With the untimely passing of Charles Labry just one week earlier, the men's rugby team returned to the pitch on October 25 for the first annual Charles Labry Memorial Match against Davenport at Hunter Stadium in St. Charles, Mo.

Friends and some family members gathered on the field prior to the game for a moment of silence to remember and honor the Lindenwood junior, who had been struck by a vehicle and killed early in the morning on October 18.  Additionally, the two opponents joined together to add meaning to the contest  by declaring that it and each future meeting between the teams would honor the fallen player, with the winner receiving the Charles Labry Memorial Shield. 

With thoughts weighing heavily on the minds of everyone, the Lions and Panthers did actually play a game, and it was a bruising battle.  Lindenwood managed an early lead when Lunaile Tshuma successfully converted a penalty kick about 16 minutes before halftime to give the Lions a 3-0 advantage, but Davenport was able to break free after a scrum and scored from five meters just before the break.  With the conversion, the Panthers went to the half ahead 7-3. 

Defense was all that the second half would bring, as scoring chances were hard to find.  Neither team would find a way to change the scoreboard and the match ended with a 7-3 Davenport victory. 

The Charles Labry Shield was presented to the Panthers by his girlfriend and family members after the game and the Lions were left with their second loss in a row. 

Lindenwood will get two weeks to prepare for the next team on the schedule.  The Lions will travel to Minneapolis, Minn. to face the Metropolis Men's Rugby Club November 8.  The opening kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday afternoon.