THE Route Hunt branch, so often winners of the turnout award, bridged a 30-year gap at Balmoral Show when presented with the Wilkinson sword following their victory in the UMEX Pony Club games.

Disappointingly, only three branches lined out in the Main Arena at Balmoral Park on Friday morning but, thanks to their energetic efforts, plus that of commentator Chris Pooler, the crowd got behind the teams and there was no lack of loud support for every competitor.

The good news for the future is that there are plenty of junior Pony Club members ready to move into the senior ranks. Numbers were depleted last week through a team from Area 17 competing at the Royal Windsor Show – bringing supporters with them – some injuries and schoolterm studies and trips.

The Route team comprised Niamh Carr, Toni McLenaghan, Jessica Cohen, Ben McKechnie and Maria Carr who also kept up the tradition of winning the turnout award. “We were delighted,” said branch district commissioner Eavan White. “Simpson McKay has been our games trainer for the past four years. He is brilliant with the kids as he has a great way with them.”

Meath McIlduff, Indina Forstye, Thea Walsh, David Kehoe and Katie Haire represented the very strong Iveagh branch who, trained by Gareth McCombe, finished second. The third-placed North Down squad comprised Tilly Nield, who also plays Polocrosse, Katie Smith, Ella Heron, Katie Murdoch who also plays polo and tetrathlete Jack Belton McGlennon.