Men's rugby continued its perfect season with a 74-5 win over Iowa Central Community College Saturday evening at Hunter Stadium in St. Charles, Missouri.
 
The match started very competitively with both teams jockeying for field position.  Lindenwood marched down the field on a few occasions, but the Tritons did a solid job of forcing the Lions into penalties that halted scoring opportunities. 
 
After some great work in the line-outs and scrum, Neal Moylett scored the first try of the match, demonstrating a high rugby IQ and quick decision making.  Iowa Central quickly countered with a game-tying score after jumping and intercepting an ill-advised cut-out pass that beat the Lions for a 70-meter run. 
 
With the score tied at five, it was all Lindenwood from that point in the game as Nick Hardrict, II and Shiven Dukhande scored moments later.   
 
The Lions showed dominance in the scrum and forced the Tritons into numerous infractions that gave Lindenwood opportunities to flip the field.  With each scrum, the Tritons had difficulty keeping the scrum up, leading to several penalties on those plays.  The Lions quickly capitalized with better field position. 
 
As the first half was winding down, Stephen Alberts scored his first of three tries by following Moylett on a breakaway. While Moylett was getting pulled to the turf, he was able to make a fantastic offload while contorting his body to set up the supporting Alberts. That try gave the Lions a 24-5 advantage at the break.
 
Coming out of halftime, Lindenwood raised their pace and physicality.  Iowa Central searched for ways to get through the Lions defense, but were met with punishing force at each breakdown.  Lindenwood continued to move the Tritons gain line backwards with each phase.    
 
With a supportive Lions crowd creating a hostile environment for Iowa Central, Lindenwood continued to find success as they carved up the Tritons backline. Kyle Liebenberg and Evan Conlan found scoring opportunities out wide. A second score from Hardrict, II proved to be the final try of the match and set the final score at 74-5 in favor of the Lions. 
 
After the game, Rhys Smith talked about the success of the Lions backline. 
 
"The communication between every back player was impeccable starting with our fullback Shiv (Shiven Dukhande)," Smith said. "We have so much trust in each other so when there is a call to put the foot down and go, we do it with force!"

Lindenwood improved to 13-0 on the season.  The Lions host Principia College November 10 at 7:45 p.m. at Hyland Arena, and then travel to West Point, New York for one of the biggest matches of the season against Army on November 12.  That contest between two, top-five teams, is set for 7 p.m. Friday night at the Anderson Rugby Complex.