BARRIE, ON - Traveling to Barrie to challenge Georgian in an OCAA semifinal match on Saturday afternoon, the Durham College men's rugby team fell 24-22 in a come-from-behind effort by the Grizzlies.
The Lords were quick out of the gates, jumping out to an early 5-0 lead after scoring a try on a great run down the right wing, breaking away from the Georgian defense.
DC kept things rolling, carrying the ball downfield once again and crossing the try line with strong effort right through the middle of the Grizzlies to jump ahead 12-0. Then another long run for the Lords off a great defensive interception led to a try and conversion for DC. Georgian would add a penalty kick right before the break to make it a 19-3 lead for DC at halftime.
Coming out of the half, Georgian closed the gap with a quick try in the opening minutes of the second frame. Combined with an additional penalty kick, Durham carried a 22-10 lead into the final 10 minutes.
Put under pressure by the Georgian attack, the Lords stopped the Grizzlies twice on the try line, but heading into the final minutes of play the host team finally broke through to make the game a one score game 22-17. Then on the final offensive push of the match the Grizzlies completed the comeback effort, scoring a try to tie the game and then a conversion to secure the win, propelling them to the gold medal final.
Tries for the Lords were scored by
Terrell Carter (Oshawa, ON),
Robbie Eliadis (Uxbridge, ON), and
Liam Spafford (Oshawa, ON), while
Justin Taylor (Whitby, ON) kicked two converts and the penalty kick.
Following the heartbreaking loss the Lords will look to regorup as they get set to host the Humber Hawks in a showdown for the bronze medal. DC will host the challengers with the date and time still to be confirmed.
Overall Record: 2-3 (W-L)
Conference Record: 2-2
Next match: TBD vs. Humber Hawks (OCAA Bronze Medal Game - Thompson Rugby Park)
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