Men's rugby was bumped from the College Rugby Association of America (CRAA) D1A playoffs with a 12-10 loss to Navy in the semifinals Saturday afternoon at Brigade Sports Complex in Annapolis, Maryland. Duncan Krige scored the lone try for Lindenwood while Matteo Peignon added another five points with his foot in a game that proved to be a defensive battle with both teams vying for field position. 
   
How it Happened:     
Despite the ultimate outcome of the match, the Lions scored first after a penalty was called against Navy 35-meters out, giving Peignon a chance in front of the post. He successfully slotted the kick to give the Lions a 3-0 advantage in the fifth minute. 
 
The Mids came back nine minutes later with a try and conversion, giving them a 7-3 lead, one that they would not relinquish the rest of the match. As the final seconds ticked off the clock in the first half, Navy showed patience on the goal line and eventually found a gap in the Lindenwood defense. That try, which proved to be the game-winner, gave the Mids a 12- 
 
With no time remaining on the clock in the first half, the Midshipmen showed patience on the goal line and eventually found a gap in the defense. The try, which proved to be the game-winner made it 12-3 Navy at the break.
 
After spending the majority of the second half jockeying for field position, the Lions finally were knocking on the goal line. A pick to the weakside by Peignon put him close to the try line, but he offloaded to Duncan Krige who crashed over for the score. Peignon added the conversion to cut the deficit to 12-10, keeping the Mids clearly within striking distance with over 15-minutes remaining. 
 
Lindenwood kept the pressure forward and pushed into scoring position numerous times, but could not come away with any points. With no time remaining, the Lions charged a Navy kick but were penalized for offsides. That penalty ended the match with Navy advancing to its second championship match in program history.  
 
What's Next:     
The Lions will now turn their focus to sevens competition as they will compete at the College Premier Sevens National Championships May 6-7 in Houston, Texas. 
    
Starting Lineup:      
1.     Chad Tinney – 62' Asher Webb 
2.     Runako Brynard – 72' Kayleb O'Donoghue  
3.     Connor Devos – 72' Luke Schaefer 
4.     Eduan van Heerden – 48' Calvuin Ihrig 
5.     Alejandro Martinez Tapia 
6.     Duncan Krige  
7.     Cian Darling  
8.     Neal Moylett   
9.     Matteo Peignon  
10.  William Groves      
11.  Tyren Al-Jiboori  
12.  Rhys Smith   
13.  Stephin Alberts  
14.  Nick Hardrict, II    
15.  Brendan Mason  - 55' Kobe Millar 

 Scoring Summary:
5' Lindenwood Penalty Kick Matteo Peignon 3-0 
14' Navy Try 3-5 
14' Navy Conversion 3-7 
40' Navy Try 3-12 
63' Lindenwood Try Duncan Krige 8-12 
64' Lindenwood Conversion Matteo Peignon 10-12