Homecoming vs ÉTS

A large crowd showed up at Coulter Field on Friday, Sept. 30 to watch some homecoming rugby. The Gaiters men’s squad faced off against the École Technique Supérieure Piranhas from Montreal. 

The stands were filled with family, friends and other Gaiters teams as usual. But due to homecoming celebrations, there were a large number of Bishop’s alumni as well. There were former rugby players from decades ago, and professional entertainer, Cameron Hughes, who kept the crowd energized with his antics all evening long.

ÉTS came into the game undefeated while Bishop’s record stood at 2-1, so a tight match up was to be expected. A try scored by Sam Clapinson put the Gaiters up 7-6 going into halftime.

The second half was explosive. Fifth year Louis Millet scored a try and so did senior Kyle Corrigan. Axel Montgomery converted all three tries with successful kicks giving Bishop’s a total of 21 points, as they led by one in the dying minutes. Unfortunately, a last second penalty kick from the Piranhas gave them three points and the 23-21 victory.

October 8 vs Montréal

            Saturday, Oct. 8 brought another home game for the Gaiters, and this one was a party. They faced the Montréal Carabins who sat at an identical 2-2 record this season.

The same three scorers from the previous game all crossed the goal line again in the first half of this match. Corrigan, Millet, and Clapinson helped give Bishop’s a 22-3 lead at halftime.

            Corrigan slipped through twice more in the second half to give himself a stunning four total tries in the match. He now leads the entire Quebec league with nine tries. Clapinson scored again, and senior Liam Priest added a try of his own to top off the victory. With eight tries and one conversion kick, Bishop’s handled Montréal easily winning 44-3 in what they said was a “statement game”.

Coming up

            Now sitting above .500 at three wins and two losses, Bishop’s has just a pair of regular season games left. On Oct. 16 they will host the Carleton Ravens, who have yet to win a match in their first RSEQ season. This will be the last home game of the season barring a home playoff match. Therefore, Bishop’s will conduct its senior day celebrations prior to the 1 p.m. start. The Gaiters then close out the regular season on the road against the highly ranked McGill University Redbirds on Oct. 23.