Redmen ruggers rally, run streak to 18 straight over Gaiters

LENNOXVILLE -- A timely try by Joshua Blair led the McGill Redmen to a 26-10 victory over the Bishop's Gaiters in Quebec university men's rugby action at Coulter Field, Friday. Blair, a 5-foot-11, 195-pound sophomore from Franklin Centre, Que., touched late in the first half as the Redmen overcame an early Gaiters lead to post a come-from-behind victory.

It was the 18th straight win for McGill over the Gaiters, dating back to their last loss, a 16-11 upset in the 2003 conference final.

"I was extremely happy that we came away with the win," said Craig Beemer, head coach of the Redmen. "The field was wet and there were a lot of dropped balls but in the end, it was a very positive win for our side."

The Gaiters opened the scoring in the 24th minute, when Andrew Jamieson of Beaconsfield, Que., scored on a 30-yard scamper that saw him run through and knock down three Redmen defenders on his way to the endzone. Nicolas Alexandre, a native of Bourdeaux, France, added a conversion to put Bishop's up 7-0.

A try by Eduoardo Rossi three minutes later tied the game at 7-7, but the Gaiters regained he lead after a penalty goal by Billy Murphy of Richmond, Que., made it 10-7.

Blair's try, in the 31st minute, put McGill back in front 14-10. Connor MacKenzie then added a try on the stroke of halftime, to give the Redmen at 21-10 lead.

The Gaiters held most of the territorial edge in the second half, but were unable to take advantage of several chances deep in McGill territory. A fourth  Redmen try came against the run of play in the 75th minute as Rod McKenzie pushed the ball over out of a ruck.

Gideon Balloch added three conversions to round out the scoring for McGill.

The Gaiters (0-1) return to action on Sept. 16, when they visit the Concordia Stingers in Montreal. McGill (1-0) returns to the Eastern Townships on Sept. 18 for a rendez-vous with the Sherbrooke Vert & Or.

SCORING SUMMARY

First Half

BISH - TRY by Andrew Jamieson 24' (Nicolas Alexandre conversion)

MCG  - TRY by Eduoardo Rossi 27' (Gideon Balloch conversion)

BISH - PG by Billy Murphy 30'

MCG  - TRY by Joshua Blair 31' (Gideon Balloch conversion)

MCG  - TRY by Connor MacKenzie 40' (Gideon Balloch conversion)

Second Half

MCG  - Try by Roderick MacKenzie 75'

SOURCE:

John Edwards, Bishop's and Earl Zukerman, McGill