Resurgent Mbu Ngugi scored two crucial goals that ensured Kenya Nut Black picked up a 5-4 win over Samurai to get closer to the knockout stages in the fight to win the Horseman Cup at Nairobi Polo Club yesterday.

The swift Ngugi, whose speed is at times electric, scored the last two goals after the first three by international Will Millar that ensured his team made a positive start in the competition.

Their assists came in all their deliveries from Isaac Maina and Rowena Stichbury.

The polished Samurai team of Craig Millar, Hiromi Nzomo, Cheza Millar, and Magali De Braiweo replied through Craig’s double, while Braiwer and Cheza scored one each from Hiromi’s many assists.

However, Veuve Clicquot went on a rampage, hammering Afrisend 11-4.5 in a one-sided match.

The star-studded Veuve Clicquot scored all their goals from all her team members, who included Archie Voorspuy and Jonathan Stichbury, who each scored four goals, while Sacha Camm and Ranshay Purohif each managed a double.

A hattrick by Callum Shaw and another by Megan Griffiths were the consolation goals for the losers.

On their part, First Capital smashed Tusker Malt 8-6.

Fresh from a formidable performance against Zimbabwe in Harare, Jose Craig scored six goals for First Capital to beat Tusker Malt 8-6 before Simon Muchene and Vishal Somaia added two more.

Kimoi Moi made a return to the pitch to open the scores for Tusker Malt, which was a good omen for four more goals by Geoff Morley.

In the last match, Pure Travel lost 3-4.5 in the hands of Social House.