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#3 Lindenwood University (5-2, 0-1)
#7 Davenport University (3-6, 0-1)
(source) The March 12 fixture between the highly-ranked Canterbury D1A Top 20 programs is not only important based on league standings, but it’s also the third annual Charles Labry Memorial Match.
Dedicated to the life and memory of Lindenwood rugby player Charles Labry, who passed away in October of 2014, the Memorial Shield is up for grabs once a year when the Panthers visit the Lions.
“We were disappointed losing the first match in 2014,” Lindenwood Head Coach JD Stephenson said of the inaugural Memorial Match. “So, when we were able to win it back in 2015, it was a great feeling. “
Davenport is equally humbled and inspired to be a part of such a special occasion.
“The Lindenwood rugby community has done right by Charles in the way they’ve put the whole thing together, and we’re very proud and honored to be a part of it,” said Davenport Head Coach James Wood. “The rugby community has always had a bit of a family dynamic to it, and this match in remembrance of Charles Labry is more of the same.”
Whichever team raises the Memorial Shield at full time will have to play better than it did in its first Mid-South game of 2016. No. 2-ranked Life flexed its muscles in a 30-point win over Lindenwood Feb. 27, and followed the performance with a 48-point handling of the Panthers.