Army West Point Athletics
Army West Point
Iona
Black Knights Remain Undefeated With Win Over Iona
September 22, 2018 | Men's Rugby
James Mbony led the way with two tries to pace Army (4-0). Jordan Jurosic also added a second half try to secure the victory.
QUOTABLE
Head Coach Matt Sherman on teams undefeated start: "We gel around improving, around getting better. We challenge ourselves to get better everyday. We continue to improve and climb the mountain. I think it was our best performance of the year, but I think we have a lot higher to go."
Senior James Mbony on his two tries: "Coach has been stressing about keeping your head up and making sure you have options out there. I scored two tries today, but anyone on the team could have scored those, I was just fortunate."
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Half
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Army was the aggressor from the start, forcing the action into the Gael's side. The Cadets were able to score a penalty try off a scrum to open a 7-0 lead in the 19th minute.
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Mbony was all over the field Saturday, and extended the Black Knights lead to 12-0 after his first try in the 24th minute.
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Two Iona tries in the final 10 minutes of the half would tie the match at 12 heading into the break.
Second Half
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The Black Knight defense clamped down on the Gaels, holding Iona to one late try in the final 40 minutes.
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Jurosic opened the scoring up in the second half with a speedy run down the pitch in the 50th minute to make it 17-12.
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Mbony notched his second try on the day in the 57th minute to make it 22-12.
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Another penalty try for Army would make it a comfortable 29-12 in the 73rd minute to essentially seal the win.
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Iona scored a late try in the 75th minute to make it 29-19.
ARMY HIGHLIGHTS AND GAME NOTES
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The Black Knights begin the season at least 4-0 for the fourth time in five years.
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The 2014-15 team began the year 8-0 for the best start since turning varsity.
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Army moves to 4-1 on 15s play at the varsity level against Iona.
SCORING TIMELINE VS IONA
19th Minute: Try - Army - Penalty try (Army leads 7-0)
24th Minute: Try - Army - James Mbony (Army leads 12-0)
29th Minute: Try - Iona - Nandipha Dube (Army leads 12-7)
40th Minute: Try - Iona - (Tied 12-12)
50th Minute: Try - Army - Jordan Jurosic (Army leads 17-12)
57th Minute: Try - Army - James Mbony (Army leads 22-12)
73rd Minute: Try - Penalty try (Army leads 29-12)
57th Minute: Try - Iona - (Army leads 22-19)
UP NEXT
The Black Knights will remain home when they take on Kutztown at the Anderson Rugby Complex on Sept. 29 at 2 p.m.
Players Mentioned
