Navy had to work for it, but they came away with a crucial Rugby East win Saturday and also sealed the Commander-in-Chief Trophy with a 26-14 defeat of Army West Point in Annapolis.
Army actually opened the game pressuring Navy and pinning the hosts in their own 22.
Kicking clear was tough for Navy because they were playing into the teeth of a fairly stiff breeze. So Army stayed on the front foot and got close to the line. The forwards pressed closer then the ball was sent wide to Howie Heller who cut back and dove over.
Nick Trout converted and it was 7-0 Black Knights.
But what Army needed to do in the first half was get themselves back into the Navy end of the field. But they opted to run out of their 22, not kick, and Navy managed to turn the ball over.
The Midshipmen were then able to stay in Army territory and, off a scrum, scrumhalf Sean Donohue drew some defenders and sent it to Avion Ganse, who spun out of a tackle and was in. Kade Williams slotted the extras and he tied it up 7-7.
Several minutes later an excellent flat ball to center Drew Baulbitz put him through from 45 meters. He charged on, beat the cover defense, and was in under the posts.
Suddenly it was 14-7
Army worked their way down to Navy's 22 after that and were right there near the tryline. And as the Knights worked it wide a Navy defender stuck his hand out. Intentional knock-on, and, with it being right there near the line, a yellow card. No penalty try because there were many more Navy defenders there, but it was the right call from referee Amelia Luciano.
But the Black Knights couldn't capitalize. They tapped, and after two moves to the line were penalized for an improper clearout. That was a crucial missed chance because soon thereafter it was halftime.
