BARRIE, Ont. – The two-time defending champion Loyalist Lancers showed the Georgian Grizzlies they are once again the team to beat with a 32-7 win in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association season opener for both teams this afternoon at the Barrie Community Sports Complex.

Alex Bauer and Connor MCann each scored two tries, and Mike MacDonald and Jesse Gunter added one apiece for the Lancers. The Grizzlies had several opportunities to score in the first half, but tough defense from Loyalist and miscues from the inexperienced Grizzlies led to a 22-0 half-time lead for the Lancers.

Georgian finally broke through in the game’s final minute as Cory Gordon touched the ball down for the try. Sandy Boville added the convert.

The Grizzlies fielded a much different line-up than the team that faced Loyalist in last year’s final. With no starters returning and only nine players with previous experience, the Grizzlies are starting a re-building phase.

“I was extremely pleased with our effort this afternoon,” said head coach Kevin Gillan. “We controlled play in the first half, but could not come away with any points. For many of them, it was their first experience playing college rugby and you can’t afford mistakes against a veteran group like Loyalist.”

Georgian will host the Algonquin Thunder next Saturday 1:00 p.m. at the Barrie Community Sports Complex.

Summary

First Half

LOY – Try Bauer 4′

LOY – Try Bauer 22′ (Charlton conversion)

LOY – Try McCann 38′

LOY – Try MacDonald 40′

 Second Half

LOY – Try Gunter 55′

LOY – Try McCann 64′

GEO – Try Gordon 80′ (Boville conversion)