RECAP: Harries’ two tries, strong defence leads to season opening win for men’s rugby

A couple of goal line stands late in the second half helped the Gee-Gees men's rugby team to a 18-11 season opening victory over the Montreal Carabins Saturday afternoon at Matt Anthony Field.

Jacob Harries scored a pair of tries, while the rest of the scoring came courtesy of the foot of Sullivan Murphy.

"We're very dynamic in attack, but we're making too many mistakes," said Gee-Gees head coach Andrew Armstrong. "U de M always play us tough, and we talked about cleaning up the errors and keeping the ball in contact. We did that a little bit better in the second half, but lots of work ahead in the week leading up to McGill."

Harries two tries came in the first half and gave Ottawa a 15-8 lead at the break. Some strong running from third year Connor Billo helped the Gee-Gees win the field position battle.

The story of the second frame was defence, with Ottawa putting up a number of strong goal line stands, holding Montreal to just one penalty kick in the second 40. 

"We've talked a lot about defence and especially how it can be the difference in big games," said Armstrong. "Last year we took a big step forward in terms of points allowed. There were some really big double tackles, and Connor Williams with a really thumping tackle on the goal line. We got a turnover – a little bit of a heart attack for the coach, but these things happen."

Ottawa improves to 1-0 on the season, and gear up for a meeting with the McGill Redbirds (1-0) in Montreal next week. The Gee-Gees return to Matt Anthony Field on Saturday, Sept. 24 for a meeting with the Bishop's Gaiters (1-0). Tickets are on sale at tickets.geegees.ca.

Montreal returns to the Nation's capital next week for a meeting with Carleton (0-1).