West Point win NRU Championship
19 Nov 2009
by: CDT K. Palmer
West Point’s First XV v. Syracuse
Score: 53-18
Try Scorers: Josh Minton, Miles Rowan, Ben Leatigaga (3), Joe Gardner, Latu Vaha’i,
Conversions: Josh Minton: 6 of 7
Penalty Kicks: Josh Minton: 2 of 2
On Sunday November 15, The West Point Rugby XV defeated Syracuse University in the 2009 Northeast RFU Division I Collegiate Championship. It was Syracuse that got on the board first with a penalty kick from 28 meters. However, the Black Knights would not let this go unanswered, responding in the 14th minute when center Josh Minton cut through the Syracuse defense from the 22 and then converted, bringing the score to 7-3. West Point increased its lead to 14-3 when lock Miles Rowan crashed over from a scrum at the five meter. Again, Minton’s conversion attempt was good, 14-3. Syracuse’s second penalty kick narrowed West Point’s lead in the 30th to 8, but Black Knight wing Joe Gardner touched down three minutes later following a nice bit of running by fullback Latu Vaha’i. Minton’s conversion brought it to 21-.6. Ben Leatigaga scored the first of his three tries close to the end of the 1st half when he recovered a high ball and ran it down the left side line and in for the score. Minton missed his only conversion of the day but made up for it with a penalty goal in the 39th minute that sent West Point into the half with a 29-6 lead.
The Black Knights came out and wasted no time after the restart with a try by fullback Latu Vaha’i at the conclusion of a 50-meter movement. This try featured some impressive passing between Vaha’i and wing Joe Gardner. Minton converted this try and Ben Leatigaga’s second touchdown three minutes later, bringing the score to 43-6. Syracuse rallied and scored their first try of the match when flanker Dan Corcoran scored from loose play inside the five, bringing the score to 43-13. Minton hit a penalty in the 35th minute and then converted Ben Leatigaga’s spectacular third try down the left sideline, which originated from a lineout near mid-field, moving West Point up 53-13. A very determined Syracuse would not lie down, and finished strong with a try in injury time, leaving the final score 53-18.
Next Match: West Point’s First XV next plays this coming Saturday, 21 November. The team will take on their biggest rival, the United States Naval Academy. Kickoff is scheduled for 1500.