Men's rugby brought defense to spare in an impressive 25-0 shutout of Arkansas State in Mid-South Conference (MSC) action Saturday afternoon at Centennial Bank Stadium in Jonesboro, Arkansas.  Lindenwood scored four tries in the match, and therefore, earned a bonus point in the MSC. 
 
How it Happened
The Lions opened the game on the front foot at the three-minute mark with a penalty kick from Evan Williams to go ahead 3-0.  A few minutes later, Nick Hardrict, II timed an ill-advised Arkansas State pass from the ground and raced 50-meters to extend the lead 8-0. 
 
Both teams had scoring opportunities throughout the first half, but play was consistently negated by poor ball handling and momentum killing penalties.  In a last-ditch effort to score their first try of the match, the Red Wolves elected to play out of their own end with no time remaining. They managed to put together several phases and were driving deep into Lindenwood territory, but were pinged for holding the ball.  After Williams found touch near midfield, the Lions had a chance to find points at the end of the half. 
 
Lindenwood won its lineout and scrumhalf Evan Conlon fooled everyone when he faked a pass off the back of the lineout and darted up the middle of the field. After a strong carry, he offloaded to a supporting Neal Moylett who finished the job and scored.  At a time when momentum was starting to favor Arkansas State, the Lions took advantage and took control with a 13-0 lead at the break.   
 
Coming out of the half, both teams struggled to find their footing in wet field conditions. Williams continued to pin the Red Wolves back and the defensive effort of Eduan van Heerden, Juan Mota Sanchez, and Stephen Alberts stopped any forward movement.
 
At the 66-minute mark, Kayleb O'Donoghue was able to break the scoring drought when he carried himself over the try line after a well-executed maul from the lineout. 
 
With time winding down Rhys Smith put in one last try on a gutsy inside line for the final 25-0 margin.   
 
Player/Coach Thoughts
Juan Mota Sanchez:  "I think the field conditions today made us play slower than we like to play. However, we did a great job overcoming that by staying connected in the kick chase and on defense. With how the match was going, we had the mentality of 'next job up.' This allowed us to get rid of the negative moments and find success multiple times in the game." 
 
Assistant Coach Zach Thorum:  "This match was a perfect example of what rugby is like in the Mid-South Conference.  It was physical, chippy, chaotic and strategic. Even with us having the lead, we never fully felt like we had the match won. Arkansas State did a great job of keeping pressure on us and it felt as if any moment the favor could have swung in their way. I'm very proud of how our boys handled this match and we got the outcome we desired." 
 
What's Next
With the victory, the Lions improved to 19-1 overall on the season at to 3-0 in the MSC.  They will take a break from conference play when they travel to Lawrence, Kansas to face the University of Kansas February 26.  The opening kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at the Westwick Rugby Complex.  The 2^nd XV sides will play afterwards at 3 p.m.   
 
Additional Match
In a friendly played in Centennial Bank Stadium, Lindenwood defeated the Arkansas State 2^nd XV, 21-6. Flyhalf Lochlan Charley had success with his passing and his kicking, while Philip Tracey and Joshua Holt were stout on the defensive effort in the forward pack. 
 
Lindenwood vs. Arkansas State Box Score:
3' Lindenwood Penalty Kick Evan Williams 3-0 
19' Lindenwood Try Nick Hardrict, II 8-0 
40' Lindenwood Try Neal Moylett 13-0 
66' Lindenwood Try Kayleb O'Donoghue 18-0 
66' Conversion Evan Williams 20-0 
69' Lindenwood Try Rhys Smith 25-0  
 
Lineup: 
1. Gabriel Kettering – Beorn Graham 51'  
2. Runako Brynard – Kayleb O'Donoghue 50'  
3. Samuel Buckley – Blake Knight 58'  
4. Marnus Spangenberg  
5. Eduan van Heerden 50' – Alejandro Martinez Tapia 65' 
6. Clarence Ekoume-Bienes – Duncan Krige 47'  
7. Juan Mota Sanchez 70' – Calvin Ihrig 65'  
8. Neal Moylett  
9. Evan Conlon – Alejo Gallego Boniello 65' 
10. Evan Williams  
11. Tyren Al-Jiboori  
12. Rhys Smith  
13. Stephen Alberts  
14. Nick Hardrict, II  
15. Shiven Dukhande – Jake Jacobson 70'