Royal Irish scored on the final play of the game to defeat Rugby Indiana Super League rivals Penn HS 15-12 Saturday.

Royal Irish led 8-5 in a typically low-scoring game between these two teams made more so by the hard rain. 

Penn scored with five minutes to go to lease 12-8, and seemed to have the wherewithal to hold on, but the Indianapolis-based Royal Irish stole the lineout throw, and worked through eight phases before scoring to win the game 15-12. 

On a cold rainy day, Penn controlled the first five minutes but couldn't break the opposition defense. The Irish roared back and camped out 20 meters from the Kingsmen line, running several phases to also be denied. The Irish hit a penalty kick at the 10-minute mark to open the scoring. Eight minutes later they scored in the corner, putting them up 8-0.  But solid defense and poor conditions saw no more points in the first period.

Penn regrouped and while both teams had lots of chances, the cold and rain impacted many quality phases with lost balls or knock-ons. Penn kept the ball tight and drove 40 meters on a few penalty taps and physical forward play crossing the line in the corner. Penn wasn't done. In almost the exact same fashion, five minutes later, Penn ran penalties from 30 meters out and the forwards smashed over again. This try was converted and Penn led 12-8 with three minutes to go.

The Irish won their restart and pushed through several phases to go over in the corner. But the try was denied due to obstruction. It seemed Penn would hold on. They kicked to touch on the penalty, but the kick was sliced and minimal ground gained. Still they had a chance to end it with the lineout.  The ref called not straight so another lost chance.  The Irish selected a scrum 10 meters out with little time to play.  An eightman pick got the Irish going forward, and as Penn's defense held firm, the Irish kept the phases going, and eventually smashed over the line. The conversion was good followed by the final whistle. Royal  Irish  15 to Penn 12.

Both teams had plenty of chances during the game to take command of the contest, but the defenses were very strong. The mutual respect by these players, coaches and programs builds further. In the last 10 games, the average victory margin between the two teams is 2.5 points. It's likely we will see another classic of one nipping the other in late May for the Indiana state finals.