MONTREAL - Close works in the game of horseshoes unfortunately for the Bishop's Gaiters men's rugby team close was not good enough in the RSEQ semifinal in Montreal on Saturday.  Bishop's pressed in the closing minutes, even having the ball across McGill's Redmen's try line but were unable to touch it down.  The Redmen stood strong, turned the ball over, ended the game and came away with a 27-20 victory and a ticket to the RSEQ Final.
 
Five minutes of feeling out to start the game ended with Bishop's pressing forward early on and putting points on the board thanks to a try from Gerald Lafond. Sophomore Josh Bray converted his first of four successful kicks on the day and Bishop's grabbed a 7-0 lead. The Redmen answered on a line break from about 40 metres out for their opening try of the day just three minutes later.  A successful conversion tied the game.
 
As time closed on the first half Bray capped off a Gaiters possession with a try of his own that he converted for a 14-7 Gaiters lead.  The Redmen stole the ensuing kickoff and earned a penalty where they successfully converted on the last play of the opening 40 minutes. At the break Bishop's led the defending RSEQ Champions 14-10.
 
The Gaiters couldn't have asked for a better start to the second stanza earning a penalty less than a minute in.  Bray was successful and restored the Gaiters seven point advantage to 17-10.  McGill turned the tide almost immediately moving down the field and scoring a try just three minutes later but the conversion sailed wide.  Bishop's able to increase their advantage for the final time on the afternoon thanks to Bray's second penalty and fourth straight successful kick for a 20-15 advantage.
 
McGill scored and converted a try in the 56^th minute to earn their first lead of the day, one they did not relinquish.  They were able score again just three minutes later but the conversion was no good leaving the hosts with a 27-20 lead.
 
Bishop's battled back and pressured on deep into Redmen territory however were unable to put any points on the board. The Gaiters continued to fight forward as the clock struck the 80^th minute. They controlled possession again deep into McGill territory, earning a line-out five metres from their try zone. Sustained pressure and a penalty later Bishop's was able to get the ball into McGill's try zone but were held up.  McGill continued to stand strong and forced a Bishop's knock-on that ultimately ended the game and the Gaiters season while the Redmen move onto the RSEQ Final.
 
"I'm so proud of our guys," said Charles Goode, Gaiters head coach.  "We spoke about leaving everything out there today and they did.  We made a few technical mistakes and didn't capitalize when we needed to but we put our best effort forward."
 
Watch Coach Charles Goode's complete post-game interview:
 

The loss marks the second straight for the Gaiters in the RSEQ semifinal.
 
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