Polo: Platinum one match away from winning Annesley Cup

Izzy Parsons (in blue shirt) of Classic battles for the ball with Archie Voorspuy of Platinum during the Annesley Cup at Manyatta Polo Club in Gilgil, Nakuru county on May 24, 2019. [Kipsang Joseph/Standard]

Handicap 4.5 Platinum look all but ready to lift the title after winning their second successive match as the Barclays Annesley Cup Championships entered day two yesterday at Manyatta Polo Club, in Gilgil.

Platinum defeated star-studded handicap 5 Gold 6.5-5 

Undeterred by their low handicap that forced them to begin the tussle with the advantage of half a fraction of a goal, Platinum, whose members include national Junior captain Archie Voorspuy(3.5), head coach Jonathan Stichbury (1.0), Rowena Stichbury (0.0) and Cheza Millar(0.0), withered the storm to clinch their second victory.

They lead standings with six points from two matches. They play their last match against Signature from 12 pm.

During the match, Gold took the lead through Gordy Millar in the first chukka as Tony Sugden added another in the second chukka before their opponents turned the tables on them moments later.

Three goals by Voorspuy, Millar (Cheza) and Rowena Stichbury was all Platinum needed to make a come-back and lead 3-2 in the second chukka. From there on, they never looked back in the remaining chukkas.

In the third chukka, Rowena increased their tally for a 4-2 lead before Voorspuy finished their scoring spree with a double in the fourth chukka.

On their part, Millar, Sugden and Sarah Griffiths scored three more goals for Gold to narrow the difference to one goal against their opponents. The three will be praying for a Platinum loss against Signature today.

In their opening match on Friday, Gold hammered Signature 7-3.5 and yesterday's loss against Platinum must have dampened their chances of lifting the title.

They (Gold) must now beat Classic today, while at the same time, pray Platinum loses against Signature for them to be at par with the tournament leaders.

Classic defeated Signature 5-3 after a foul start on Friday against Platinum who defeated them 6-5.

The win pushed Classic to tie in second with Gold. Each team has three points from two matches, but Gold have a better goal aggregate.

"We still have a chance of winning the overall title after our win today," said Classic captain Nick Millar.

Their match against the star-studded Gold side today morning will be a mouth-watering affair.