It’s been a while since we posted any trip/event reports, so here are a couple to start with – one very recent and one from a while back (just when Steve became too busy to keep on top of things!) – with apologies for missing the routine weekly update… Hopefully we’ll be providing more regular reports from now on! Many thanks to Mel Jones for the reports and to various players and spectators for the photos.
Southwest Region Division 3, First Tournament 23 Nov 2024
Brecon Bats, the Club’s (newly named) polo team, faced their first tournament of the season with a mix of new and old players (Captain Natalie, Dave, Gethyn, Glynn, Huw, Mel, Stefan and part-time Steve – who also refereed several matches on our behalf). Having braved the weather to Cheltenham, they met some old rivals from Wales. The team knew this would be a hard tournament with the divisions being changed from 5 last season to 3 this time. And this was clear with the first game against Swansea B, although the score didn’t reflect the valiant defence put up by Brecon! The defence changed to attack against the Rhondda White Rhinos, but still no win. The closest match was against Aberfan who we hope to meet again. The Rhondda Black Rhinos tested every team’s defence and speed – particularly in the larger Cheltenham pool, so we hope not to meet them again and wish them all the best in moving up to the next division! This left Queen’s from Taunton (the only English team in this supposedly English tournament!) as our final match (and the final match of the tournament) drawing on all our reserves and, it has to be said, looking like we actually knew what we were doing (despite the scores perhaps suggesting otherwise)! As always, the team came away with more knowledge, confidence and smiles and look forward to returning with more training under their boats for the next round. The results? Let’s just say we didn’t win any games and leave it at that!!!
Loads more photos in the slideshow in our Gallery!
Southwest Region Division 5, Second Tournament 16 Mar 2024
The Southwest Regional Open Division 5 Tournament 2, held 16th March in Cheltenham, saw members of the polo team take on new competitors – Swansea B, Bristol B, Queen’s College and Oxford University. The team welcomed back one of Brecon’s own players Daisy (usually now an Oxford player) to make up the team (Chris, Daisy, Jack, Natalie, Steve and Mel). Chris captained with clear instruction and motivation and again everyone played their hardest. The results (1 draw and 3 losses) does not reflect the improvement the team has made and they should be very proud. Nat was our top scorer this tournament and Jack needs a special mention having developed into a natural player since starting in September. Thanks again to Daisy for helping on the day and to Steve for arranging, coaching and transport us all.