RECAP: Men’s rugby captures Pumpkin Bowl over Carleton Ravens

The Gee-Gees men's rugby team will keep the Pumpkin Bowl for yet another year, defeating the Carleton Ravens in the renewed rivalry by a 55-7 score at Matt Anthony Field Friday afternoon.

Nine different Gee-Gees scored points in the contest, including reigning RSEQ Men's Athlete of the Week Graeme Neill-Klein getting a try for the third consecutive game. 

"It was really nice to be able to play Carleton in an RSEQ game for the first time ever," said Gee-Gees head coach Andrew Armstrong. "They're a tough team and they're going through what we did a few years back. We needed a bonus point win, and we go it. Lots to work on, but we're looking forward to ETS."

This was the first Pumpkin Bowl matchup since 2017. The teams have played in separate leagues since the Gee-Gees entered the RSEQ in 2018, but the Ravens joined the Quebec conference for the 2022 season, meaning the big game would once again be contested. 

The Ottawa rugby community came out in droves to watch the matchup, which was all but dominated by the Gee-Gees, who moved to 3-1 on the season with the win.

James Flemming got the scoring going in the second minute by getting across the try line, and Ottawa didn't look back. It wasn't all smooth sailing for the Gee-Gees, who had to rely on some stingy goal line defence at times. 

Zak Campbell handled the kicking once again for Ottawa, converting five tries and scoring one himself. The first year back three from Kimberley, B.C., moved into the team scoring lead on the season with 25 total points (one try, 10 converts). Glenn Roy earned MVP honours in the match. 

This was the Gee-Gees final regular season game at home. They conclude their home regular season schedule a perfect 3-0.

"It's always nice to play well in front of your friends and family, so we're really happy," said Armstrong when asked about his team's performances at home.

Ottawa earned the offensive bonus point for the second straight week by scoring four or more tries. They now have 14 points on the season, good for third place in the RSEQ. The top four teams make the playoffs, so the Gee-Gees still have some work to do with three road games remaining on their schedule. They'll travel to Montreal on Oct. 8 to face undefeated ETS (4-0, 18 points).

Joshua Brennan scored the Ravens try – their first in the RSEQ. Carleton (0-4, 0 points) welcomes Concordia (2-2, 10 points) to TAAG Park on Oct. 8.