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Accession number	912L : 2124/6
Transcription	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 be is by the bye - and a very tower of strength to his side , did su 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 wi Thus ended hard - fought twenty " with the score - 9th Lancers , 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 , till at 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 heading 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 . so near 10th Hussars beat 13th Hussars by six goals But i 9th Lancers beat Inniskilling Dragoons by fi SECOND TIES . On FINAL TIE . with a wet sail , and tried an angle shot at goal . It was a difficult stroke , and but well attempted , and a thing that it seemed to us a goal scored . 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 placed the ball well . At it dashed Lord George Scott 4th Hussars a bye . on Abdullah . He has it - no , he has missed . thunder friend and foe , some ten lengths behind , a 9th 10th Hussars beat 4th Hussars by three goals man tries a back - hander , and then , with as neat a9th Lancers beat 17th Lancers by three goals 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 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 1886 7 . COLLON Y. DRUMCAR . - This match once a stroke of Lord William Bentinck's must have Louth . on 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 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 . On the 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 was ever 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 " backs " of was Captain Colvin's play , whilst the either side rivalled each other in hitting good backhanders . Still the dash of the younger team told . 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 Hussars , 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 sympa hies 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 Ton 1879. 5 1880. 16 sulted , after a very pleasant match , in 1881. 16 in favour of Collon . Drumcar had only 1882. 5 fall and required 29 runs to win . Collon 1883. 7t but made a bad start , losing Kennedy diately , but Emerson kept up his wicke well 1884. 7t bowling all over the field . 1885. 7t Maxwell , who was unfortunately , cau wickets when playing well . M - Givney double figures . Drumcar commenced wickets fell rapidly after C. Filgate was at the call of time Drumear had eight wi 72. F. W. Kennedy and P. Maxwell di ing for Collon . There was quite a fashi ance , and the liveliest interest seemed t the lady spectators in the game . The entertained at tea by Lady Rathdonnell . F. W. Kennedy c Gars tin b Lee Norman ... P.A.Maxwell c 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 *** C. Filgate st Maxwell b Kennedy , Col. Thornhil b Ken nedy C. Thornhill c M'Giv . ney b Kennedy G. Taaffe b Kennedy ... Captain Colvin c Daly b Maxwell G. Macan c Maxwell b Kennedy COLLON . 2 12 C. E. Ireland b Townles T. Bratton S hill Q. M'Givne C. Thornhi 2 H. C. Lloyd 7 J. G. Shack 33 out Extras 2 Total DRUMCAR . Lord Rathe Maxwell Hou . C. B Lloyd b M T. Filgate no G. Garston A. Lee No not bat 22 9 4 11 7 9 Extras Total 13TH HUSSARS . 1. Captain E. N. Pedder 2. Mr. D. Robertson - Aik man 9TH LANCERS . 1. Captain M. Little 2. Captain Hon . C. Wil loughby 3. Captain G. Colvin 3. Mr. F. Wise Major Lamont ( back ) .. Captain MacLaren ( back ) . Colours : Red and yellow . Colours : Blue and white . Umpires : Captain Steeds and Captain MacMahon . A glance at the above list of names will tell you that while the 13th were playing their usual team , the 9th had not the services of Captain Bishop , of whom they say in that polo - playing regiment that he is the best No. 1 they ever had . Not only did the 9th miss Cap tain Bishop , but Captain Little had left his usual place of No. 2 and played " first forward , " whilst Captain the Hon . C. Willoughby played No. 2 , and perhaps no one deserves more credit than he does . In the game that followed he evidently felt the difficulty of playing out of his usual place , viz , " back , " in which position he is so good - you will all remember the fine play he showed us at Hurlingham . Just at first in this game he played as if the duties of No. 2 were strange to him , but as the game went on he steadily improved , and his hand it was which , in the final bout , hit the winning goal for the 9th . Major Lamont was playing in his usual form , so far as I could judge , except that his strokes had not their usual strength , for I am told that he still feels his broken finger . But this is not wonderful ; the wonder is that he should be playing , and playing well , so soon . The ill No sooner was the ball in play than we saw that the Lancer team were the stronger ; not much stronger , it is true , but still the ball , though flying up and down and round the ground at a great pace , always came back to the Hussar goal , and hung there for a few seconds from time to time . Eventually it was brought away from a threatening position by a judicious bit of play on the part of Captain MacLaren , who , when it was travel ling to his goal , dashed out , and instead of hitting a back hander , which would never have got past Captain Col vin and Major Lamont , he hit across nearly to the boun dary ; then getting on the ball quick as thought , he struck it across