The Lions outlasted Arkansas State 22-18 in the semifinals of the East region of the USA Rugby D1A Playoffs Saturday afternoon in Annapolis, Maryland.  A physical match between two Mid-South Conference foes was expected, and it lived up to the hype from the opening kickoff.
 
Because neither team would give up an inch defensively, a field position battle ensued in the first half.  The Red Wolves had the wind advantage and used it well to force a majority of action to take place in Lions territory.  Ultimately, Arkansas State capitalized with a penalty kick for a 3-0 advantage.   

Strong defensive work from flanker Michael de Waal earned Lindenwood possession and the Lions worked the ball into Red Wolves territory.  A strong maul off of a lineout earned prop Chance Wenglewski the first try and with a Reece Botha conversion, Lindenwood took the lead 7-3.  Later in the half, Cristian Rodriguez ran down a line break to save a try, but was caught offside at the next breakdown and earned a yellow card.  Arkansas State dotted down in the 30^th minute and took a 10-7 advantage to the break. 
 
The Red Wolves slotted a penalty kick to extend the lead to six early in the second half, but the next 20 minutes belonged to the Lions.  Botha scooted over the line in the corner and converted his own try to give Lindenwood a 14-13 lead, and then the reserves started making a mark on the game.

Stephen McLeish was strong on attack, defense, and in the set pieces and Wes Parker came on the pitch and dominated with his physical presence.  A punishing run resulted in a Parker try and a 19-13 advantage. 
 
The Lions kept their fans on the edge of their seats when a miscommunication and dropped ball resulted in an Arkansas State score in the 75^th minute.  A conversion would have given the Red Wolves the lead, but the attempt hit the uprights, leaving them a point short of a tie.

Lindenwood was able to play the rest of the game in Arkansas State territory. Botha booted a penalty kick in the closing moments to seal a Lions four-point win.
 
With the victory, the Lions advanced to the East region finals and will play Life University.  The Running Eagles came from behind against Navy to punch their ticket.  The opening kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. April 27 at Lupo Family Field in Marietta, Georgia.