Winger Philippe Bibeau scored the winning try with six minutes left in overtime to give the Concordia Stingers a 28-21 victory over the McGill Redmen in the RSEQ men’s rugby championship on Sunday afternoon.
The Stingers adopted the rallying phrase #FeartheBeard early in the season and it really took off during the playoffs. Not only did many of the Concordia players have beards, large numbers of fans showed up at the game with beards painted on their faces.
“The boys bought into the whole concept of #FeartheBeard,” said head coach Clive Gibson. “When the fans showed up with their faces painted, the guys were amped up.”
The crowd of approximately 500 fans frequently and enthusiastically chanted “Fear the Beard” rallying the Stingers. And at times, they needed the extra boost.
Concordia started the game strong. Early in the second half the Stingers had a comfortable 9-3 lead on three penalty goals by Joey Fulginiti.
The Redmen bounced back and pulled in front 16-9. It looked like they would win their fifth straight Quebec conference title as the clock wound down.
In extra time the Stingers persevered. Graeme McClintock scored a try, Fulginiti hit the convert and the teams were tied 16-16 at the end of regulation play.
Fullback Caleb Jordan scored the first try in overtime to give the Stingers the advantage, but McGill answered tying the game at 21-21.
Finally, Bibeau put the game away for the Stingers late in the second overtime period.
It’s the first championship for the rugby team since 2005 when the Stingers defeated the Redmen 20-18.
