Life University clinched the Mid-South, beating Lindenwood 31-12 Saturday night in a fractious encounter in St. Charles, MO.

Hosts Lindenwood had trouble completing scoring opportunities early and late in the game, and saw momentum turn things around on several occasions. But down 19-0, the Lions managed to make it a one-score game before Life pulled away in the latter stages.

Clemson At Life LIVE on FloRugby March 31

The Running Eagles scored early with some pressure near the line. No. 8 Maciu Koroi picked up and went straight through. He appeared to be over for the try, but with the many lines on the Lindenwood field, wisely popped the ball up to prop Alex Maughan, who was in support, and the capped Eagle touched down for the opening try.

A long break from Mitch Wilson, playing inside center in this game, started when he broke through four tackles before passing to scrumhalf Ryan Rees, who was in under the posts. Flyhalf Duncan Van Schalkwyk converted both tries for a 14-0 lead, and that’s how the score stayed into halftime.

In the second half, Life extended the lead. From a scrum in the middle of the field, Koroi linked with Rees, who set up fullback George Phelan, and he burst through to make it 19-0.

Full Mid-South Scores And Standings

But Lindenwood came back. A turnover led to Lindenwood players sending the ball quickly to star No. 8 Wes White, who powered in from long range. Less than ten minutes later, White was again the scorer, this time on a pick and go near the line.

So that made it 19-12. As the game wore on, though, Life started to make the plays tell. Van Schalkwyk, serving as halfback at the base of the ruck, dummied and raced right through for a try that he converted.

And then a break by center Sean Coughlan, and a quick-tap and run by Coughlan again, set up a lineout from which Life hooker Brian Muntanga scored. 

It was a typically competitive and contentious game between the two teams. The players could be seen jawing at each other, and it was clear that the seriousness of the game was getting to everyone.

Life and Lindenwood have played 15s against each other 13 times. Seven of those games, including the last meeting this season at Life, have been decided by a try or less. This game wasn’t that close, but it could have been. Life has won every meeting between the two.

With the victory, Life clinches the Mid-South with one week to go. Even if Life loses to Clemson and Lindenwood beats Davenport, the Lions can’t catch the Running Eagles.

Also this weekend in the Mid-South, Arkansas State won by forfeit over an injury-riddled Davenport. It’s not clear whether Davenport will be able to host Lindenwood next week. Life takes on Clemson next week live on FloRugby.

Life has also almost certainly sewn up at the very least a #3 ranking, and probably the #2 ranking in D1A, as well as a home playoff spot.

Life 31

Tries: Maughan, Rees, Phelan, Van Schalkwyk, Muntanga

Convs: Van Schalkwyk 3

Lindenwood 12

Tries: White 2

Convs: Feakes