After starting the season with three straight victories, men's rugby took one on the chin against Principia College 39-7 Wednesday evening at Clark Field in Elsah, Illinois. Playing in front of a large crowd at home, the Thunder Chickens took control of the match in the first half and never looked back.
How it Happened:
Principia set the tone early with a try in the first two minute, skillfully maneuvering the ball across the pitch before breaking through the Lions defensive line with impressive footwork. Despite Lindenwood efforts to regroup, the Thunder Chickens maintained offensive pressure and added two more tries late in the first half. With one of the scores converted, Principia led 17-0 at the break.
The Thunder Chickens continued to dominate early in the second half and scored two more times with one conversion, building their advantage to 29-0.
The Lions finally found a spark when
Joaquin Gonzalez Fontan powered through multiple defenders to break the shutout.
Cole Scharffenorth successfully completing the conversion, Lindenwood had cut the deficit to 29-7.
Unfortunately, Principia quickly responded by adding a penalty kick and a final try and conversion to secure the decisive 39-7 victory.
Player Quote:
Jack Cahill: "Obviously the result was not what we wanted at all but from now on as a team we need to build on what went wrong and understand how to be better…just need the boys to get back to training and pick our standards up and get them and ourselves where we need to be."
What's Next:
The Lions get a week off before hosting Iowa Central for two matches on October 4. The second sides are scheduled to play at 3 p.m. at the Lindenwood Track Complex, followed by the first sides. The opening kickoff for the First XV game is set for 5 p.m. at Hunter Stadium in St. Charles, Missouri.
Score Summary:
2' Principia Try 5-0
29' Principia Try 10-0
30' Principia Conversion 12-0
40' Principia Try 17-0
44' Principia Try 22-0
48' Principia Try 27-0
50' Principia Conversion 29-0
65' Lindenwood Try
Joaquin Gonzalez Fontan 29-5
66' Lindenwood Conversion,
Cole Scharffenorth 29-7
68' Principia Penalty Kick 32-7
40' Principia Try 37-7
40' Principia Conversion 39-7
Lineup:
