OSHAWA, Ont. - In front of a large crowd at Thompson Ruby Park, the Durham Lords men's rugby team delivered excitement in their return to the OCAA, dropping an entertaining Sunday afternoon contest 41-29 to the visiting St. Lawrence Vikings.
Playing in their first official OCAA match since 1996, the Lords showed some nerves in the early going as the Vikings jumped out to an early lead.
Taking back possession, it was Daniel Cooper who recorded the first try in Durham's return as he slipped through the St. Lawrence defence for the monumental score. Both teams would add another before the half and the Lords trailed 24-14 at the break.
Coming out from the locker room, Vikings standout D'Shawn Bowen quickly added to his game-high 26 points to increase the gap.
Cooper would end the afternoon with three tries, while highly-touted recruit John Stewart and second-year forward Eddie Oliveira would also score to draw near the Vikings down the stretch, however it was not enough.
Jordan McGranachan kicked two conversions for the Lords.
Durham will have a chance for immediate redemption as they travel to Kingston, Ont. on Saturday, Sept. 22 to challenge the St. Lawrence Vikings once again. Kick off is scheduled for 1 p.m.
Overall Record: 0-1 (W-L)
Conference Record: 0-1
Next match: Saturday, Sept. 22 vs. St. Lawrence Vikings (1 p.m. – Kingston, Ont.)
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