Army over Navy for Rugby East Championship
03 May 2011
by:
Army v. Navy
Score: 34-27
Try Scorers: Leatigaga (3), Holder (2)
Conversions: Will Holder: 3/4
Penalty Kicks: Will Holder: 1/2
The Army Ruggers squared off against Navy at home Saturday in front of a raucous crowd at the Anderson Rugby Complex. Sunny conditions and warm temperatures set the perfect stage for an epic match between the undefeated rivals. From the opening kick, it was clear that neither team was scared to throw shots at the other. Ben Leatigaga started things off right, finishing the opening try in the corner on second phase off an attacking lineout. Navy soon answered, however, capitalizing on an Army penalty that gave them good field position and an attacking lineout of their own. They would score after several phases off the lineout. A missed conversion made the score 7-5 after 10 minutes. A Navy penalty put Army in attacking position again. This time, Will Holder kicked for points, adding another 3 for Army. Holder put his skills on display several minutes later, scoring the next Army try on a grubber to himself. Navy responded with a try of their own after several phases of pick and jam near the goal line. Looking for another try before the half, Army put the ball in the capable hands of Leatigaga who scored out wide with no time left in the half. Holder converted his third straight and the Army Ruggers took a 10 point lead into the locker room.
Navy came out ready to play in the second half and scored off a line break that went the distance. Holder would answer for Army. Off a penalty advantage, he attempted a drop kick from about 25 meters out. The kick failed, but Holder took advantage of the confusion to take the 10 meter quick tap as Navy reorganized and pushed through for his second try. Navy would score again off a lineout after several phases of open play. Leatigaga sealed the deal for Army shortly thereafter, when he crept forward and intercepted a Navy pass out wide, putting himself completely alone in space and scoring his third try of the match. Holder converted and gave Army a 10 point lead once again. Not finished, Navy made a penalty kick of their own in the 67th minute. Both teams traded field position for the next 10 minutes. Navy had a serious try scoring threat in the closing minutes of the game, picking and jamming at the Army 5 meter line. However, tough defense and a knock on ended the scoring threat and the match. The final score was 34-27.
Special recognition is given to MAJ Nate Conkey who coached to the team to a dramatic victory in his final game on the Army sideline. He will deploy to Afghanistan later this week. MAJ Conkey’s mentorship will be sorely missed by every member of the Army Rugby team; and we give him our heartfelt thanks for a job well done.