Navy beat Penn State 36-7 Saturday in Rugby East action in what was, as DOR Gavin Hickie put it, the first “real road game” for the Midshipmen.
With the win Navy is now 4-0 in the Rugby East.
Navy received the opening kickoff and kicked clear, but when Penn State lost the ball forward in the ensuing lineout Navy was able to launch from the scrum. They spun it wide for wing Acion Ganse to speed into the corner and Navy led 5-0 after just three minutes.
Ganse was back in action right after the restart. A kick for the winger was taken nicely and run in fromt 15 meters. Roanin Krieger converted and now it was 12-0 after 10 minutes.
Penn State was able to force a penalty with some defensive pressure. Fullback Lorenzo Zamels attempt at goal drifted left, however.
Penn State’s defense stayed solid through the rest of the first half, and the score remained 12-0.
Navy, meanwhile, found themselves down a player due to a yellow card. But the Midshipmen still pushed to attack, and with halftime approaching they put center Jake Cornelius through for a try. Krieger converted to make it 19-0.
Five minutes into the second half Navy took a lineout on a penalty and drove the mail. Penn State defended well enough but Navy took the bball off the back to find some room. But with the ball lost in contact, the Lions jumped on the loose pill and kicked it downfield. Everyone chased and it was center Tai Blair who collected the ball and dove for the try.
Zamel converted to make it 19-7.
