Posted: Nov 05, 2023

Men's Rugby upsets Durham to earn spot in OCAA finals

By: William Shoukri
Humber Athletics Communications

OSHAWA - Humber men's rugby (5-2) advanced to the OCAA final on Sunday with a win over the top-ranked Durham Lords (5-1), 23-20. Humber won in extra-time with help from Rafael Tamayo's game-winning penalty kick. Tamayo had two conversions and two penalty kicks in the match, and Robert Vatri scored the game-tying try.

Match Recap

It was a defensive battle right from the start in this OCAA semifinal matchup. Humber entered this game as an underdog, facing the undefeated Durham Lords.

The Hawks would open the scoring just over ten minutes into the match as Rafael Tamayo would convert a penalty kick to make it 3-0 Humber. A match between two defensive teams, play would stay around the halfway line as the Hawks focused on keeping possession and not giving Durham any room.

The Lords would score about 30 minutes into the game and convert on the try, going up 7-3. Durham would start an aggressive press after the try, with Humber fighting to keep them out of the offensive zone. The Lords would score again with less than ten minutes left in the half. They would fail to convert, and the score would be 12-3 at the break.

The Hawks had a strong start to the second half, getting Durham back on their heels early on. Humber would press the ball deep into the Lords' zone and Tye Wallace would manage to push through to score the try for Humber. The Hawks would fail to convert the try and cut Durham's lead, making the game 12-8 in favour of the Lords.

The tension would escalate after the try, with both teams playing a mean, physical game. Durham would break through and score in the back half of the game. They would fail to convert and go up 17-8. Not to be deterred though, Humber would respond just minutes later. Declan Forgie would score for the Hawks, and Raphael Tamayo would convert to make it 17-13 with Durham leading.

In the late stages of the match, Durham would get an excellent chance with prop Jah'ma-l Drummond serving time in the sin bin. The Hawks defence would do a great job at holding the Lords at the try-line and Durham would have to settle for a penalty kick, making it 20-13. The Hawks would fly down the field in response and Robert Vatri would squeeze through the Durham defence and score Humber's' third try of the game. Tamayo would tie the game 20-20 with a clutch conversion, shocking the Lords. The late try from Humber would send the game to extra time.

Now, in extra time, both teams would focus on playing safe rugby. The Hawks had most of the chances early on, with Prince Ndukwe standing out with some excellent runs. Humber would take a 23-20 lead thanks to a long penalty kick from Raphael Tamayo. The kick would come in the last seconds of the first overtime frame, giving the Hawks momentum into the second seven-minute half.

The second half would be a defensive masterclass for Humber as they shut the door on Durham to win the game 23-20 and advance to the OCAA final.

Humber Highlights

Humber's 23 points were the most allowed by Durham this season.
The Hawks snap Durham's 11-match win streak, dating back to the beginning of the 2022 season.
Humber improves to 2-0 all-time against Durham in the postseason.