Big Second Half Lifts BYU over Men’s Rugby

PROVO, Utah – The Army West Point men's rugby team traveled to four-time reigning champion BYU, suffering a 71-10 setback on Thursday night.

"Despite the scoreline, there were positive aspects in our performance against a very strong team that we can be proud of and will look to build on," said head coach Matt Sherman. "However, when we strayed from our plan or were inconsistent in our standards of execution, we were punished by a lethan team that can score from long-range."

The Cougars scored early in the match, touching down after just three minutes of action. After battling through some back-and-forth possessions, The Black Knights were able to break through as Jake Banarhall scored his first try of the spring as he pushed his way through the defense from about five yards out.

After three more tries by BYU, Andrew Irwin was able to fight his way to a score as well just before halftime.

The Cougars led 26-10 at the intermission, and picked up the pace in the final 40 minutes. Seven-consecutive tries in the second half by BYU closed the match as the Black Knights gave up the most points in a single match in the program's brief history.

"We will focus on sticking to the gameplan and maintaining better consistency to our standard of play," added Sherman.

Army will remain in Utah to face the fifth-ranked Utes on Saturday, March 19, starting at 12 p.m. ET.

For more information on Army West Point men's rugby, visit GoArmyWestPoint.com and follow @ArmyWP_MRugby on Twitter.

SCORING SUMMARY:

3rd Minute: BYU try, conversion good (7-0 BYU)
14th Minute: Jacob Banarhall (7-5 BYU)
22nd Minute: BYU try, conversion good (14-5 BYU)
25th Minute: BYU try (19-5 BYU)
29th Minute: BYU try, conversion good (26-5 BYU)
39th Minute: Andrew Irwin try (26-10 BYU)
43rd Minute: BYU try, conversion good (33-10 BYU)
46th Minute: BYU try, conversion good (40-10 BYU)
48th Minute: BYU try (45-10 BYU)
56th Minute: BYU try (50-10 BYU)
61st Minute: BYU try, conversion good (57-10 BYU)
66th Minute: BYU try, conversion good (64-10 BYU)
78th Minute: BYU try, conversion good (71-10 BYU)

Big Second Half Lifts BYU over Men’s Rugby

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Players Mentioned

Jacob Banarhall

Andrew Irwin

Army West Point Athletics