On Saturday, August 30th, Newport Polo staged one of its most anticipated international rivalries as Team USA faced Team England under the glittering theme of Crown vs. Country. Fans flocked to Glen Farm in their best royal-inspired looks , fascinators, brass-button blazers, and regal attire , making the sidelines feel like a royal court set against the rolling fields of Portsmouth.

 Before the first ball was thrown in, the match-day experience was already in full swing. Guests browsed pop-up shops from Simply Chicky and the Newport Polo Pro Shop, while the air filled with aromas from the lineup of food trucks: Brie and Honey, Newport Chowder Company, Java Jai Coffee, Ben & Jerry’s, Sweet B’s Donuts, and Wally’s Wiener Cart. At the TD Pavilion and Dillon’s Patio Bar, fans raised glasses of the Drink of the Match, the refreshing Earl’s Cup, perfectly suited for a late-summer Saturday.

As the teams lined up, the ceremonial coin toss was conducted by Adam von Gootkin, founder and CEO of Highclere Castle Gin and proud sponsor of the Newport Polo team. It was a fitting nod to Anglo-American ties, setting the tone for a clash of traditions, rivalries, and sportsmanship.

Under the watchful eyes of umpires Caleb Bryden and Oscar Monzon, the two squads took the field. Team USA was represented by Dan Keating, Benji Daniels, Justin Daniels, and Rory Torrey, while Team England fielded a seasoned lineup of Chris Gregory, Garrie Renucci, Josh Cork, and Jimmy Wood. The opening chukker was all USA. From the first throw-in, the Americans charged forward with precision and power. By the end of the period, the scoreboard read 4–0 USA, silencing the English side and thrilling the home crowd. England responded in the second chukker, with Josh Cork and Jimmy Wood both striking twice, proving their team wouldn’t go quietly. But USA was unrelenting. Benji Daniels, Justin Daniels, and Rory Torrey each found the goalposts, keeping the momentum in America’s favor.

At halftime, the scoreboard showed 9–6 USA. The field came alive as spectators joined the traditional divot stomp, champagne and cocktails in hand, while sideline reporter William the Conqueror entertained fans with a special fieldside interview of England’s Garrie Renucci. It was the perfect blend of sport and spectacle, where tradition met celebration.

When play resumed, USA’s defense tightened, and their offense clicked. In the fourth chukker, Justin Daniels scored twice while the American backline completely shut down England’s attack. By the time the fifth period began, the home team’s lead had grown, but England wasn’t ready to bow out. Jimmy Wood managed two more goals, showing grit and determination, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Americans. In the final chukker, the Daniels brothers put the match to bed. Benji and Justin Daniels each scored twice, extending USA’s lead and sealing a decisive victory. At the final whistle, the scoreboard read 16–10 USA, a commanding performance that highlighted the depth and balance of Team USA.

As tradition dictates, the day wasn’t over when the match ended. Attention turned to the sidelines for the post-match ceremonies. The Best in Show contest winner stole the spotlight, earning a special prize from Stella Artois for their impeccable theme-inspired attire. Meanwhile, one lucky guest won the door prize, taking home a bottle of chilled Veuve Clicquot to keep the celebration going. On the polo side, the Best Playing Pony was awarded to Batman, owned by Sergio Curro, whose speed and stamina carried the day. Representatives from the Brenton Hotel presided over the trophy presentation, honoring Team USA’s victory with the 1992 Liberty Bowl perpetual trophy etched with past winners, before popping bottles of Veuve on the sidelines. As the sun dipped behind the trees, fans and players flowed back to Dillon’s Patio Bar for Après Polo, where toasts were raised, cocktails flowed, and stories from the field carried long into the evening. The Crown vs. Country theme framed the day perfectly , a clash of heritage, style, and friendly rivalry between two polo nations with shared history. On the field, Team USA reigned supreme, delivering a 16–10 win over England. Off the field, fans enjoyed one of the most vibrant match-day experiences of the summer, complete with world-class food, drinks, fashion, and festivities.

It was a day that reminded everyone why the Newport International Polo Series continues to captivate: the perfect mix of competition, community, and celebration.