Mzees and Machines triumph in Davis Cup

Nzomo siblings of Amani and Jadini were the star attraction that helped Mzees and Machines pull off a 9-1 victory over Creative Nuts to win the Davis Cup at Nairobi Polo Club on Sunday.

The two were given a standing ovation as they made a fly past on their ponies alongside teammates professional commentator Jamie Hayward and Kevin Kaniu, who replaced 80-year-old Mike Camm in the final match.

Their sterling performance earned them a nickname 'Nzomo Boys' from the cheering squad.

"I was focused and had courage in the match. I thank my teammates and my parents for their help, which helped me win the top player's title," Amani said.

The 15-year-old-player, who emerged as Man-of-the-match, was later voted the Most Valuable Player of the tournament after scoring five goals in the final. Jadini scored a hatrick as Camm (Mike) managed a goal in the first chukka.

Jadini's form, which saw him voted MVP twice in Maria Bencivenga and Soldiers Salute Championships at the same venue a fortnight ago, came in handy in the final match that was officiated by Kimoi Moi.

"It is marvellous to see children play with their grandparents, ladies with men and men with ladies. This makes polo a fantastic sport," said English professional polo commentator Jamie Hayward, 61.

In the play-offs, strikes by Louis Du Toit and Raphael Nzomo came to haunt Mc Moi as Rocking Vikings scored 3-1 to emerge winners.

Toit scored in the first chukka but Natasha Tisminieszky quickly replied for Mc Moi. In the second chukka, Toit was on the mark yet again to put his side on the lead.

Despite efforts from experienced handicap 2 Kimoi Moi, Rowena Stichbury (0) and Magda Jurkowiech in the final two chukkas, they could not match the speed of their opponents who went ahead to score another goal in the third chukka from undefended penalty four.

The new season begins on May 1.