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9th-12th-Lancers - Year 2003 - Page 0057

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Regiment 9th/12th Lancers
Year 2003
Transcription REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE 9TH/12TH ROYAL LANCERS (PRINCE OF WALES’S) 55
Polo
010 this year has been excellent filn, with a lot of ‘stick and
balling’ and a few matches involving the local Germans. Even
though the majority of the Mess have been busy training for
forthcoming Tours, the evenings and weekends have been rela-
tively untouched allowing plenty of time on horseback. The reg-
ulars were Capt Searby, Capt E-B, Capt Jacobs and Mr
Woodward. The Commanding Officer and the Adjutant were also
seen on numerous occasions flying up and down the pitch.
Towards the end of the season the new Brigade Commander,
Brigadier Bradshaw, after 10 years away from the sport showed
that he was still fairly handy with a stick. Mirjia Phlug and Annie
Hairsign also added to the stick and ball sessions and special
thanks must go to Mirjia who leant her pony to players for some
of the matches.
Mr Woodward and Capt Jacobs were introduced to the sport this
year and learnt very quickly. Mr Woodward not only had to mas-
ter hitting a small ball with a long stick at great speed but he also
had to learn to ride! Having taken all this into account and the
state of his riding it was quite amazing that he never fell off. Capt
J, on the other hand, was seen on several occasions on his back-
side looking up at his rather dismayed mount.
Due to the work commitments throughout this busy year we were
unable to organize a large polo tournament but instead had many
informal matches against the Scot DG and the local German
teams. On the weekend of our Summer Party an Exhibition
match was held between The Delhi Spearmen (9/12L) and a ger-
man team lead by Stefan Diepold. After a close match, played in
temperatures reaching 35 C, The Delhi Spearmen helped by an
Argentinean hired gun triumphed 7 goals to 4.
During the summer leave Capt Searby and Capt E-B played for an
Army team back in the UK at West Wycombe polo club. After a
scrappy but hard fought game on the Saturday we made the final
on Sunday and narrowly lost by halfa goal to a local team.
Overall this year has been one of consolidation, introducing and
teaching new players and ponies. With more ponies and renewed
interest within the Regiment, next year should be an excellent
and very enjoyable season.
“t; _..,. - -r . ‘ '1-
D/ego, Mr Woodward, Capt EB, Stefan, A// G and Man at So/tar
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