Kenya beat Zambia as 9-Goal international Polo tourney concludes

Hosts Kenya showed determination and skill to pip a determined Zambia team by 3 goals to 2 at the 9-Goal International Polo Tournament which took place at the Nairobi Polo Club.

The tournament had 3 tiers of competition – the Gillies Turle trophy, which included Tusker Malt, Tanqueray, SBM Bank and SGA Security, the Fat Hippo trophy, which was contested by 24:7, Capital FM, Primarosa, and Live Eye, and the main event, which was the showdown between the Kenya and Zambi men’s Polo teams.

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In the Gillies Turle trophy final on Saturday, SBM Bank’s team, comprised of Archie Voorspuy (Handicap 3), Harry Millar (Handicap 3), Izzy Voorspuy (Handicap 3), and Izzy Stichbury (Handicap 1), put up a spirited fight but were ultimately beaten to the trophy by Tusker Malt, who won 6-5.

The 6-goal rated Casimir Gross showed why he is Kenya’s highest rated player, scoring all 6 goals for Tusker Malt. Izzy and Archie scored a brace each, and Harry rounded off the score with one goal.   

The Fat Hippo trophy final was between Primarosa and 24:7, with Primarosa emerging victorious. Gregory Kimani scored a brace for Primarosa and Hiromi Nzomo scored a goal to make it 3. On the scoresheet for 24:7 were Jamie Excell and Michelle Morgan.

The main event took place on Sunday, as Team Kenya faced off with Team Zambia. The hosts had Jadini Nzomo (1), Ben Stonewigg (2), Joss Craig (2) and captain Archie (3). Their Zambian counterparts consisted of Harry (3) Darryl Higgins (2), Jamie Henderson (3) and Niels Bojsen (1)

On the scoresheet for Kenya were Archie and Jadini, while Harry scored all the goals for Zambia.

The next instalment of polo action will be at the Nairobi Polo Club next weekend, from 22 to 24 September. This event marks the fourth game out of a total of nine games for the 2023/24 season, with SBM Bank of Kenya proudly serving as a season sponsor, contributing a generous sponsorship of Ksh 3 million.

Moezz Mir, CEO of SBM Bank of Kenya, who attended the Sunday final commented on the tournament, saying; “We are thrilled to be part of such an exhilarating polo tournament that brings together exceptional talent and sportsmanship. SBM Bank remains committed to supporting the growth of polo in Kenya and the region.”