Polo: Tanqueray, Samurai face off in Cup final

Ultimate's Mbu Ngugi (left) and Lois Roumeguere of Tanqueray during Chairman's Cup at The Nairobi Polo Club on Saturday, Jan 29, 2022. [Jonah Onyango]

Samurai beat a stubborn Radio Africa 6-4.5 on Saturday to progress to today’s final of the Chairman’s Cup at Nairobi Polo Club.

Samurai face Tanqueray, who won two of their matches on Saturday, in the final this afternoon.

Raphael Nzomo made all the difference for Samurai when he scored five of the six goals in the first (one), second (two), third (one) and fourth chukkas (one). Izzy Stichbury had put the match beyond their opponents’ reach with a fifth goal in the third chukka.

Natasha Tisminieszky scored a hattrick for Radio Africa with Jules Camm also getting on the scoresheet.

“We worked hard for it. It wasn’t an easy match but teamwork won for us,” said Raphael Nzomo.

Tanqueray booked a final date with Samurai after winning two of their matches on Saturday. They beat Ultimate and Tusker Malt 3.5-2 and 2-1 respectively.

It was a good day in office for handicap Phillip Arunga who steered Tanqueray to the two victories. 

On their part, Tusker Malt defeated Ultimate 2.5-1.

It was bad outing for Ultimate team of handicap 2.5 Mbu Ngugi, Ed Burbidge (0), Mina Stiernblad (0) and Silke Hampson (-0.5) after they lost all their matches.

For the second consecutive week, Vishal Somaia was on target twice as he scored a double for Tusker Malt in the first and second chukkas against the unlucky Ultimate side having started the match at the advantage of a half fraction of a goal from their low handicap.