Amistar Xtra off to winning start in Rift Valley Cup

Barclaycard Signature Peter Mwangi (centre) playing against Barclaycard Gold during Rift valley polo cup at Manyatta Polo Club in Gilgil on August 17 [Photo: Harun Wathari, Standard] 

Amistar Xtra defeated Team D 9-5.5 as they launched their bid to clinch the Rift Valley Cup as the three-day polo tournament kicked-off at Manyatta Polo Club in Gilgil yesterday.

Amistar Xtra which consists of Jamie Murray, Kimoi Moi,  Omwakwe Arunga and Dani Murray scored their goals through Jammie (four), Arunga (three) while Dani and Kimoi scored one each.

Raphael Nzomo replied with a double for Team D as Craig Millar scored three goals in the four-match chukka having started the match at the advantage of half a fraction of a goal from their low handicap in the four chukka match.

“It was tough but we are determined to give a good account of ourselves in the remaining matches despite the first loss,” Nzomo told Standard Sports.

In the Bell Inn Cup, played in two chukkas with seven minutes per chukka in a round robin format, Barclaycard Gold had a fine start with two successive victories.

In their first match, Barclaycard Gold dismissed Barclaycard Signature 4-2.5. Izzy Parsons and Amani Nzomo each scored two goals in both halves as Harry Griffiths and Peter Mwangi replied for Signature.

“This was a good match and our team had lots of positive chemistry as we blended well among ourselves and such a positive start indicates our ability to win this cup,” Amani said.

Against Tack Rack, Barclaycard Gold were made to fight hard before squeezing a 2-1.5 victory, the losers having started with an advantage of half a fraction of a goal.