Life University ran out to a 23-3 first-half lead and held off the Glendale Raptors 40-20 Saturday evening in Colorado.

The friendly between the two top clubs featured two teams looking to get some players ready for international duty later this fall.

Glendale led early from a James Paterson penalty kick. But a try from Cornelius Dirksen, converted by newly-named USA Selects fullback Joe Cowley, put the Running Eagles ahead, and ahead they stayed. Cowley slotted three more penalties in the first half, and a Life try made it 23-3.

Glendale clawed back, and scored tries through fullback Iniki Fa'amusili and Paterson, the second also converted by the USA wing (playing flyhalf Saturday). That made it 23-15, but Glendale would get no closer. Two Life tries made the Running Eagle lead 22, and while center Dustin Croy touched down late, Cowley's boot had the final say 40-20.

Before the game, Glendale Head Coach Andre Snyman mapped out his hopes for the matchup:

“We’re utilizing this game as yet another opportunity to prepare our players for the upcoming fall season and will continue to experiment with combinations, work on fitness and institute game structures.”

Glendale will soon start league play in a new West-North DI competition that includes the Denver Barbarians as full members, the Denver Highlanders, Boulder, Kansas City Blues, and Provo from Utah.