The United States Naval Academy Rugby program had three teams play this Saturday, September 8, with all three Midshipmen teams coming away winners.

The Navy Rugby 1st XV team beat St. Bonaventure’s 1st XV 15-0. It was a hard fought, physical game. St. Bonaventure’s team held Navy to a stalemate for the entire first half. Navy repeatedly found themselves within St. Bonaventure’s 22 meter line, but could not convert in the first half. Play was halted in the 30th minute with a potential serious injury to Bonnie’s fullback, which slowed Navy’s momentum. Thankfully, the injury was not as serious as originally suspected and the player was able to walk off the field. 

In the 47th minute, the Navy forward pack broke through the Bonnies’ defense to set up Cody Mendelow for a hard earned try. The Navy forward pack continued to dominate the game, and Jermaine Oliver scored another Navy try in the 59th minute. Despite the Bonnies’ best efforts, the second half was all Navy. Cole Euverard scored in the 80th minute thanks to the dominant scrum from the Navy pack. After 80 minutes of physical rugby, Navy came out on top 15-0.

The Navy Rugby 2nd XV defeated St. Bonaventure’s 2nd XV 50-7. Navy broke the 0-0 tie in the 20th minute with a Sava Voyne try. Matt Mischler converted to make the score 7-0. Navy scored four more tries to make the score 33-0. The try scorers included Jermaine Oliver, Sava Voyne, and Blair Murphy. The Bonnies scored in the 53rd minute to make the score 33-7. Navy followed with three more unanswered tries by Austin White, Jack Sylvester, and Brennan Amsberry to make a final score of 50-7.

The Navy Rugby 3rd XV defeated Bucknell 54-0. Navy was led by centers Logan Opp and John Curley. Navy’s relentless defense held Bucknell to 0 points on the day. Dominant play carried the day for Navy 3rd XV.

- John Fiorelli