OSHAWA, Ont. - Following a night where Durham College celebrated the past by holding the Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony, the Lords celebrated the future as the women's rugby sevens team made their exhibition debut.

The Lords started off their inaugural season with a win and two losses against the Fleming Knights at Thompson Field in Raglan.

Fleming has traditionally been a stronger team in the OCAA rugby circuit, having won back-to-back OCAA championship titles (women's rugby 15s) in 2015 and 2016.

"We (the coaching staff) were pleasantly surprised by the effort of the team today," said Durham head coach Chris McKee. "There was a lot to build upon and we are looking forward to watching this team develop."

Game 2 saw the Lords get their first try in program history, with Taylor Lantaigne crossing the line in the second half. Two minutes later, Lantaigne went on a brilliant run to score the game winner as the Lords picked up their first victory in program history, beating the Knights 10-5.

In their opening game, the team looked a little nervous stepping onto the pristine pitch at their new rugby home, Thompson Field, which is also home to the Vikings Rugby Club.

Their jitters showed as the Knights jumped out to a quick two try lead. However, the Lords showed some great physical play led by captain Lydia Knott and Masrine Edwards and quickly got back into the game, narrowly missing a few times at tying the score. In the end the lords lost 15-0.

In the third game with the Lords bench already short due to injuries, the physicality of the game started to take its toll.

The Knights came out hard and scored three quick trys. The worn-out Lords kept battling and had some inspired play by Brea Hogarth and Lauren Hulse that helped to set up a great try by Knott to end the game 25-5.

Source: Durham College