LONDON, Ont. - The Western Mustangs men's rugby team used speed and a strong back-row peformance to defeat the Royal Military College Paladins 64-8 at the UWO Rugby Fields on Sept. 19 in front of 175 fans.

Ryan Tomlinson (Alliston, Ont.) led Western's attack with a pair of tries while Mike Meschino (Oakville, Ont.) had a try and two converts for nine points.

Single tries were added by David Jacks (Tottenham, Ont.), Chris Lombardo (Stoufville, Ont.), Gareth Dyer (West Vancouver, B.C.), Andrew Crow (Victoria, B.C.), Carl Stahlbrand (Brantford, Ont.), Conor Trainor (West Vancouver, B.C.), Marcus Mitchell (Ancaster, Ont.), Conor Wade (London, Ont.) and Matt McLeod (Lindsay, Ont.).

Jacks had a terrific debut in the front after moving up from the back row- his efforts gained praise from head coach Tony Roes.

"It's a completely different role," he said. "The coaching staff asked him to make the switch and he was willing to do it. He's a team player."

"He did it well, he did it beautifully."

Western led 32-5 at the half and the back row played very well at both ends of the field. The Mustangs used its speed to spread the field and keep the RMC defence guessing.

"When we can use our speed we're a difficult team to defend. We keep other teams guessing," Roes said. "We had 12 tries with eleven different scorers. We're very happy about that."

Tomlinson and Meschino were very effective in the speed game and their quick bursts through the middle drew coverage and allowed for open space on the wings.

"Rory and Mike are quick guys, they're able to use their speed and find the gap," Roes said. "Once we find the gap we send the cavalry and go for it."

Roes said he is very happy with the season to date and hopes the squad can improve to 4-0 with a win over Waterloo Sunday Sept. 27 at 1 p.m.

"Obviously starting at 3-0 is crucial," Roes said. "We started the year with a really big win over Brock to set the tone. We're still coming together."