Life University clinched the Mid-South DIA Conference with a 20-13 defeat of Davenport in Grand Rapids, Mich. Saturday.

Steve Zomberg photos.

All five games in the Mid-South have been decided by a try or less. This game looked like it might be the exception, but a late Davenport try put the Panthers within seven points.

In a typically tough, physically encounter, Davenport opened the scoring with a penalty from flyhalf JP Eloff. Life’s Blane McIlroy equalized with a penalty of his own, and then took the lead when McIlroy scored a try.

The Running Eagles ran hard at the Davenport fringe defense, and came close to the line through a series of pick-and-jams, and then the flyhalf carried two tacklers over the line to score. McIlroy converted his own try for a 10-3 lead that would last into halftime.

Eloff nudged his side closer with a penalty early in the second half, and midway through the second period, it remained 10-6.

Davenport were much the stronger team in the scrums, and that made for a long day for Life as any knock-on, stymied maul, or other error would usually result in something good for the Panthers.

“We knew we were under pressure in the scrum, we expected it,” said Life Head Coach Tui Osborne. “We had a freshman going up against Angus MacLellan for Davenport, and we just wanted to survive those scrums. Our strategy was to try to play a long advantage if they knocked it on, and keep the ball moving.”

They did enough of that. Late in the second half Life extended their lead when a kick downfield put Davenport under pressure, and the ball was sent wide to Zach Miller. McIlroy added the extras and Life led 20-6.

Davenport came back, and got a couple of penalties off scrums before finally Eloff scampered over. The flyhalf converted his try, but there wasn’t enough time for more.

“I am really proud of the boys,” said Osborne. “We’ve got a young team and to win the conference with all those close games is an accomplishment. We are still committing way too many penalties, though.”

The conference season finishes up in two weeks when Davenport hosts Lindenwood to see how finishes 2nd. Regardless, all three Mid-South teams are expected to earn DIA playoff spots, considering how close both Lindenwood and Davenport are to Life.

Life 20

Tries: McIlroy, Miller

Convs: McIlroy 2

Pens: McIlroy 2

Davenport 13

Tries: Eloff

Convs: Eloff

Pens: Eloff 2