Boston vs Newport: A Mayor’s Challenge Settled on the Field
On the summer solstice, Newport Polo continued its 150th Diamond Jubilee season, as the Glen Farm polo grounds became the stage for the 16th challenge between Newport, the defending champions, against Boston in the Northeast tournament’s championship final, a match that transcended sport. Two cities and two representatives ready to settle a friendly wager with civic pride and bragging rights on the line.
The occasion marked far more than a simple inter-city rivalry. It was a celebration of New England’s competitive spirit and the enduring legacy that has defined America’s First Polo Club for over 150 years. Under the theme “Ivory and Linen,” the grounds transformed into a celebration of alma mater pride, preppy elegance and summer sophistication. Crisp linens, vintage Ivy League style, and an unmistakable sense of occasion filled the air as thousands gathered to witness a match steeped in regional history.
The day’s significance was amplified by the presence of an unexpected guest—a loyal polo enthusiast visiting Newport Polo for the first time in twenty years. Seated in the TD Pavilion, this returning spectator witnessed not only a championship match but also a door prize moment that reconnected him with a sport that he has loved for decades.
During the match, judges crowned Tailgate 45 as the Stella Artois Best in Show winners, whose interpretation of the Ivory and Linen theme, complete with Brown University alma mater elements, perfectly embodied preppy sophistication and collegiate tradition. Their prize included a Stella Artois swag, crystal chalices, a 12 pack of Stella Artois and other memorabilia. Vendors lined the grounds offering Newport Fine Linen, Simply Chickie, and The Hat Social, allowing guests to embrace the theme in style. The Solstice Spritz, a bright effervescent cocktail celebrating summer, was the drink of the day, available throughout the match and après polo.
Between chukkers, the festive grounds came alive with the spirit of Newport Polo tradition. Aston Martin Boston’s display models dazzled, Dillon’s Small Batch sampling activation razzled, and a feast worthy of champions awaited hungry spectators: Brie and Honey’s artisanal charcuterie, Meat Sweats, Newport Chowder Company’s coastal classics, Sweet B’s Donuts, and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. The newly expanded TD Pavilion provided an ideal vantage point where attendees mingled and celebrated. Phil Bender performed a stirring rendition of the USA National Anthem, setting an elevated tone for the afternoon ahead. The coin toss brought together MA House of Representatives Marcus Vaughn and Mayor Charlie Holder in a moment that perfectly captured the day’s spirit. The two leaders shared warm handshakes and quality time before the match, celebrating the friendly rivalry and shared love of sport that unites the two cities.
Representing Boston were Robin Reyes (#1), Walter Eayres (#2), Justin Daniels (#3), and Benji Daniels (#4). Team Newport answered with Dan Kinsella (#1), Sam Shore (#2), Sam Clemens (#3), and Stuart Campbell (#4).
The match unfolded with immediate intensity. After a scoreless opening chukker, Newport established early dominance. Stuart Campbell and Sam Clemens orchestrated the home side’s attack, building a commanding lead through the second and third chukkers as Boston struggled to find rhythm. The visitors fought back with efforts from Robin Reyes and Justin Daniels, but Newport’s defense and scoring prowess—anchored by Clemens’ remarkable performance—kept the advantage firmly in the home side’s corner. By the third horn, Newport had built a substantial lead, with the crowd energized by the home team’s control of the field.
The final three chukkers saw Boston mount a determined rally, refusing to yield without a fight. Benji Daniels became a force on the field, consistently pressuring Newport’s defense, while Justin Daniels added crucial scoring moments. Sam Clemens remained relentless for Newport, adding more goals and showcasing the brilliance that carried the defending champions throughout the afternoon. Stuart Campbell contributed key plays, and though Boston closed the gap with persistent effort, Newport’s depth and championship experience prevailed. When the final horn sounded, Newport had claimed a decisive 13-11 victory, solidifying their status as the defending champions of the International Polo Series.
During the trophy presentation, both teams were celebrated for their fierce competition and sportsmanship. Representative Marcus Vaughn presented the trophy to Newport, then turned to settle the friendly wager with Mayor Charlie Holder—civic pride, bragging rights, and the promised exchange of local fare marking another chapter in this growing regional rivalry. The teams retired to the field for handshakes and congratulations, with USPA umpires Emilio Urrea and Dan Keating overseeing a match played with the highest standards of sportsmanship.
One lucky door prize winner—the spectator returning to Newport Polo after two decades away—received a gift from Veuve Clicquot Champagne, making this afternoon even more memorable. The door prize winners from each week of the season are eligible contestants to win the season’s grand prize: two business class tickets from Turkish Airlines to any destination in the world. A trophy, a cherished memory, and a chance at a dream vacation—the perfect embodiment of Newport Polo’s blend of sport, luxury, and international adventure.
As the sun descended over Newport’s storied grounds, it was clear that the Mayor’s Challenge had lived up to its promise. Two cities had met on the field, and while Newport claimed victory, both teams left having contributed to another unforgettable afternoon in the 150th Diamond Jubilee season of America’s First Polo Club.
Along with Aston Martin Boston, the Polo Series is proud to welcome partnerships with Brenton Hotel │ Turkish Airlines │ Foxwoods Resort Casino │ TD Bank │BD │ Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers │ Vanderbilt International Properties │ Hotel Viking │ Hammetts Hotel │ Newport Harbor Island Resort │ Forty 1° North │ Veuve Clicquot Champagne │Modern Luxury Boston │ Providence Business News │ Penelope Bourbon │ Clarke Cooke House │ RISE │The Macallan │ Brugal Rum │ Highclere Castle Gin │ Surfside │ Kadeema Rentals │ Spirit Water │ Absolut │ Codigo 1530 Tequila │ Gooseneck Vineyards Prosecco │ Chateau Sainte Marguerite Rosé │ Atria Senior Living │ Stella Artois │ A1 Roofing & Construction │ Grieco BMW │ Kinsella Building Co. │ ROCKSTAR Limo │ Classical 95.9 WCRI │ Cointreau │ Visit Jamaica │ Mt. Gay Silver Rum; and promotional partners including The Cocktail Guru │ Newport Jaguar Tours │ Sailing Yacht Tree of Life │ Island Adventure │ Cocoa & Co │ International Tennis Hall of Fame │ Newport Vineyards │ Elizabeth in Newport │ Newport Mansions │ Sea Newport │ Adventure Kiteboarding School │ Newport Kites │ Newport Classical | Discover Newport.