Black Tie Players’
AWARDS DINNER
Article by Debbie Houghton
What better way to fight off the end of season blues than with an evening of entertaining awards where fellow Hamites are “named”, “famed” or “shamed” for great or not so great moments on the polo field, with many of these moments being caught on film.
A sexy little French bistro set the theme for the evening. Hunt Kendall put on an outstandingly tasty menu starting with Petoncle et Pancetta followed by Beouf en croute accompanied by, in a manner that I have become accustomed to in my initiation year at Ham, a good flow of wines and cocktails. Dessert was an exquisite Mousse au Pommes Vertes and then came el fromage et chocolates. For those of you who watched “The meaning of Life” by Monty Python will know that it was the wafer that caused his demise.
The dress code was Black Tie, which even before the consumption of too many wines, provided me with enough eye candy in tux to remind me to renew my membership for 2011, and enough glamour to potentially knock the Baftas sideways. Every stalk needs a flower and the couture de la femme added the perfect touch of colour and sophistication to the evening.
The awards presented were: ANNIE’S TROPHY FOR THE LADY PLAYER OF THE YEAR went to Jo Stuart. Jo is my inspiration to polo. Her game improved dramatically over the season. By 2016 I aim to have my name on the Trophy albeit a few lines down below Jo’s.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR was a popular vote and the award was handed up from son to father. It went to Quentin Davis. Thanks from me, Quentin, for all your tips and advice to us new players. You make the field a welcome place for us.
UMPIRE OF THE YEAR TROPHY went to Pete McCormack who, rumour has it, was out with a hot date and couldn’t join us for the awards dinner. Pete wasn’t offered to defend his whereabouts on this. Sorry Pete!
THE CHAIRMAN’S TROPHY went to the incredibly talented 14 year old Faisal Al Rifai. I’m sure I’m not alone in being in awe of Faisal’s ability on the field. We enjoyed his presence at the school instructional games on Saturdays.
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