hussara , I am very pleased to present you with this Cup , and am delighted with the way the game , most of which I have witnessed , has been played . As long as polo is played on these lines it will always have my most cordial support , and I shall always be in favour , of it , as I consider it a most suitable game for soldiers , for every quality of which they have need is called into play . The good temper shown by both teams has been admirable , and whilst I offer my sympathies to the vanquished , I must heartily con gratulate the 10th Hussars , congratulations which I am sure Lord Downe and Colonel Brabazon , both old 10th men , and who I see near me , will heartily join , and they must indeed be proud of their old corps . " Brave and pregnant words these , and as emanating from the the Commander - in - Chief they should put a stop to the mischievous endeavour made last year to stop the Soldiers ' Tournament . Then the crowd began to break up and melt away , and the Inter - Regimental Tournament was a thing of the past . 1878. 5th Lancers . 1879. 5 h Lancers . 1880. 16th Lancers . 1881. 16th Lancers . 1882. 5th Lancers . 1883. 7th Hussars . 1884. 7th Hussars . 1885. 7th Hussars . COLLON V. DRUMCAR . - This watch took place at Drumear , County Louth . on Saturday last , and re sulted , after a very pleasani match , in a draw , rather in favour of Collon . Drumear had only one wicket to fall and required 29 runs to win . Collon won the toss , but made a bad start , losing Kennedy almost imme diately , but Emerson kept up his wicket , and hit the bowling all over the field . He was well assisted by P. Maxwell , who was unfortunately caught behind the wickets when playing well . M - Givney also reached double figures . Drumcar commenced well , but the wickets fell rapidly after C. Filgate was dismissed , and at the call of time Drumear had eight wickets down for 72. F. W. Kennedy and P. Maxwell did all the bowl ing for Collon . There was quite a fashionable attend ance , and the liveliest interest seemed to be taken by the lady spectators in the game . The visitors were entertained at tea by Lady Rathdonnell . Score : F. W. Kennedy e Gars tin b Lee Norman ... P.A.Maxwelle M'Cann b C. Thornhill H. Wallis b C. Thorn hill HJ . Daly b C. Thorn hill *** J. Emerson st M'Cann b Bunbury *** G. Teeling b Lee Nor man $ 26 C. Filgate st Maxwell b Keunedy Col. Thornhil b Ken nedy C. Thornhill e M'Giv . ney b Kennedy G. Taaffe b Kennedy ... Captain Colvin c Daly b Maxwell G. Macan c Maxwell b Kennedy COLLON . 1886. 7th Hussars . 1887. 5th Lancers . 1888. 10th Hussars . 1889. 9th Lancers . 1890. 9th Lancers . 1891. 9th Lancers . 1892. 13 h Hussars . 1893. 10th Hussars . C. E. Ireland e M'Cann b Townley Filgate ... T. Bratton b C. Thorn hill 2. M'Givney lb w b C. Thornhill 2 12 2 H. C. Lloyd run out .... 7 J. G. Shackleton not out 33 2 DRUMCAR . 7 9 Extras ... Total ... 22 9 T. Filgate not out 4 G. Garston not out 11 Lord Rathdonnell b . Maxwell Hou . C. ... Bunbury c Lloyd b Maxwell A. Lee Norman did not bat Extras . Total ... Dod 000 9 1 10 7 1 15 101 1 72 AUGUST 6 , 1893 . in front of their goal , Mr. Pilkington so effectually rode off Lord Harrington that he let in Fusser and Mr. W. Walker , who scored with one of the very neatest near side strokes imaginable . On ends being changed , Liverpool soon worked the ball up to the front of their opponents ' goal , and their success in so doing was attributable in no slight degree to Messrs . Pilkington , Mason , and Walker , who backed each other right well . Then there was a cry of " Off - side . " Lord Harrington pulled up , and whilst he was waiting for the decision of the umpires , Mr. Pilkington , to make sure , tapped the ball through . The umpires disallowed the claim of off - side , and the value of " ganging forrard " till stopped by the umpire's whistle was once more demonstrated . Fast and furious then raged the battle ; neither side gained any more tangible advantage than that accruing to Liverpool by hitting behind , and at bell - ringing the score stood Liverpool , two goals to love . When play was resumed the dart made by Mr. Tyrer , on Siren , seemed likely to be crowned with success , the enemy's goal lay at his mercy , but he missed his stroke , and soon Captain Daly had carried the ball back to mid - ground . Oh ! dear , gentlemen , you were all of you terribly out of your places just now , and so I must pass over what you did till I record the fact that Mr. Hardy , whilst making a good run on Elastic , lost his stick . But a comrade in need proved Captain Daly on Cheeky Boy , for backing up well he came with a rattle . The shot at goal was almost impossible , but he tried it with the too probable result of only hitting behind . Soon after the same gallant warrior centred the ball well , but Mr. Tyrer was too sharp for him , and , nipping in on Sally Lee , hit the ball over the boards . Again Captain Daly hit behind after a smart set - to with Mr. W. Walker , and this time he only just missed the posts . Derbyshire now had their backs up , and played up with a will . Once Lord Har rington made a desperate effort to score , but good though it was , a right good back - hander of Mr. W. Walker's foiled him , and so the game went on till Derbyshire got a free hit for a foul . The chance at goal was possible enough , and Lord Harrington smacked the ball true and hard , but it struck a pony , and soon Mr. Pilkington was off with it . Ah ! well played ! See , that back - hander of Mr. John Walker's has stopped the " rush of the furious ride , " and again Derbyshire have hit behind . A slow turn and a like advantage falls to the lot of Liverpool , who seriously threaten the enemy's goal . Once more Derbyshire gets the advantage - the ball is on the threshold of their goal and surely it must fall ? No ; for Mr. Tyrer , on Sally Lee , nips in and hits behind in self - defence - and quite permissible were his tactics on this occasion . It was amusing after this to see two " little ' uns , " viz . , Mr. Tyrer and Sally Lee , have a real good hustle with two " big ' uns , " as represented by Lord Harrington and The Girl , and for the nonce the " little ' uns " got the best of it , but soon after Captain Daly , on Wig , rattled up and twice hit behind before the period closed with the score unaltered . con toss . soon Shall I take refuge in generalities for a descrip tion of the final " twenty , " or shall I scientiously follow the ball ? Hang it all , I'll Heads for generalities , tails for t'other thing ! Heads has it , so here goes . Derbyshire lost two good chances when the ball was hit out , and then Liverpool worked their way to mid - ground , with Mr. Tyrer playing quite in his old form and very busy Then there was another rare good set - to between Sinbad and Bedouin , ridden respectively by Mr. John and Mr. W. Walker , till the ball broke . At length , after some sharp fighting , in which Liverpool had to work hard against the wind , fortune favoured Derbyshire . Up rattled Captain Daly , on Rosy , Mr. " Willie " Walker missed his backhander ; and like a shot the gallant Hussar was on to the ball again . The angle was acute , the distance no slight one ; but hand and eye were true , he had plenty of pace on , and the result a most brilliantly - won goal . After the change of ends there was some sharp fighting , during which Captain Daly was unhorsed by his pony chucking up his head and knocking him out of the saddle as he was reaching out to hit a ball . Yet , all the while , though Derbyshire were attacking , Mr. W. Walker's defence was an aggressive one , for he lost no opportunity of turning defence into attack and worked wonders . Ah ! another spill ! Who is it this time ? Mr. Gerald Hardy , who , reaching forward at a hall gets his stick between Rajah's forelegs , and he good pony blunders on his head and knees . But no harm is done , and " forrard on " is soon the cry . Liver pool hits behind , and then once more Derbyshire has a grand opportunity . Ah , my lord ! you lost a chance then seldom offered , and Dame Fortune forgave you not ; for though you made ample amends by gallant play soon after , Mr. Mason was too quick for you , and saved his goal right well . Shall I tell of how subsequently a fine combined rush made by Messrs . Pilkington and Mason was disappointed by the ball going out twice ; how Derbyshire had splendid chances at goal and lost them ; or how neatly Mr. W. Walker volleyed a ball ; or shall I leave you to fill in the picture as fancy dictates and experience suggests ? I think the latter course will be most acceptable to us both , and SO , if you please , you must take it that with equal valour and determination - oh ! I wish I could coin a few other illustrative expressions , and dictionary won't help me - the battle went on till the call of time , when Liverpool won by two goals to one . This result was unexpected enough , but I have an idea as to the cause of Derbyshire's defeat . You'll laugh , but I really do believe I know , and I'll tell you in two words ( big capitals , please , Mr. Printer ) , JAM PUFFS !! Take the hint , youthful beginners , and eschew pastry and such