Comeback Win for Queens Sets Them Up for a November Run
Comeback Win for Queens Sets Them Up for a November Run
Queens beating Life 29-26 over the weekend shook up the Rugby East and top-level collegiate rugby in general.
Was this a one-off? Not necessarily. Remember that Life had that close call with Mount St. Mary's in late September, and of course the close win over Navy. Queens has had two close wins, as well, and in fact about a quarter of the Rugby East games end up being within a try.
It happened for Queens this time around thanks to two converted tries that turned a 26-15 deficit into a 29-26 victory. Landon Starnes broke through for a long run to turn the tide, and then a goalline stand at the end of the game sealed it.
"I think the players were mentally focused," said Queens Head Coach Frank McKinney. "We made some personnel changes which I think really helped. Some of our main goals were to win the Rugby East South and to be the Rugby East #1 seed for the NCR playoffs. I really think the boys circled this match on their calendar. We wanted to put in a strong defensive effort and we wanted to show our attack."
The NCR D1 seeds are on the minds of the NCR teams in Rugby East. But nothing is truly settled. Walsh beating Penn State certainly helped their cause, but Belmont Abbey, even in defeat, has been tenacious.
Should Belmont Abbey beat St. Bonaventure this coming weekend there;s likely a discussion to be had. Walsh lost to Kutztown 21-15 and to St. Bonaventure 11-10, while beating Belmont Abbey 25-10. Bonnies has beaten Walsh and Kutztown (27-21), so would be considered the #2 NCR team out of the Rugby East, unless they lose to Abbey.
What is clear is that Queens is the top among those teams, and the win against Life, coming, as it did, on the heels of a loss to Penn State, sealed it.
"The last two meetings against Life were very lopsided," said McKinney. "I told the boys that in order to be a giant you have to beat a giant. When we got back from the Penn State weekend I thought it was important to have a tough week of practice and to push the players that week. The players were pushed during the week to make sure we were ready."
