Kenya Select pip Zimbabwe in Gilgil

By Feverpitch Reporter

The Kenya Polo Association select side narrowly beat visiting six-goal Zimbabwe 11-10.5 in a tense encounter at the Manyatta Polo Club, Gilgil last Sunday.

The eight-goal Kenyan side featuring Jamie Murray (four goals), Jonti Barclay (two), Julian Camm (two) and Sarah Griffiths (0), scored 11 goals to beat the visitors by half a goal at the end of a rain-soaked five-chukka encounter.

The tournament, which was sponsored by Virtual City and supported by Pembe Flour Mills, saw the visiting Zimbabwe team captained by three-goaler Johnny Campbell, assisted by Davey Meikel (3), Paul Johnson (0) and Steve Wentzel (0), put up a brave fight against their hosts.

Jamie Murray (right) pursued by Steve Wintzel of Zimbabwe. [PHOTO: EDITA CAMM]

The visitors, helped by their 1.5 goal advantage, raced to an early lead in the first two chukkas, with goals by Campbell and Meikel.

Spectacular display

However, Kenyan captain Jamie Murray put on a spectacular display of faultless penalty-taking and field goals, to claw away at the visitors’ lead.

Murray scored 10 goals for his side, while Griffiths put away one. The final score was 11-10.5 to Kenya.

The intermediate match was won Siginon Freight, comprising Maanan Madvani (0.5), Emma Beardshaw (0), Brian Perry (0) and Lydia Craig (-1).

Siginon beat Heritage Insurance 5-3. Heritage fielded Mike du Toit (0), Devin Shretta (-1), Suki Shretta (-1) and Pylippa Marion (0).

Next weekend promises further exciting polo action at the Manyatta Club, where 10 teams, all local, are expected to participate.

The final tournament in the polo calendar, Christmas Tournament, will also be staged in Manyatta on the second and third weekend of December.