Newport International Polo Series

Photos by Paige E. Williams

With spectacular Newport summer weather on tap, Saturday's exhilarating exhibition polo match finished with USA reigning victorious over South Africa with a final score of 11-9 on August 3rd. Globally, South African polo is among the most competitive, and the USA squad was well prepared to meet the challenge, as intense play unfolded in the close match. Never more than a point separated the two teams, often tied scores and multiple lead changes played out all the way to the final period of regulation play in the Newport International Polo Series XXVIII, Presented by Brahmin. With the South Africa and US national flags rippling over the pitch, the national anthems of both countries followed the introduction of players. In white jerseys for South Africa in the #1 position was Selby Williamson, Ali Kashef at #2, Harold Awuah-Darko Sr. at #3, and Harold Awuah-Darko Jr. at #4. Representing USA in navy blue in the #1 position was Roger Souto, Annabelle Gundlach at #2, Rory Torey at #3, and Brandon Phillips at #4.