Fortress Obetz, Ohio, June 5, 2019 – The Life University men’s club rugby team defeated the Austin Blacks in the D1 Club National Championship 28-27 over the weekend. Both teams battled in the early minutes, as Sam Cowley put points on the board first to give Life U an early 3-0 lead 18 minutes into the game. Zac Mizell scored a try five minutes later with a successful conversion from Cowley to put the Running Eagles ahead 10-0.
The Austin Blacks responded with back-to-back penalties; however, Cowley broke through the defense to score his first try of the match in the 38th minute. With a successful conversion, Cowley gave the Running Eagles a 17-6 lead. Seconds before the halftime whistle, the Austin Blacks were awarded a penalty try to make the score 17-13 at the half.
Three minutes into the second half, Cowley converted another penalty to put Life U ahead 20-13. A kick through the defensive line saw the Running Eagles’ Austin White come up with the ball to score the try and extend their lead to 25-13 with a little more than 25 minutes remaining in the match.
The Austin Blacks refused to go down without a fight and scored a try in the 58th and 65th minute to take a 27-25 lead over Life U. Battling for possession, the Running Eagles earned a penalty just outside the 22 in the Austin Blacks territory that set up Cowley for the win. As the clock ran to less than a minute, Cowley converted on the penalty to put Life U ahead 28-27. The Running Eagles maintained possession of the ball until a kick out of bounds brought on the final whistle with Life U earning the title, 28-27.
For his efforts during the match, Cowley was named the match MVP with a try, two conversions and three penalties.
The full recap from FloRugby, including interviews, can be found here: Life U Victorious in D1 Club National Championship.
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