Life University defeated Arkansas State 32-15 in the annual Curt Huckaby Cup match played between the two teams.

The game is played in honor of ASU rugby program founder and first head coach, Curt Huckaby (see details here). 

Life opened the scoring with a try from Conner Mooneyham, which was set up by a towering high ball from the boot of flyhalf Blane McIlroy. ASU answered with a try from Kirk Pretorius, and then a penalty kick from Robert Elan-Puttick to make it 8-7 Red Wolves.

McIlroy added a penalty to regain the lead for Life, and then put over another just before halftime to make it 13-8 Running Eagles at the break.

Life surged ahead after that. After the ball was left lying alone on the ground, Cody Melphy booted it ahead and Mitchell Wilson chased after it and dove over for the try. Moments later, McIlroy used a planned kick to set up Wilson for his second. Chasing the game now, Arkansas State tried to push it, and Life’s Zander Van Schalkwyk intercepted the pass and went the distance to make it 32-8. 

The Red Wolves got one back, with flyhalf Elan-Puttick touching down and converting, but didn’t ave enough time to find a way through the Life defense.

Life 32

Tries: Wilson 2, Mooneyham, Z. Van Schalkwyk

Convs: McIlroy 2

Pens: McIlroy 2

ASU 15

Tries: Pretorius, Elan-Puttick

Convs: Elan-Puttick

Pens: Elan-Puttick