like delicacies before playing polo . Then the Cup , a very handsome one , was presented to the winners by Mrs. W. Lee Pilkington , who in a grace ful speech , whilst expressing her pride at the victory of the home team , said she almost wished the positions had been reversed , for Derbyshire had made a most gallant fight and deserved to win for the sporting feeling they had shown in coming up to play . Then everyone cheered Derbyshire with " three times three and one more , " and members sorted themselves for a game , whilst we on ookers gathered into knots , discussed the match , found aults - ab , how easy it is to criticise afterwards ! nd talked polo ad lib . , but I think most agreed that 11 When nlav was resumed . Captain Little , on Algiers LAND AND WATER . the Great Northern Tournament , few though the teams were that competed , was a distinct success , a success in no slight degree attributable to Mr. W. Lee Pilking ton , whose energy and hard work have placed the Liver pool Club on its present footing as the best - supported county polo club in Britain . Long may it flourish , and speaking for myself I can only say I shall never forget the kindly welcome , the generous hospitality I have received from its members one and all , and in especial from my kind host and hostess , Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Pilkington . Believe me , my friends , I speak no idle words when I say I wish you success from the bottom of my heart in every undertaking , and trust that in Lan cashire the Royal game will always be kept alive . One word more . We men love polo , but what would it be if " ladye fayre " did not encourage and take an interest in it , and by their presence urge us to deeds of valour . This the lady members of the Liverpool Club do most thoroughly , and so I drain my modest " peg " to the " Lancashire Witches . " God bless them ! My next scribble will be about the Rugby Tournament , and by all accounts we shall have a very festive time there , for are not Spring Hill and the polo pony stables somewhere near it ? And are we not to have a Polo Ball and all sorts of gaiety ? And so , my friends , wish staying power to the pen of DOOKER . 66 POLO IN IRELAND . ALL IRELAND TOURNAMENT . was , on a car . HUNTIN ' AND DRINKIN ' are two men's work " if I remember right , a wise saying of Mr. Facey Romford . I thought much the same about travel ling and writing , when weary , cold , and - shall I whisper it ? -a little sea - sick , I landed at Kingstown on Monday morning . However , a wash and a good breakfast put a different complexion on affairs , and the weather seemed to brighten up . Did the sun come out , or was it because I felt more comfortable ? " Why do horses always go so much better at night ? " asked a box - seat passenger of an old coachman . " It is because you have had your dinner , sir , " was the reply . And there was good sound philosophy in the answer . At all events , it was with a sense of enjoyment that I found myself rattling towards the " Nine Acres " My first ride on an Irish car , too . " Shure , sir , and it's plased I am that I've had the pleasure of drivin ' ye , " said the ready car - driver , when I told him that I had never been on a car before . I started early , for I wanted to see the ground and the ponies , and , if possible , as a stranger , to find a kind friend to give me information . But I need have had no fears , for in Ireland , if you are a sportsman , every one befriends you , and I very soon found I should have no difficulty in learning all I wanted about players , ponies , and games . What born sportsmen the Irish are ! As I stood amidst the crowd near the rails there was not a man , or , for the matter of that , a boy either , who did not seem to know all about the game , and the various merits of the players . What hearty cheers went up when a good stroke was made , and how breathlessly the crowd watched ! How enthusiastically they applauded a brilliant run or a good hit ! Now for a look at the ponies before the which game , was between the 10th Hussars and an infantry team , begins . I went first to the Hussars ' ponies , expecting to see some old acquaintances among them . Nor was I disappointed . There was the grey Abdullah , and the memory of those two goals made by Lord George Scott and Abdullah will always remain in my mind as real good polo . It it no use criticising a pony that can go like that . What does it matter what you or I think of his looks when everyone knows what a polo pony he is ? so I turned away to see the others . Rufus you will inter - regimental tournament at Hurlingham . Captain remember . Captain Kavanagh played him in the Barclay was playing him to - day . Then there was Banshee , a beautiful Irish mare , short in the cannon bone , good in the shoulder , capital behind the saddle , the sort of pony you would pick anywhere as sure to make a polo pony . Present , too , was the grey Arabi , with a patch over his eye , played for the first time since his accident , so his owner told me . Right well he played , nor could the onlooker notice that the misfor tune had affected him . There was a pony Lord G. Scott was riding . There , I said to myself , " is a new one . " And so it proved , for Lord George told me that he was riding the pony for the first time in a game . The pony's name is Rascal , a brown gelding , as near thoroughbred as can be . Rascal is a nice pony , full of quality , and should be a fast one . A little new and strange now , but with time and patience he should prove a first - class pony . Turning to the ponies of the Infantry team , I was at once attracted with Mr. Lawson's two , The Tit and Ballyhooley , both very smart bays , and capital polo ponies . Then I saw a chestnut that belongs to Captain Maxwell , which , in my wisdom , I proceeded to put down as a little wanting in quality . Well , perhaps at first sight he did look a little coarse , but when I saw him play I knew ( his name , by the way , is Primrose ) what a good pony he is . What splendid runs he made , and even the fast 10th Hussar ponies could not catch him . The other ponies belonging to this team I did not see till afterwards . At 3.15 the game began . The ground was in beautiful order ; the sun shone out just as play began . The two teams thus composed : - 10TH HUSSARS . INFANTRY . 1. Mr. Logan ( East Lanca shire Regiment ) 2. Captain Maxwell ( Muns 3. Mr. ter Fusiliers ) Lanson ( Scots Guards ) Mr. Warren ( Munster Fusiliers ) ( back ) . Umpires : Mr. Reilly and Mr. John Watson . It will be seen at once that the Infantry were playing at a considerable disadvantage . This must always be the case when , as in the present instance , men drawn from different regiments have to play against a regimental team . The discipline and opportunities for combined practice give regimental teams a great advan tage over county or scratch military teams . This was noticeable to - day , and it became plain , after the game had gone on but a short time , that the Hussars must win . Gallant were the struggles of the Infantry , 1. Lord George Scott 2. Captain Barclay 3. Lord Shaftesbury Hon . T. W. Brand ( back ) . 155 brilliant at times the play of Captain Maxwell and Mr. Warren , but it was four players against a team , and a strong team . were Play at first was very slow . The Hussars worked the ball down to the Infantry goal , and kept it there . Time after time the ball was hit behind , but the Infantry team could never get it clear away . At length Lord Shaftesbury , riding Lord W. Bentinck's Jewess , got a shot , and the first goal was scored . On the change of ends Captain Maxwell and Mr. Warren had a chance , but could only hit behind . The Cavalry , however , made a dash , carried the ball through the enemy who rather scattered and , playing well together , Lord George Scott hit two goals in quick This succession . roused the other team , who played a losing game very pluckily . Out comes a player on a chestnut pony , and the ball begins to travel . What life there is in that dashing run of Captain Max well on Primrose ! For from this time the game im proved in speed and interest . Not a close contest , you may object . But there is something more in polo than the mere excitement of what is sometimes called in There is sporting papers " an evenly contested game . ' the interest of watching a game of skill , each good stroke in polo as in billiards has its own interest . There is , too , always something to learn . I am sure we learn more of the game every match we see , and that all players are better for being spectators sometimes . And besides there are the ponies , their pace , style , and action , a never ending source of interest . Captain Maxwell's run was an instance of bril met with some liant play in itself , and it was good play on the other side , one backhander of the Hon . T. W. Brand's I particularly noted , which enabled Lord Shaftesbury to pick up the ball , and well backed by Captain Barclay on Rufus - I like that pony better every time I see him - to save the Hussar goal from being captured before the bell rang . Score : -- 10th Hussars , three goals to love . Of