Air Force crowned 2019 USA Rugby Women's D1 Fall Champions

Article by Chris Turner  |  Originally published at usarugby.org

Photo by Kirstyn Paynter | courtesy of usarugby.org

For the first match of ‘Title Day’, aka the Championship day for all four divisions, we were graced with a very unique match with two of our nation’s military academies facing off against one another. This special match has never happened on the women’s level in all of collegiate rugby’s history. With proud salutes and academy pride behind each one of the clubs, this was a fantastic start to the full day’s festivities.

To open up the game, Navy used the strength kicking from their flyhalf, Abigail Ebersole, to advance ball, putting Air Force on the back foot. A strategy which seemed to pay off for the opening 10 minutes of the match. Navy’s forward pack did a superb job in advancing off runner-ball, continuing to advance the ball deep into Air Force territory. Navy’s #8, Sarah Skinner, pushed their backs further against their own tryline, earning a penalty, then spread ball out to backs, which was finished in the corner by #11, Haley Creech for the first points of the match. The Naval side held nearly 100% time of possession with 25+ phases, ensuring their confidence.

Air Force were slow to find rhythm early in the game, giving up multiple penalty infractions and turnover ball. Navy was able to keep their opponents out of tryzone with cohesive defense, while Air Force continued stubbing their own toes. After their hot start, Navy seemed to plateau a bit in their play, but Air Force were not able to hold on to more than 5 phases in first 20 minutes of match, ultimately helping their foes get out of tough jams. Navy continued to win the battle at the breakdown and gaining positive meters with every forward and backs run. 

25 minutes into the game, Air Force’s #11, Sarah Stinson, helped her team out of their offensive rut with a great individual effort putting herself within Navy 22 meter line for the first time of the half. Air Force dug deep, keeping possession within the forwards, and earning themselves their first try of the match by #9, and captain, Devin Doyle. Air Force now seemed to find their footing, and took control of the new momentum. Navy’s Sarah Skinner continued to display her athletic prowess and rugby skills as she lead her team in big runs into opponent territory. This first half of this match proved to be a gritty one with quality play, and especially good defense from both sides. Air Force turnovers continued to let Navy keep majority of possession, but the Naval side were unable to take advantage of their opportunities. In the last minutes of the half, Air Force #8, Kaylee Eskeli, picked from their midfield scrum and ran deep into Navy territory, shipping to a forwards supporter ball soon after for another big gain to the Navy 5 meter line. But unfortunately an Air Force knock on at the attempt of the tryline ended the half.

Halftime Score: Navy 7 – Air Force 5

Photo by Kirstyn Paynter | courtesy of usarugby.org

As the second half kicked off, turnovers and penalties continue for the Colorado Springs side. Once the Air Force squad finally retained possession, they used the boot of their #10, Rhiannon Townsend, to put Navy deep in their own territory, but in the end Navy survives the barrage. Sarah Skinner, putting the Navy team on her back, had yet another big run putting her team out of harm’s reach. Navy seemed to regain the momentum, but Air Force captain and #9, Devin Doyle, came up with a crucial steal in the ruck, and then proceeded to take measures in her own hands for a 40 meter run in for the score. Air Force to take the lead for the first time in the match.

Despite the huge turnover margin in Navy’s favor, Air Force seems to pull out big time plays to help them out of non-ideal positional situations. Air Force, using their backline, darted into Navy territory, holding ball for 10+ phases. After working their offensive routine, a cheeky hesitation from flyhalf, Rhiannon Townsend, gives Air Force another unanswered try under the posts, taking a commanding lead. Feeling the shift in energy, Air Force now was the stakeholder in controlling possession and continuing to kick deep into the Navy half. Although momentum seemed to go against them, Navy stole the ball while they were pressured, and continued to march to the Air Force 5 meter line after wonderful ball movement. Navy’s tighthead prop, Nicole August, saw the opening her team needed, and picked over the line for Navy’s second try of the match.

Navy continued to battle, never giving up hope, but Air Force kept their ground and accepted each challenge in driving their opponents back. Once they regained possession, Air Force #11, Sarah Stinson, found space on the outside, and drove ball to the Navy 5 meter, but taken out of bounds. With 10 minutes left in the game, Navy were down 16 points with their backs against the wall, continued to give their full effort with daunting runs. Those runs lead by #8 Sarah Skinner once again, but it would be too little too late as time ran down to all zeroes on the clock, ball kicked out, then Air Force bench and fans erupt in joy. Air Force comes out on top of their military rivals in D1 championship, but an incredibly quality and tough match was on display for all.

Final Score: Air Force 26 – Navy 10

Photo by Kirstyn Paynter | courtesy of usarugby.org