The Lions defeated Marian University (Ind.) 46-3 Saturday afternoon at the Lindenwood Track Complex in St. Charles, Missouri.  The Knights were playing their first ever match as a varsity rugby program, which provided playing opportunities for many players for the Lions second XV.  

Flanker Ross Brocket, a regular impact sub for the first XV, received the honor of leading the team as the captain. Coleson Warner, another regular contributor for the main squad, led a physical and efficient backline which dotted down five tries on the day from the flyhalf position.

Senior scrumhalf John Stewart highlighted the many opportunities provided for the younger members of the Lions program to execute the attacking and defensive concepts of the team.  

"Every player contributed to putting the concepts we train into action this weekend," Stewart said. "It was great to see everyone confidently playing our zones, structure, and high tempo rugby."

Eight man Stefan Terblanche, voted as Man-of-the-Match by his teammates because of his physicality throughout the contest, opened the scoring with a try that was followed by a successful conversion from Warner. Lindenwood quickly tacked on another try with Micah Duffield touching down just under a 70-meter run on first phase via a strong scrum platform and a series of successful offloads by the Lions backline.   

Warner added to the tally with a successful penalty kick, as well as a conversion kick to cap off a try scored on a strong finishing run by winger Carson O'Donnell. Marian responded with a successful penalty kick of their own before center Lucas Black rounded out the first half scoring with a try. Another successful conversion from Warner gave Lindenwood a 29-3 lead at the half.

In the second half, the Lions maintained their physical play and pace with a second try from Terblanche, with additional tries from center Liam Campbell-Drozd and winger Zack Eglin. 

Brocket highlighted the strong play of several of his teammates following the match. 

"Stefan Terblanche was physical throughout in both attack and defense," Brocket stated. "Carson O'Donnell and Lucas Black both had several strong carries breaking the gain line." 

"It was a great team effort. Everyone had a lot of hustle and we played to the structure," added Eglin. 

In all, 24 Lions played in the match with transfer student Gabriel Wai and freshmen Alejandro Martinez Tapia and Niall Dolan making their Lindenwood debuts.

Head Coach Josh Macy complimented the Marian team.

"The Knights deserve special recognition for maintaining a spirited effort and relentless play throughout the match," he said.  "The grit and perseverance displayed in their inaugural match bodes well for the future of the program as they continue to build upon a strong foundation, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic."

Men's rugby returns to the pitch March 20 when they host Life University in a Mid-South Conference match.  The opening kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Hunter Stadium in St. Charles, Missouri.

Scoring Summary
Tries: Terblanche (2), Duffield, O'Donnell, Black, Campbell-Drodz, Eglin
Conversion Kicks: Warner (4)
Penalty Kicks: Warner