his pony to the near side . This gave him clear ground , and he raced away to the 9th's goal . luck which pursued the 13th throughout the game in their shots at goal was not absent here , and the ball went behind . Now , with players like these , when the ball gets behind the goal line it is very hard to get it away again , and so the 9th found . Fortune , too , that smiled on them later , gave them one or two nasty jars , for the ball near the goal , well saved by Major Lamont , I think struck the umpire's pony , and returned to a spot nearly opposite the goal . Struck away again , it hit Captain Colvin's pony . The Lancers then got a little scattered and out of their places , but the ball eventually went out , and the first ten minutes came to an end without either side having scored . Soon after play was resumed the Lancers got a chance and missed , after a smart combined run down the far side of the ground . Then Captain MacLaren , with one of those backhanders which are as certain as fate , sent the ball nearly to the middle , where a fine hit by Mr. Robert son - Aikman freed it out of the melée . Captain the Hon . C. Willoughby , however , met it well , and came galloping down . What has happened ? The 13th waver , stop , and lift up their sticks to summon the um apires . " Go on ! " " Go on ! " shout Major Lamont ind the 9th , and Captain the Hon . C. Willoughby , ho is well on the ball , races it away , and puts it rough the posts . The ball is through , but is it a al ? The 13th appeal against it , and the umpires are led in . One of them was kind enough to tell me erwards what the objection was and what the decision . Just as Captain the Hon . C. Willoughby got possession of the ball it was noticed that it was slightly chipped , and Captain MacLaren shouted , " New ball ! " None of the 9th responded , and shouted to Captain Willoughby to go on . This he did , as I have told you above , and he made a goal . Was he right ? The umpires said he was , and gave the 9th the goal . What do you say , " Dooker " ? * I submit that the umpires could not do anything else , and that , I think , was the general opinion of polo men present . The ball was per fectly capable of being played with , for it travelled straight and true right through the posts , and it had to go half down the ground . After this , of course , the ball was thrown in at mid - ground , and soon Captain Little was off with it , but Captain MacLaren got it away from him and brought it round . Now Captain MacLaren is a very judicious and certain player . He knows when to go round , and I think he is almost invariably right . But for all that you younger players , till you have something of Captain MacLaren's expe rience and certainty , always hit backhanders . At any rate , the manoeuvre ended in the 13th scoring out of a scrimmage , and the period ended with the score one goal all . 1 . When play was resumed , Captain Little , on Algiers ( that marvellous pony he is to turn ) , started on a run , but was stopped by Mr. Wise when scarcely six feet from the goal ( Mr. Wise , by the way , did good service for his side to - day ) , and the ball flew back . Captain Pedder then dropped on it neatly , and the 13th got one of the many good shots at goal - I counted four - they had about this time . Dame Fortune was now determined to give the 9th a turn , and the ball missed by a few inches , rolled up to the posts and trickled off the wrong side . This bad luck still stuck to the 13th into the fourth ten minutes , though the balance of play was rather on their side , and the 9th's partisans began to look a little blank . I can recollect one goal was saved by Captain MacLaren when the attack was made by Captain Colvin after some good and steady play . But the turn of the 9th came a little later , just before the bell rang . After several weary checks the 9th attacked . First , Captains Little and the Hon . C. Willoughby get a run , but they were neatly stopped by Captain MacLaren . But soon Captain Colvin - soundest and steadiest of players places , and then starts the ball off with those steady , purposeful strokes of his . Not this time will he score , for Mr. Robertson - Aikman ousts him , and gets it well away with a fine , bold hit . Here is Captain Little racing back with the ball ; he misses it , but Captain Colvin is ready , and takes it on till Captain the Hon . C. Willoughby gets a chance , and , " Whoo - whoop ! " the third goal is made , the bell rings , and the star of the Lancers is in the ascendant . Then fortune again changed - the variety of this game being one of its charms - and the 9th had a bad time , for Major Lamont had to hit behind in self - defence . Then Captain Little , for a wonder , suc ceeded in slipping Captain MacLaren and made a grand run , though no goal rewarded him , and the score stood 9th Lancers , two goals to one . During the early part of the third period the pace was racing throughout . Backwards and forwards , in and out , through and across , these well - matched teams struggled for ascendancy , always galloping , often racing . Again Captain the Hon . C. Willoughby got a chance , a few strides of the well - named Quicksilver , a fine , clean hit , and the 9th have added another goal to their score . This is the fifth ten minutes , and the Lancers have a lead of three goals to one . Long odds ? Not so very , for here are Captain Pedder and Mr. Wise on the dart and Captain MacLaren handy . A short scuffle , and the latter scores . We may now expect very hard play , and we see it too . But the temper of both teams is excellent ; resolute , determined , if you like , but never foul , never a moment of savage work . Captain the Hon . C. Willoughby is playing Algiers this time . But , look ! Captain Mac Laren is off on a run - a goal ? No , not yet . The ball is only behind . " What beautiful combined play ! " we exclaim as the 13th team got the ball down to the 9th's goal . That must be a goal ! No , Captain Colvin saved it , passes the ball to his No. 2 , and the 9th are again attacking . But for a moment fortune smiles on the 13th , and after a short struggle in mid - ground , Captain MacLaren scores a third goal . This makes the score three goals all , and time is up . Excitement was intense as players formed up to fight out the final issue , and now we soon saw what we have so often seen before a lucky chance , a quick man , a handy pony , and the ball is through . This was what happened now , and Captain the Hon . C. Willoughby hit the winning goal , giving the 9th Lancers the victory by four goals to three . SUMMARY . FIRST TIES . 9th Lancers beat 3rd Hussars by 7 goals to 2 . 13th Hussars , a bye . FINAL TIE . 9th Lancers beat 13th Hussars by 4 goals to 3 , and won the Cup . PREVIOUS WINNERS . 1886. 10th Hussars . 1887. 16th Lancers . 1888. 3rd Hussars . 1889. 4th Hussars . 1890. 4th Hussars . 1891. 15th Hussars . 1892. 13th Hussars . 1893. 9th Lancers . I was really sorry to leave Dublin , where I met so many kind and pleasant folk , and saw such ( I cannot think of any other suitable word ) incomparable polo . Less than an hour later I was on my way to England by the mail . I had fulfilled my mission to give the readers of Land and Water an account of the All * With all due deference to the umpires , and since the question has been submitted to me , I should say they were wrong in giving the 9th Lancers the goal . Rule 17 of the Hurlingham Rules and Regulations says : - " If the ball be damaged , the umpire must stop the game and throw in a new ball at the place where it was broken , and at right angles to the length of the ground . " The ball being chipped , it was distinctly " damaged , " and the call for a new ball made by the 13th should have been attended to by the umpires , who should without delay have stopped the game . - DOOKER .

Accession number

912L : 2124/6

Transcription

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 be is by the bye - and a very tower of strength to his side , did su 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 wi Thus ended hard - fought twenty " with the score - 9th Lancers , 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 , till at 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 heading 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 .
so near 10th Hussars beat 13th Hussars by six goals But i 9th Lancers beat Inniskilling Dragoons by fi
SECOND TIES .
On
FINAL TIE .
with a wet sail , and tried an angle shot at goal . It was a difficult stroke , and but well attempted , and a thing that it seemed to us a goal scored . 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 placed the ball well . At it dashed Lord George Scott 4th Hussars a bye . on Abdullah . He has it - no , he has missed . thunder friend and foe , some ten lengths behind , a 9th 10th Hussars beat 4th Hussars by three goals man tries a back - hander , and then , with as neat a9th Lancers beat 17th Lancers by three goals 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 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 1886 7 . COLLON Y. DRUMCAR . - This match once a stroke of Lord William Bentinck's must have Louth . on 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
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 . On the 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 was ever 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 " backs " of was Captain Colvin's play , whilst the either side rivalled each other in hitting good backhanders . Still the dash of the younger team told . 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 Hussars , 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 sympa hies 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 Ton 1879. 5
1880. 16 sulted , after a very pleasant match , in 1881. 16 in favour of Collon . Drumcar had only 1882. 5 fall and required 29 runs to win . Collon
1883. 7t
but made a bad start , losing Kennedy diately , but Emerson kept up his wicke well
1884. 7t bowling all over the field . 1885. 7t Maxwell , who was unfortunately , cau
wickets when playing well . M - Givney double figures . Drumcar commenced wickets fell rapidly after C. Filgate was at the call of time Drumear had eight wi 72. F. W. Kennedy and P. Maxwell di ing for Collon . There was quite a fashi ance , and the liveliest interest seemed t the lady spectators in the game . The entertained at tea by Lady Rathdonnell . F. W. Kennedy c Gars tin b Lee Norman ... P.A.Maxwell c 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
***
C. Filgate st Maxwell b Kennedy ,
Col. Thornhil b Ken nedy
C. Thornhill c M'Giv . ney b Kennedy
G. Taaffe b Kennedy ... Captain Colvin c Daly b Maxwell
G. Macan c Maxwell b Kennedy
COLLON .
