Hip, hip, hooray! Regent’s Lions crowned 2012 double national polo champions for a third year running! Regent’s Lions Polo Team have been crowned Indoors National Champions for the third year in a row at The Schools and University Polo Association (SUPA) in both the Beginners 1a and Novice 2 section which took place between the 9-12 February 2012 at The Rugby Polo in Rugby. The SUPA Nationals is a four-day tournament
with a knock out system meaning you have to win each match to go through to the next one, and so on to reach the final. Representing the Regent’s Lions in Beginner 1a was Ali Fattahi, Sabaya Verger and team captain Sara Hernmarck. For the novice team it was team captain Eline Berg Braathen, Hubert Van Berkel and Renee Fontaine. Thursday The Beginners team faced some drama only two days before leaving for Nationals when one of the team members had to cancel and pull out of the competition
altogether. After a 6-0 win in their first chukka, no one could have guessed this was their first match together! Team trainer Phil Meadows, from Cool Hooves Polo was overwhelmed with the result. Friday After some advice from Phil on how to step up their game, the team continued on a winning streak through both quarter and semi finals. Finals here we go! Sunday – Final Day Both teams made it through to finals in their sections, first out was the
Regent’s Lions Regent’s Lions secure second in the mixed volleyball London Challenge Polo tournament team Go Mammoth League reach dizzy heights of second place but ... 2nd place is only half the story! With a dedicated group of students who just wanted to play volleyball and have fun we were able to make huge strides in the Go Mammoth League. However, we are irked by finishing second in the league given our form and the praise we were receiving from David Bevin, League Administrator from the Go Mammoth League, ‘By far the best mixed volleyball team in the Go Mammoth League’. From left: André Heggli (ULU), Sara Hernmarck (RACL), Ali Fattahi (WGSL)
The end of the Webster term saw a number of key players leave the team in mid-October as they were on the Webster global programme and were required at the next scheduled Webster Campus. Plus an intense coursework and exam schedule meant players could not commit to the final 3 matches of the season, which dealt the team a serious blow. However, our final position was a reasonable reward and we look forward to a glorious future in mixed volleyball.
The successful national champions team fought their way through very tough competition to secure a second place in the Cool Hooves London Challenge, on the 24 March 2012. Sara and Ali teamed up with one of the University of London players André to form a team for this tournament. Yet again this was the new trio’s first outing together. First chukka was won by 3-1, the second two chukkas ended in a draw of 2-2. This time the Lion’s were beaten by Royal Holloway University. On Wednesday before the tournament the team went to the Gaucho Polo in the O2 to show their support for the
British Forces. And of course, enjoy some polo and get inspiration for the London Challenge. All teams will be playing at the Summer National Championships the 2-5 June. Save the date and come and support our teams. Stay tuned for more information closer to the date. The Regent’s College Polo Club is always open to new members, even those who’ve never played or even been on a horse before. Drop an email to Renée fontainer@regents.ac.uk or Sara on s.hernmarck@gmail.com or catch any of the players for more info!
Lions Netball Team secure ‘Go Mammoth League’ 8th place The Lions Netball team started brightly with enthusiasm and talented individuals, but lacked squad numbers and had just enough players every week for match participation. The team
took a few games to acclimatise to the competitive level and needed the introduction of some senior Regent’s Netball players who have been playing competitive Netball for many years
to raise levels and spirits in the team. Even though we didn’t win the league, we looked forward to the social drinks and food after each match at the trendy Chelsea bar.
Beginners team v Harper Adam University. The team really had to fight this chukka, the Harper Adams team was very skilful, a big rough and quick on the ball. That didn’t stop the Regent’s Lions from winning 2-0. The Lions would like to thank Phil Meadows and coaching staff from Cool Hooves Polo at the Royal Berkshire Polo Club for all their fantastic support and for supplying superb ponies, as they are a central part of The Regent’s Lions Polo Clubs success.
Basketball success reaches new heights in Go Mammoth League. 1st place. Playoffs – runners up
A successful season was had by the Regent’s Lion Men’s Basketball Team whose hard work in weekly training had paid off. Everyone feared playing against this team, even though the majority were no taller than 5’ 11’. The combination of excellent gameplay and talent coupled with great team organisation from coach Kevin Badu meant the basketball team were a force to be reckoned with. The basketball court always had a team of leaders when playing and when things went against the team there was always someone to raise their game and the teams. The MVP (Most Valuable Player) of the team goes to Jesse Gibb, who was a great leader and team player. However, for all the teams tenacity in their style of play they would be undone in the race for championship by the lack of height. In the final of the playoffs, the opposition had one player who was probably 7 foot tall and this proved decisive in the outcome The opposition had one tactic and that was to give it to the big guy up top. Despite struggling to defend against this tactic the team gave a great account of themselves in their first competitive league run and can be assured they will return ready to be even more competitive.