In what was a barometer for both teams after some unexpectedly close results this Spring Life defeated Arkansas State 32-0 in Marietta for the Curt Huckaby Cup. It was a comprehensive win for Life from start to finish in less than ideal conditions. After close wins over Davenport and Lindenwood in recent weeks it should give Life a boost of confidence with only a few weeks remaining before the DI-A playoffs begin. For Arkansas State it's another warning sign in 15s and that they won't be able to take their Varsity Cup opponents lightly.
Xander Daniels was the first to score for Life. Hiko Malu made a big break from the halfway point before being taken down ten meters short. Life did well to keep possession and the forwards went to work with Daniels reaping the rewards. Blaine McIlroy stepped up to hit the conversion and Life led 7-0 with roughly ten minutes gone. Life would then add to their lead when McIlroy hit a penalty.
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Life kept pressing the rest of the half but the Red Wolves stayed firm for the most part. Arkansas State weren't terrible on the day but they hardly had possession and didn't look very strong going forward. Life on the other hand continually pressed and were often rewarded for their aggressive play. If there was a downside to Life's play on the day it's that they didn't take full advantage of all the mistakes from Arkansas State.
One instance in which Life made Arkansas State pay was late in the first half when Life won their own line out and quickly worked the ball across the pitch to Zander Van Schalkwyk for the try. With McIlroy's conversion Life suddenly led 17-0 at the break rather than 10-0.
The second half was more of the same as Life continued to dominate. Patient play saw them increase their lead to 24-0 with another try and McIlroy conversion. A few minutes later Life would add their final try as they took the ball out of their own scrum, quickly slung passes out for the try. This time McIlroy would be off with the conversion but Life would lead 29-0 with most of the second half still to play. There was a lot of back and forth the rest of the half but a penalty from Duncan Van Schalkwyk finished off the scoring.
Life will play Lindenwood next week while Arkansas State play in the Nash Bash.