2
12
C. E. Ireland b Townles
T. Bratton S hill
Q. M'Givne
C. Thornhi
2
H. C. Lloyd
7 J. G. Shack
33
out Extras 2 Total DRUMCAR . Lord Rathe Maxwell Hou . C. B Lloyd b M
T. Filgate no
G. Garston
A. Lee No
not bat
22
9
4
11
7
9
Extras
Total
13TH HUSSARS . 1. Captain E. N. Pedder 2. Mr. D. Robertson - Aik
man
9TH LANCERS . 1. Captain M. Little 2. Captain Hon . C. Wil loughby 3. Captain G. Colvin 3. Mr. F. Wise Major Lamont ( back ) .. Captain MacLaren ( back ) . Colours : Red and yellow . Colours : Blue and white . Umpires : Captain Steeds and Captain MacMahon .
A glance at the above list of names will tell you that while the 13th were playing their usual team , the 9th had not the services of Captain Bishop , of whom they say in that polo - playing regiment that he is the best No. 1 they ever had . Not only did the 9th miss Cap tain Bishop , but Captain Little had left his usual place of No. 2 and played " first forward , " whilst Captain the Hon . C. Willoughby played No. 2 , and perhaps no one deserves more credit than he does . In the game that followed he evidently felt the difficulty of playing out of his usual place , viz , " back , " in which position he is so good - you will all remember the fine play he showed us at Hurlingham . Just at first in this game he played as if the duties of No. 2 were strange to him , but as the game went on he steadily improved , and his hand it was which , in the final bout , hit the winning goal for the 9th . Major Lamont was playing in his usual form , so far as I could judge , except that his strokes had not their usual strength , for I am told that he still feels his broken finger . But this is not wonderful ; the wonder is that he should be playing , and playing well ,
so soon .
The ill
No sooner was the ball in play than we saw that the Lancer team were the stronger ; not much stronger , it is true , but still the ball , though flying up and down and round the ground at a great pace , always came back to the Hussar goal , and hung there for a few seconds from time to time . Eventually it was brought away from a threatening position by a judicious bit of play on the part of Captain MacLaren , who , when it was travel ling to his goal , dashed out , and instead of hitting a back hander , which would never have got past Captain Col vin and Major Lamont , he hit across nearly to the boun dary ; then getting on the ball quick as thought , he struck it across his pony to the near side . This gave him clear ground , and he raced away to the 9th's goal . luck which pursued the 13th throughout the game in their shots at goal was not absent here , and the ball went behind . Now , with players like these , when the ball gets behind the goal line it is very hard to get it away again , and so the 9th found . Fortune , too , that smiled on them later , gave them one or two nasty jars , for the ball near the goal , well saved by Major Lamont , I think struck the umpire's pony , and returned to a spot nearly opposite the goal . Struck away again , it hit Captain Colvin's pony . The Lancers then got a little scattered and out of their places , but the ball eventually went out , and the first ten minutes came to an end without either side having scored . Soon after play was resumed the Lancers got a chance and missed , after a smart combined run down the far side of the ground . Then Captain MacLaren , with one of those backhanders which are as certain as fate , sent the ball nearly to the middle , where a fine hit by Mr. Robert son - Aikman freed it out of the melée . Captain the Hon . C. Willoughby , however , met it well , and came galloping down . What has happened ? The 13th waver , stop , and lift up their sticks to summon the um apires . " Go on ! " " Go on ! " shout Major Lamont ind the 9th , and Captain the Hon . C. Willoughby , ho is well on the ball , races it away , and puts it rough the posts . The ball is through , but is it a al ? The 13th appeal against it , and the umpires are led in . One of them was kind enough to tell me erwards what the objection was and what the decision . Just as Captain the Hon . C. Willoughby got possession of the ball it was noticed that it was slightly chipped , and Captain MacLaren shouted , " New ball ! " None of the 9th responded , and shouted to Captain Willoughby to go on . This he did , as I have told you above , and he made a goal . Was he right ? The umpires said he was , and gave the 9th the goal . What do you say , " Dooker " ? * I submit that the umpires could not do anything else , and that , I think , was the general opinion of polo men present . The ball was per fectly capable of being played with , for it travelled straight and true right through the posts , and it had to go half down the ground . After this , of course , the ball was thrown in at mid - ground , and soon Captain Little was off with it , but Captain MacLaren got it away from him and brought it round . Now Captain MacLaren is a very judicious and certain player . He knows when to go round , and I think he is almost invariably right . But for all that you younger players , till you have something of Captain MacLaren's expe rience and certainty , always hit backhanders . At any rate , the manoeuvre ended in the 13th scoring out of a scrimmage , and the period ended with the score one goal all .
