LEBANON, Ill. – The men's rugby team defended both their home turf and prized possession of the Battle of Illinois trophy on Saturday, September 19th, as they cruised past the University of Illinois, 89-5, in Lebanon. 

Despite the mid-game delay via thunderstorms, pouring rain, and exhaustion from high temperatures at Leemon Field, the Bearcats put up the most points against the Fighting Illini in matchup history, as well as the largest margin of victory. Freddie Rawlings and Jacob Partington each finished with three tries, with the former tacking on four conversions and the latter coming away with two. Conor Tierney led with a team-high six made conversions in the lopsided win. 

INDIVIDUAL SCORING BREAKDOWN

Tries: 

• Freddie Rawlings – 3  
• Jacob Partington – 3  
• Jacob Kinnaird – 1  
• Nathan George – 1  
• Faustino Castillo – 1  
• Rufus Doran – 1  
• Ellis Long – 1  
• Jan Mana Vazquez – 1  
• Owen Goodwin – 1 

Conversions: 

• Conor Tierney – 6 
• Freddie Rawlings – 4  
• Jacob Partington – 2 

UP NEXT

McKendree will next hit the road to take on the Panthers of Davenport University on Saturday, October 10th at the Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex in Grand Rapids, Michigan with a start time set for 12:00 PM CT. 

Make sure to keep up with McKendree University Men's Rugby on Facebook and Instagram. #D1Arugby 

For more updates and information on Bearcat Athletics, please continue to visit McKBearcats.com and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram. 
#BearcatsUnleashed