Navy played a high-rankings game and won, showing why they are the #1-ranked men's college team in rhe USA as the Midshipmen beat Army 34-24 Friday night at West Point .
“It’s been an incredible journey from August to today," said Navy Director of Rugby Gavin Hickie. "The men have worked hard every day, setting standards and demanding accountability from each other. The team deserves huge credit for going 15-0 and beating Army twice along the way.”
Army threatened early but the Navy defense just barely prevent the Black Knights from crossing the tryline, and eventually earned a penalty to get out of trouble. A long kick from Lewis Gray did the job and in fact the Navy kicking game was solid throughout the day. Another penalty and Navy was attacking in Army territory. Yet another whistle and the Mids opted for points, with Roanin Krieger slotting the penalty goal for an early 3-0 lead.
Both teams tried to work the kicks to gain meters, but when Army was offside on one such kick Navy was able to take a lineout, and while Army eventually earned a scrum and a chance to get out of trouble, Navy stole the put-in and Vaughn Schmitz went over. With Krieger's conversion it was 10-0. made the Black Knights pay for the mistake with a diving score for Navy’s first try in the 19th minute. Krieger made the ensuing conversion kick to put Navy ahead, 10-0.
In the 32nd minute another Army penalty led to a lineout and drive and Ryan Bullock was over. Kriger converted and it was 17-0.
Army responded almost immediately, pinning Navy in their 22 and a blocked clearance kick led to a try for No. 8 Lucas Pattinson, converted by Jonny Haley. That try was greeted with much enthsiasm from the West Point crowd, but Navy did well to regain the momentum. Just before halftime Dale Sturdifen raced down the sideline and he was backed up by his support, with Bullock going over from short range to make it 22-7 at the break.
