Rhoe HOSTING HAM IN
by William & Lowie Crisp
We always know the English teams' arrival is imminent when the parcels from Ebay start arriving at our house for Nicholas CD. This is followed by copious emails about arrival details as for some reason Ham players tend to appear from all directions and at different times.
Coordination seems to be saved for evening events, and occasionally on the field of play. These emails are useful as they prompt us into action, Lowie checking sheets, towels, and laundry soap while William checks the boot polishing supplies solely kept on hand for Ham. The fridge is filled with solids, and even more liquids, although Nicholas's first chore after arriving is a visit to Vicker's Liquors to purchase yet more wine. As an increasing amount of these liquids are consumed the strategy plans for the Saturday game become longer and more elaborate. Unsurprisingly, these plans rarely make it to the field, although they are rehashed every evening.
We have been very fortunate to meet a diverse and wonderful group of people through our 20 odd years of hosting the teams. As we look around our house at the many kind 'hosting gifts' we have received over the years we have to smile, they make us giggle to remember each year. They are all special, but four deserve a mention here. Firstly, the prerequisite bottle of scotch which has never, sadly, survived the weekend for William to enjoy once the team have all gone. The wonderful rug that arrived with Ba, what an extraordinary house present, it is viewed on a daily basis with pleasure. On the other end of the scale there is the bottle of tomato ketchup that appeared with Tom Benson who was positive that Heinz was a purely British company, unavailable in the US, and those Mickey Mouse lives outside of Paris. Fourth equal must be the Harrods apron given to Lowie, and the tie given to William (presumably for keeping his shorts up) which we believe might have involved a bit of re-gifting.
Thursday evening, after most of the players have arrived, we head to Gene Goldstein's field for the Friendship Tournament. This is always enjoyable as we get to see the calibre of first time visitors, however this can be misleading as sandbagging is sometimes a used tactic,
hoping to lead Dan Keating into selecting a weaker USA team for Saturday. This has never worked as Dan sees it so often that he always goes by the player’s handicap. Thursday is also a good time for reuniting and catching up with every body’s news of the past year, and planning team activities for the coming weekend. William, at this point has to put his chauffer cap on, choreographing sailing, tennis, golf, scootering, mansion tours, or the beach, as parking in Newport is at a premium.
The only strategy practiced by the US team occurs on Friday night at The Clarke Cooke House, when the whole club is involved in attempting to over-serve the visitors into oblivion as late into the night as possible. Dark n Stormy's are the weapon of choice. This does not always work, but occasionally, much to our amusement, it is extremely successful. We are never quite sure how many faces will appear for breakfast on Saturday morning. But the coffee is always ready. It is always fun to hear the tales of the late night shenanigans.
Our main worry of the weekend is the result of said game. Will Saturday evening find our guests jubilant and ready to hit the town to celebrate, or mired in doom and gloom, looking for scapegoats in the umpires, ponies, or the bounce of the ball? We have seen plenty of both. Of the 16 years that William has kept records, Ham have won 8, drawn 1, and lost 7. The goal tally is 155 to 149, remarkably close for this length of time. Regardless of the result, we are always happy to see the enthusiasm of the players at playing in front of such a large group of spectators. The sweaty hand slapping after the game is a highlight for everyone, along with the adoration of the crowd, and the ball signing.
Sunday sees us enjoying a traditional brunch at Café Zelda's, the Bloody Mary's, Mimosas, and Eggs Benedict are big favorites. Sometimes the drink known as a Minderaser makes an ugly appearance with varying effects from hugging a tree, dancing naked with an umbrella, to difficulty with flight check in. Sadly it is also the day when most people depart, scattering back to the four corners of the world. Or just London.
We are so thankful to have made good friends and hosted many wonderful people. Also, very privileged to be made life members of Ham Polo Club.
HPC • THE LONDON POLO CLUB 63
2017
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