Navy Shuts Out Ontario's Western University
Navy Shuts Out Ontario's Western University
Navy men’s rugby kicked off their winter/spring surge with an impressive shutout of Western University of out Ontario, Canada.
“We’re happy to win our first game of the spring," said USNA Director of Rugby Gavin Hickie of the 39-0 result. "The wind once again had an impact on the match but we did a good job controlling things throughout the first half going into the wind. I’m happy where we are right now but there’s plenty of work to do before the playoffs later in the season.”
Despite not playing since November, Navy hit the ground running and scored within the first four minutes—Tanner Russell crashing trhough off a move from a scrum. Landon Opp put Navy back inside Western Ontario’s 22 a few minutes later with a 50-22, which gave his side the lineout throwin. Navy won that lineout and maul down to the try, where Lewis Gray dove across.
Navy retained possession well and set up a big run by Dale Sturdifen. His run got Navy to within five meters and then Matthew Thibodaux, who played in just three games during the fall due to injury, handled a high pass and dove over.
The Mustangs got into Navy territory but a knock-on put an end to that. Instead Navy got their fourth unconverted tri of the game, punishing a penalty ith a lineout and maul, finished off by Peter Ratnayake.
As halftime approached Opp sidestepped his way in for Navy's 5th try. Roanin Krieger, who had been battling the wind with his kicks all day, slotted the extras for a 37-0 halftime lead.
Western had certainly been given a plan to improve their defense, and it wasn't until midway through the second half that Navy scores again. Sean MacLaney went in and Krieger converted.
Later on Western Ontario mishandled a kick and Dean Neely recovered. He was dragged down but Smith was in for the try.
Seven different players scored tries for Navy. Gray scored his 13th of the season, tying him with Ben Haugh as the team leader. Gray also increased his scoring total to a team-leading 143 points.
Navy returns to the Prusmack Rugby Center again next Saturday for a battle with Cal next week.