1 .
When play was resumed , Captain Little , on Algiers ( that marvellous pony he is to turn ) , started on a run , but was stopped by Mr. Wise when scarcely six feet from the goal ( Mr. Wise , by the way , did good service for his side to - day ) , and the ball flew back . Captain Pedder then dropped on it neatly , and the 13th got one of the many good shots at goal - I counted four - they had about this time . Dame Fortune was now determined to give the 9th a turn , and the ball missed by a few inches , rolled up to the posts and trickled off the wrong side . This bad luck still stuck to the 13th into the fourth ten minutes , though the balance of play was rather on their side , and the 9th's partisans began to look a little blank . I can recollect one goal was saved by Captain MacLaren when the attack was made by Captain Colvin after some good and steady play . But the turn of the 9th came a little later , just before the bell rang . After several weary checks the 9th attacked . First , Captains Little and the Hon . C. Willoughby get a run , but they were neatly stopped by Captain MacLaren . But soon Captain Colvin - soundest and steadiest of players places , and then starts the ball off with those steady , purposeful strokes of his . Not this time will he score , for Mr. Robertson - Aikman ousts him , and gets it well away with a fine , bold hit . Here is Captain Little racing back with the ball ; he misses it , but Captain Colvin is ready , and takes it on till Captain the Hon . C. Willoughby gets a chance , and , " Whoo - whoop ! " the third goal is made , the bell rings , and the star of the Lancers is in the ascendant . Then fortune again changed - the variety of this game being one of its charms - and the 9th had a bad time , for Major Lamont had to hit behind in self - defence . Then Captain Little , for a wonder , suc ceeded in slipping Captain MacLaren and made a grand run , though no goal rewarded him , and the score stood 9th Lancers , two goals to one .
During the early part of the third period the pace was racing throughout . Backwards and forwards , in and out , through and across , these well - matched teams struggled for ascendancy , always galloping , often racing . Again Captain the Hon . C. Willoughby got a chance , a few strides of the well - named Quicksilver , a fine , clean hit , and the 9th have added another goal to their score . This is the fifth ten minutes , and the Lancers have a lead of three goals to one . Long odds ? Not so very , for here are Captain Pedder and Mr. Wise on the dart and Captain MacLaren handy . A short scuffle , and the latter scores . We may now expect very hard play , and we see it too . But the temper of both teams is excellent ; resolute , determined , if you like , but never foul , never a moment of savage work . Captain the Hon . C. Willoughby is playing Algiers this time . But , look ! Captain Mac Laren is off on a run - a goal ? No , not yet . The ball is only behind . " What beautiful combined play ! " we exclaim as the 13th team got the ball down to the 9th's goal . That must be a goal ! No , Captain Colvin saved it , passes the ball to his No. 2 , and the 9th are again attacking . But for a moment fortune smiles on the 13th , and after a short struggle in mid - ground , Captain MacLaren scores a third goal . This makes the score three goals all , and time is up .
Excitement was intense as players formed up to fight out the final issue , and now we soon saw what we have so often seen before a lucky chance , a quick man , a handy pony , and the ball is through . This was what happened now , and Captain the Hon . C. Willoughby hit the winning goal , giving the 9th Lancers the victory by four goals to three .
SUMMARY . FIRST TIES .
9th Lancers beat 3rd Hussars by 7 goals to 2 . 13th Hussars , a bye .
FINAL TIE . 9th Lancers beat 13th Hussars by 4 goals to 3 , and won the Cup . PREVIOUS WINNERS .
1886. 10th Hussars . 1887. 16th Lancers . 1888. 3rd Hussars . 1889. 4th Hussars .
1890. 4th Hussars . 1891. 15th Hussars . 1892. 13th Hussars . 1893. 9th Lancers .
I was really sorry to leave Dublin , where I met so many kind and pleasant folk , and saw such ( I cannot think of any other suitable word ) incomparable polo .
Less than an hour later I was on my way to England by the mail . I had fulfilled my mission to give the readers of Land and Water an account of the All
* With all due deference to the umpires , and since the question has been submitted to me , I should say they were wrong in giving the 9th Lancers the goal . Rule 17 of the Hurlingham Rules and Regulations says : - " If the ball be damaged , the umpire must stop the game and throw in a new ball at the place where it was broken , and at right angles to the length of the ground . " The ball being chipped , it was distinctly " damaged , " and the call for a new ball made by the 13th should have been attended to by the umpires , who should without delay have stopped the game . - DOOKER .

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