The Life University men capped off a two-game tour of Texas with a 36-24 defeat of the Austin Blacks at Austin's Burr Field Saturday.

On Thursday, the Running Eagles had defeated Texas A&M 71-3 in a result that was fairly convincing but, added co-captain Mitch Wilson, left some areas for improvement.

On Saturday, against a hard-nosed men's club, the Running Eagles held up physically, and won the battle of the breeze on a typically windy day at Burr Field, scoring three first-half tries to lead 19-0, and holding on for the 36-24 victory.

Austin had the better of the game for the first ten minutes, forcing Life errors and generally dominating possession. But Life defense, especially in their own half, was organized, and the Running Eagles were able to use the wind to kick downfield. Meanwhile, the wind was a factor in blowing Austin kicks to touch back infield, and the Blacks didn't adjust by switching to more low, line-drive kicks.

After a long period of back-and-forth, Life finally put some phases together and bashed over the line. After another long period of pressure, Life seemed to have lost its chance, but a blocked kick off an Austin scrum led to another try in the corner.

Some solid teamwork put flanker Justin Johnson in for another. Duncan van Schalkwyk, Life's new USA callup, slotted two very tough kicks from the right side, but missed a penalty right at the end of the half.

In the second half, Life and Austin traded tries before an interception from van Schalkwyk basically put the game out of reach. With Life's subs on, Austin did exploit some gaps, and wing Arturo Reyes scored three tries. But Life held on 36-24.

"We weren't as organized defensively in the second half," said Wilson. "But it was a really good trip. We came out with two wins but a lot to work on. I think against Austin, we knew they would be big and the thing is, are they also hard runners? They had some hard runners and it was a good, physical game."

Assistant coach Neethling Gericke praised Life's discipline - as the Running Eagles saw their penalties drop from 15 against A&M to about five against the Blacks. He also praised his team for composure when defending their own half.

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