the first part of the second period I have but little to say . Again Lord George Scott scored for the Cavalry , again and again Mr. Warren and Captain Maxwell tried to break through , but the ball would not travel far without being returned , and time after time it went out or was hit behind by the Hussars , who missed some possible - I will not say easy - shots , for one can hardly judge of that unless one is playing . However , at last Captain Maxwell got the ball away , but he missed and let in Captain Barclay , who raced away on the good grey Banshee , and again the Cavalry scored . Banshee was a bit too fast for Mr. Lanson's Daly , though he rode all he could to catch the speedy grey . Then came a period of scrimmages , the least interesting inci dent in polo to the looker on , and which is , doubtless , if ponies could speak , not popular with them , since sticks fly about , and ponies and men get a few hard hits . But all this time the Infantry were learning one another's play and getting together . Soon we see the ball fly out from the scrimmage . Then one and another Infantry player gets hold of it . Now it is Captain Maxwell , now Mr. Lanson , now Mr. Warren , with Mr. Logan , too , is watching the Hussar " back , " and slowly and not with out returns the ball is going to the Cavalry goal , when Mr. Lanson with a good shot puts it through . But this was the only time the Infantry succeeded in scoring . It was plain that the game was over , and that the Hussars would make a good score . A strong team and better mounted they steadily got the better of their gallant adversaries . The Infantry ponies began to tire , and though Mr. Warren played well - indeed , he played a steadily improving game all through - and though Mr. Maxwell was cheered more than once by the crowd for a really brilliant bit of fast hard play , all was over . I have no more to record except the gradual growth of the Cavalry score till at the end of the match the Hussars had won by eleven gcals to one . In the last round my attention was drawn to the roan mare , Judy , ridden by Lord Shaftesbury . Although she had somewhat curious and apparently cramped action in her slower paces , she was seen to be a fast and handy pony when really moving . No fouls were claimed , though twice the umpire intervened . Once the Infantry paid the due penalty for one of their players who was off - side , and once Mr. John Watson said a few words of warning on the subject of a cross he had noticed . very The morning on Tuesday hardly seemed to promise well for polo , for the rain came down steadily and per sistently in a fine drizzle which looked like lasting . What state will the ground be in after this was my thought , but I did not know the Nine Acres , for when I walked over it later in the day , after two hard matches , it was little cut up . Of course the wet ground affected the play somewhat , for it was rather dead , whereas on Monday the ball moved very lightly over the ground . There was a large number of people gathered together to watch the play . For were there not to be two first class matches ? And were not Mr. John Watson and Mr. J. Jamieson , both popular favourites , going to play ? What shouts and screams of delight rose up when either of those gentlemen got the ball , and that they hit it right well goes without saying . I was standing about the middle of the ground during most of the game . Near me were some little ragged barefooted gossoons , who followed the game with the deepest interest . That they seemed rather to enjoy the misses of the foe than the hits of the side on which were their sympathies was true . They had also a keen eye for and a genuine enjoyment of any casualty , such as a blow from a stick or the fall of a pony , but they were thorough little sportsmen for all that . " And as they were so were all . Everybody understood the That we were treated game ; everybody enjoyed it . to some first - rate polo you will readily admit when I say that play began with a match Freebooters v . the 9th Lancers , and was followed by another between Ireland and the 13th Hussars . The first match was between the following : All FREEBOOTERS . 1. Captain Little 1. Mr. Lafone ( 4th Hussars ) 2. Mr. Joyce 2. Captain Bishop 3. Capt . Hoare ( 4th Hussars ) 3. Captain Colvin 4. Mr. John Watson ( back ) , Captain Hon . Claude Colours : White . Willoughby ( back ) . Colours : Red and yellow . Umpires : Major Reilly and Captain McLaren . Very strong sides you will say , and so they were . Play was good throughout , and not so uneven as the score 9TH LANCERS . |
