Army Over Dartmouth 35-22
22 Sep 2011
by:
(Alexander Abia breaks away. Photo: C. Hoffer)
Army v. Dartmouth
Score: 35-22
Try Scorers: Ulses(2), Abia, Moten
Conversions: Will Holder: 3 of 4
Penalty Kicks: Will Holder: 3 of 3
The Army Ruggers battled Dartmouth Friday night under the lights at Anderson Rugby Complex for Army’s first home match of the season. The last meeting between Dartmouth and Army was during the USA Collegiate Sevens Championship in Philadelphia which fell in Dartmouth’s favor. However, favor was not for Dartmouth Friday night as Army struck first and early, taking full advantage of a Dartmouth penalty 22 meters out of the Army try line. The quick tap masterfully transitioned by Army backs Drake Fleming and Kyle Ulses resulted in Kyle’s first try of the evening. Quickly answering, Dartmouth scored a try off of an Army muffed kick receipt, making the score 7-5, Army’s lead, after a failed Dartmouth conversion. Dartmouth then moved forward to capitalize on two Army penalties. Try and conversion ensued, and the other penalty was followed by a PK to give Dartmouth the lead 5-15. However, Will Holder, 3 for 3 on the evening for penalties, nailed two late in the half sending Army into the locker room at the half with momentum as the margin narrowed 13-15, Dartmouth’s lead.
If the first half could be ruled in Dartmouth’s favor, Army had a stranglehold on the second. Kyle Ulses made use of his finesse and speed once again, scoring his second try off the corner putting Army up 20-15, with a conversion by Will Holder. Once again, Will Holder made use of the penalty advantage with a strong penalty kick for points, Army going further ahead 23-15. The fundamentally sound pack of forwards won 9/10 scrums the second half, pushing Dartmouth on their heels, and setting the stage for a quickly taken penalty, after two quick passes Marshall Moten smashed the ball in for an Army try, extending the lead to 30-15. Dartmouth kicked the ball to touch after an offside penalty to Army and took the ball from the lineout to score a try narrowing the score 30-22. Dartmouth would not score again, as Army maintained possession of the ball for the remaining 15 minutes of the game. The forwards, with strength and endurance, led 8 phases of pushing the ball over the gain line, until the ball was moved to Alex Abia, getting his first A-side start, and first A-side try, final score Army 35 – Dartmouth 22.
Next Match: Army will compete at home for the next two matches, facing Boston College at 14:00 24 September and Penn State at 18:00 1 October at the Anderson Rugby Complex, respectively.