This archive report was first published on 25 July 2021.
On a thrilling Sunday, Kenya's polo team secured a hard-fought 8-7 win over Zambia in the Kenya International Championships at Manyatta Polo Club in Gilgil, Nakuru County.
Casimir Gross, the team's captain, was instrumental in the victory, scoring five goals. He was ably supported by Jammie Murray and Archie Voorspuy, who added two goals each to secure maximum points for Kenya.
Kevin Coventry, Zambia's captain, was the standout player for his team, earning the title of man of the match. His team's 10-year-old horse, Ballitto Girl, owned by Jadini Nzomo, was also voted the Best-Playing-Pony (BPP) for its impressive performance.
Shane Coventry, Kevin's brother, praised Ballitto Girl's skills, saying, "This is a good horse that did every trick in the pitch for our team."
Kenya's captain, Casimir Gross, acknowledged the tough match but expressed confidence in his team's abilities, saying, "It was a tough match but I must admit the Zambians is also a well-coordinated and polished side. We made a few mistakes at the start but we re-collected ourselves to make a gallant comeback to overcome our opponents."
Kevin Coventry of Zambia vowed to avenge their defeat when Kenya visits Zambia next season in the Lusaka International Championships, saying, "It was a tough match but the narrow loss portrays we are also a fancied side but we are determined to avenge this defeat next season at Lusaka International Championships."
During the six-chukka match, Zambia shocked Kenya with two quick goals in the first chukka, but Kenya levelled through Gross in the same chukka. The match saw several lead changes, with Kenya eventually emerging victorious.
Kenya also won the Subsidiary Championships, with the Sanilam team of Tiva Gross, Jadini Nzomo, Georgina Millar, and Eva Kamau scooping the title with a 5-1 win over DT Dobie.
