Newport Polo welcomed back one of the most highly anticipated rivalries of the season this past weekend, Newport vs. New York, with the sidelines brimming with style and excitement for the Roaring Rivalry theme, inspired by New York High Fashion. Guests dressed the part in sleek black-and-white palettes, bold accessories, and couture-inspired looks that made the day feel every bit as chic as the runway. The energy was undeniable, blending the glamour of fashion week with the thrilling pace of polo.
The celebration began off the field, where fans shopped at the vendor village featuring Newport Fine Linens, Simply Chickie, and the Newport Polo Pro Shop. Foodies enjoyed a spread of delicious offerings from fan-favorite food trucks including Brie & Honey, Newport Chowder Company, Jacajai Coffee, Ben & Jerry’s, and Sweet B’s Donuts, while the Drink of the Match was a sophisticated New York Sour, served up at the Pavilion and Dillon’s Patio Bar. Atria Senior Living added to the festivities with a Pavilion party marking their 10th anniversary as a Newport Polo sponsor, and both Dillon’s and Penelope’s activations were so popular that their seltzers sold out on the field.
The afternoon also featured special sideline celebrations. The Best in Show winner wowed with a creative interpretation of the New York High Fashion theme, taking home a prize from Stella Artois, while the door prize winner uncorked the excitement with a celebratory bottle of Veuve Clicquot. All eyes then turned to the field as Jason Vell Key of Foxwoods Resort Casino performed the coin toss, officially launching the Roaring Rivalry.
On the field, Team Newport of Tim Day, Chris Fragomeni, Rory Torrey, and Oscar Monzon (Oski) squared off against Team New York of Phillip Crupi, Isabelle Haslam, Toto Collardin, and Alfredo Rodriguez. From the very first throw-in, the intensity was palpable. Newport opened the scoring to energize the home crowd, but New York’s Toto Collardin answered immediately. Newport surged with three consecutive goals, building momentum and a lead, before New York battled back with two late goals to close the gap. At the end of the first chukker, Newport held a narrow edge, 4–3.
The momentum shifted in the second chukker as New York clamped down defensively, holding Newport to just one goal while adding three of their own. Suddenly, the visitors had flipped the match, taking command with an 8–5 lead at halftime. During the break, fans poured onto the field for the traditional divot stomp, posed for photos with ponies, and refreshed themselves with cocktails as anticipation built for the decisive second half.
When play resumed, New York seized total control. Their offensive firepower exploded in the third and fourth chukkers, with Toto Collardin leading the charge. His precision and speed created opportunities again and again, and by the end of the half, he had added three more goals to his tally. Supported by the sharp play of Crupi, Haslam, and Rodriguez, New York put up an astonishing seven goals in the second half. Newport fought hard, with Tim Day and Oski Monzon each finding the posts, but they were held to just two goals total as New York’s defense closed every door.
By the final horn, the scoreboard told the story: New York 15 – Newport 7. The visitors delivered a commanding second-half performance that not only secured the win but also underscored the intensity and history of this rivalry. The crowd applauded both teams for a match filled with speed, skill, and thrilling moments, even as New York celebrated their victory with style.
The afternoon concluded with the trophy presentation, where Stephen Squatrito, Regional VP of Atria Senior Living, awarded the Roaring Rivalry cup to the jubilant New York squad. Guests lingered on the sidelines afterward, savoring one last cocktail, recounting favorite plays, and admiring both the fashion and the polo that made the day so unforgettable.
From runway-worthy sidelines to the fast-paced drama on the field, the Roaring Rivalry was a true showcase of Newport Polo at its best where tradition, athleticism, and style converge in one unforgettable summer Saturday.