It was the first game of the spring for men's rugby, but the results didn't change from the fall as the Lions cruised to an 81-0 exhibition win over the St. Louis Ramblers men's rugby club at the Athletic Track February 25. 

The new semester brought several new faces to the Lindenwood team and they didn't take long to get involved in the action.  The Ramblers tried to use their size to gain an advantage with some physical play early in the game, but the Lions defense stood strong and after some quick ball play between newcomer James Poli and cross-over athlete Steven Duff, fullback Lincoln Magee, who was playing in his first game for Lindenwood, opened the scoring with a try in the eighth minute. 

The Lions used their speed and fitness to force several turnovers which resulted in the second try of the game as winger Jake O'Neil broke free and scored.  Lindenwood continued pressuring the Ramblers defense and built a comfortable 36-0 lead in the first half off tries from Nicholas Markowski, Magee and two more from O'Neil.

In the second half, Brendan Davis opened the scoring for the Lions with a strong run down the sideline and Duff picked up his second try of the game moments later, followed by Magee's third score.  With over a 50 point lead, Coach Ron Laszewski rotated the lineup with new recruits Jordan Smitz, Jacob Divich, former football player Nick Tepea, and Jake Hendrix seeing their first action for Lindenwood.  Tyler Black also made his debut for the Lions after missing the fall season due to shoulder surgery.  The Lindenwood offense continued to score and the defense remained strong to preserve the shutout.

O'Neil led the Lions with a team record five tries in the game while Magee scored three times in his debut.  Markowski added two tries and Davis, Duff and Tepea had one each.  Davis also went 6-9 in conversions while Duff was 2-4. 

Lindenwood is back in action over the weekend as they host the Chicago Lions men's club from the American Rugby Super League at the Lindenwood Athletic Track beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 3.