Faced with whipping winds, pouring rain, and a tough Arkansas State University side, men's rugby battled to a 24-7 victory in the first round of the D1A Playoffs Saturday afternoon at the Lindenwood Track Complex in St. Charles, Missouri. The tough conditions forced adjusting tactics, but it was a close match until the later stages of the second half.
How it Happened:
From the opening whistle, the Red Wolves showed off their intentions, flashing early signs of a calculated game plan, but the Lions responded with increased tempo and some electric running to charge into the ASU zone and earn a scrum. A dominant push forced a penalty and Lindenwood kicked for touch and set up just five meters out. After a fierce maul and a few gritty pick-and-go phases,
Riley Richardson-Mould sniffed the try line and pounced on the opportunity to give the Lions a 5-0 lead in the sixth minute.
The Red Wolves kept their boots busy, kicking at every opportunity in an attempt to pin Lindenwood with pressure, but the Lions were ready for the challenge and consistently counter-attacked. For nearly 20-minutes, it was a gritty tug-of-war in the middle of the pitch with both forward packs being put to the test, scrumming it out on the slick, rain-soaked turf. A scrum deep in the Lindenwood end gave ASU a chance at some points, but a fumbled pass hit the ground and
David Cathcart pounced. After toe-poking the loose ball ahead, it was suddenly a foot race to the line. Showing off blistering pace, he reached the ball first and with one final nudge forward, he was taken down just as he gathered the ball over the line for a penalty try and a 12-0 lead in the 35
th minute.
With the Red Wolves down to 14 players after a yellow card, momentum seemed to swing in favor of the Lions, but nature had other plans. As some lightning crept ominously closer, and right after ASU earned a penalty, officials called an early 30-minute intermission sending both teams to shelter while the storm passed.
The Red Wolves returned to the field ready to capitalize. The second the game resumed, they kicked for touch and set up a lineout just five meters from the try line. They built a powerful maul, stayed composed, and eventually scored their first try of the match in the 39
th minute. The conversion was good, and just like that, the Lindenwood lead was only 12-7 heading into halftime.
With the weather delay and the midway break, the Lions showed plenty of energy as the second half began. After winning a scrum deep in the Arkansas State end, the Lindenwood pack dug in and delivered a dominant shove. Captain
Eduan van Heerden peeled off with power and charged straight into the heart of the defense. With the platform set, the Lions hammered away with multiple phases. The patient and precise attack eventually paid off. Leading from the front, van Heerden crashed over the line. Brendan mason slotted the conversion to push the Lindenwood advantage to 19-7 in the 44
th minute.
Now facing a 12-point deficit, the Red Wolves needed a comeback. Playing with flair and confidence, they lit up the field with edge-to-edge rugby and smart, tactical kicks, but the Lions stood tall and remained composed on defense while delivering an electric counterattack. A crucial lineout in ASU territory set the stage for an unstoppable 20-meter maul that steamrolled up field and earned a penalty for Lindenwood. The Lions kicked to the corner, set their sights on the five-meter line, and pulled off a perfectly executed lineout maul.
Ivan Ingram powered over for the final blow and a 24-7 lead in the 71
st minute.
Coach Quote:
Head Coach
Josh Macy: "In any situation you have to deal with the parameters given to you. Our boys embraced the physicality, adjusted their tactics, and were deserved winners. I'm excited for another week of training as we continued the odyssey."
Player Quote:
Senior
Eduan van Heerden: "Very proud of the boys in how we adapted to the game that was in front of us. It was a gritty and clinical game which we can take into the next round.
What's Next:
With the round of 16 victory, Lindenwood advances to the D1A quarterfinals against Navy on April 12. The opening kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. EDT Saturday at the Prusmack Rugby Complex in Annapolis, Maryland.
Scoring Summary:
Photo Credit: Don Adams Jr.
6' Lindenwood University try
Riley Richardson-Mould 5-0
35' Lindenwood University Penalty try 12-0
39' Arkansas State try 12-5
39' Arkansas State Conversion 12-7
43' Lindenwood University try
Eduan van Heerden 17-7
44' Lindenwood University conversion
Brendan Mason 19-7
71' Lindenwood University try
Ivan Ingram 24-7
Photo Credit: Todd Lunow
