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.
