From the pit
Team Jamaica beat Team USA 9–6 (9 to 6) to win the Liberty Bowl at the USA vs Jamaica match of the Newport International Polo Series on Saturday, August 22, 2026. The match was played on BD Field at the Newport Polo Grounds, Glen Farm, 250 Linden Lane, Portsmouth, Rhode Island, just outside Newport. It was the 27th edition of the USA vs Jamaica polo rivalry, which began in 1994, and Jamaica's second straight win after beating the USA 10–7 on August 16, 2025.
Score by chukker: Jamaica led 1–0 after the first chukker, 1–1 after the second, 4–2 after the third, 5–3 after the fourth and 8–3 after the fifth, and won 9–6 after the sixth. Jamaica goals: Craig Russell 4, Caleb Bryden 3, Zac Byles 1, Shane Chin 1. USA goals: Rory Torrey 4, Oscar Monzon 1, Minnie Keating 1. The USA also had two goals called back due to an infraction.
Team Jamaica: Zac Byles, Caleb Bryden, David Dent, Shane Chin and Craig Russell. Team USA: Roger Souto, Rory Torrey, Oscar Monzon and Minnie Keating. Best Playing Pony: Frijole, owned by Newport Polo founder Dan Keating.
Visit Jamaica, the Jamaica Tourist Board's brand, was the match sponsor, and Hotel Viking was the official lodging sponsor. The match was part of Newport Polo's 150th anniversary season, with a Tiki Chic dress code, and drew players, supporters and friends from Boston to New York.
The Yardies took command and never let up. Team Jamaica looked strong all match, and the USA fought hard to close the gap but just couldn't find that gear. The environment was upscale but extremely chill, nothing like polo in England. Family friendly, dog friendly, and of course gun finger friendly. Every time Team Jamaica scored, the collective would wave the Jamaica flag and bust a blank.
This gallery covers the full day at Newport Polo: flags over the tents, Tiki Chic hospitality, Team Jamaica in the flag jerseys, six chukkers of match action, fans reaching over the boards, and the Liberty Bowl celebration on the stand. Photographed by Bobby Shakes for bobbyshakes.com.
Words & photography — Bobby Shakes