Rugby holds off Seneca to win 2025 home opener
By: Nina Kersnik
Humber Athletics Communications
BRAMPTON – Humber men's rugby (2-0, 1st OCAA) outlasted the Seneca Sting (0-2, 7th OCAA) on a sunny Saturday afternoon, 43-41. The Hawks scored four tries in the first half, two coming from third-year wing, Gospel Ogoanah.
Match Recap
Less than a minute into the game, Humber would start out strong, as Matt Gianfriddo flew up the right side, and broke through the Seneca Sting's defence, ending the play in a try.
After an error from the Hawks, the Sting would bring the rock into Humber's zone, and score three points.
Minutes later the Hawks would attack once more, with first-year player Jayce Kroes scoring Humber's second try of the game. The Hawks would then add another two points to their lead on a conversion.
With just ten minutes into the first half, the Hawks would lead by nine, with a score of 12-3.
Just shy of the 19th minute Seneca powered forward to get behind Humber's defensive line, to score their first try of the game. The ball would end up just wide of the left post, shutting down the chance of another two points for the Sting.
Now on the far sideline in the offensive end, Seneca would gain possession, but the rock would be punted away and partially blocked by the Hawks.
Seconds later, Matt Gianfriddo responded once again for Humber, and scooped up the ball to fly down the left side, dodging players to gain his second try of the game.
At the 25th minute the score was 19-8 following another successful convert kick by the Hawks.
Minutes later, Humber's third-year winger Gospel Ogoanah, wasted no time heading back into Seneca's end for the fourth try of the game.
After the conversion was missed slightly, the Sting would force the Hawks to their own end, to score their second try of the game. Seneca would add another two points to their total, but Humber remained on top, 24-15.
With a scrum in the 39th minute Seneca would gain some ground into Humber's defensive end. The defending provincial champions couldn't manage to keep it together, allowing Seneca to score another try.
By the end of the first half, the Sting would cut down the Hawks lead, 24-22.
Just shy of three minutes into the second half, Humber intercepts the ball after an error by Seneca, scoring another try. The Hawks would get the conversion, extending their lead by nine.
Following a lineout, Humber gains some distance into the Sting's end, which would result in a fourteen-point lead for the Hawks after the conversion.
In the 57th minute, solid tackling by Humber would allow them to keep possession to stay in Seneca's end. Two minutes later, Gospel Ogoanah turned on the jets to speed ahead toward the Sting's end zone, scoring his second try of the match.
After the conversion, the score was 43-22, the largest lead of the match.
Minutes later, Seneca would come back with a try, because of an error from the home team.
In their attempt to be the aggressors with minutes left in the game, the Sting would punt the rock through the posts, closing the Hawks' lead to seven.
But the Humber Hawks would prove to be too much for Seneca, closing the game, 43-41.
Humber Highlights
- This year's roster includes 12 first-year players.
- Former Humber men's rugby players Prince Ndukwe and Seth Kirkham return as assistant coaches.
- First-year flank Jayce Kroes has ten points in his first season as a Hawk.
What's Next?
Humber will face the Georgian Grizzlies (2-0, 1st OCAA) on September 27 at Brampton Rugby Club. The match is scheduled for 1:00 p.m., and you can catch all the action live on the Hawks Sports Network.
