Polo: Maria Bencivenga Trophy rained on, matches postponed to Sunday

Royal Salute's Vishal Somaiah (left) fight it out with Jadini Nzomo at the Nairobi Polo Club during Maria Bencivenga Cup at Nairobi Polo Club on Jan 14, 2018. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

The opening matches of the 2022 Maria Bencivenga Polo Trophy at the Nairobi Polo Club in Jamhuri were postponed on Saturday following a heavy downpour that made the pitch unplayable.

The incessant rains halted the first duel pitting Airduka against 24:7 in the second chukka.

Other matches that were lined up for the day included Tusker Malt versus 24:7, Tusker Malt versus Airduka and Radio Africa versus Classic FM.

"It has rained heavily over here, the ground is very soggy, we can’t continue with the games today," Nairobi Polo Club chairman Raphael Nzomo told Standard Sports.

"We have opted to carry the fixtures to Sunday, this will make our schedule very tight 

because of the packed contests."

Handicap 2.5 Nzomo captains Classic FM that is comprised of his daughter Hiromi ( handicap 0), 

Phyllipa Gulden (0.5)and Miranda Romijn (-1.5).

Tusker Malt , who lifted the Davis Cup last weekend, will be spearheaded by Mbu Ngugi (2.5), Tash Tisminieszky (0.5),Kevin Kaniu (0.5) and Eva Kamau (-1.5).

Lethal youngster Omwakwe Arungah (1) leads assault for Airduka.

His other foot soldiers are Jamie Hayward (0.5), Moses Wainaga ( 0.5) and Duke Hampson (-0.5).

Nzomo indicated that the championships has offered young players a chance to showcase their skills.

Missing in the competition being played on a knock-out basis is Davis Cup top scorer Jadini Nzomo.

Returning to the event after missing last weekend's tournament is Ngugi who is hopeful to lift the trophy with Classic FM.