Kenya down Zambia in junior show: Stonewigg scores first goal in the first chukka

MARIA BENCIVENGA CUP Samurai's Amani Nzomo during Maria Bencivenga Cup at Nairobi Polo Club on Jan 14, 2018. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]]

Kenya A humble Zambian side to wear International Schools Under-18 Polo Championships crown.

Kenya A beat Zambia 4-2 to win International Schools Under 16 Polo Championships crown at Manyatta Polo Club in Gilgil yesterday.

 It was a sweet revenge against the Zambians, who beat them in Lusaka last year. The two sides started the match on equal handicaps and there was no need to award any of them an advantage of a goal.

Handicap One Ben Stonewigg and Harry Stichbury were star players for the winners as each scored a double for Kenya A.  

Stonewigg scored first goal in the first opening minutes of the first chukka before handicap one Harry Millar, the captain, capitalised on an assist from Nunu Henderson to level terms.

Kenyans then exerted pressure and mounted a wave of attacks on the Zambians and it was no surprise when when Stonewigg and Harry Stichburry scored two quick goals in the second chukka for 3-1 lead at the break.

In the last two chukkas, Kenya A maintained the tempo even Zambians fought back in the third chukka. Ewen Pinckney scored just few seconds in the third chukka.

But it was not long before Stichbury extended Kenya’s lead in the third chukka denied the visitors to scoring chances in the final chukka.

Grateful for victory

“We lost to a good side. The pitch is well maintained and it’s up to the international standards,” Zambian captain Harry Millar said.

Kenyan captain Ben Stonewigg was happy with the victory. “Congatulations goes to Harry Stichbury. Megan Griffiths also marked Zambia’s best player Harry Millar,” Stonewigg told Standard Sports.

Earlier, Kenya B beat Kenya C 6-4.5 with goals from William Millar (four) and Jadini Nzomo and Tom Stonewigg.

Lochie Stichbury, Amani Nzomo and Taru Mwamto replied for Kenya C, who started the match with one and a fraction of a goal from their weak handicap. 

In division B championships, Tack Rack won the title after dismissing Barclaycard Signature 4.5-4 having started the match with a fraction of a goal.