Perfection for Men's Rugby
By: William Shoukri
Humber Athletics Communications
BRAMPTON — Perfection achieved for Humber men's rugby, finishing the 2024 season undefeated and capturing the winning OCAA gold medal. The Hawks used a dominant second-half to best Conestoga 33-14 at home. Timico Smith, Prince Ndukwe, Ivontae Cambronne, and Harry Lutumba-Mpongo all scored for Humber in the win. Ndukwe added three conversions to secure the perfect season.
Match Recap
It was another quick start for the best program in the nation. Just five minutes in, Seth Kirkham would break through two tackles before dishing it to Timico Smith, who would stiff-arm the final defender before scoring Humber's first of the match.
Now trailing 5-0, Conestoga would put together a solid offensive rush, chipping away through the neutral zone and touching down their first try of the game.
Conestoga converted the kick and took a 7-5 lead, just the third time this season that Humber had trailed in a game.
The Condors had prepared for Humber; Conestoga knew not to spread themselves thin through the middle of the pitch and focused on breaking through the middle and attacking the last defenders.
Humber would narrowly avoid getting scored on twice, thwarting two Condor opportunities deep in their zone.
On the ensuing drive, Humber would take the lead back, with Harry Lutumba-Mpongo pushing through a crowd for Humber's second of the game. Prince Ndukwe would convert the kick, and Humber would take a 13-7 lead.
Deep in the first half, Humber would get another shot. Timico Smith would cut through the defensive line again and score, with only stoppage time remaining for his second try of the match. Ndukwe would nail the conversion, and Humber would leave the first up 19-7.
It was another good, quick start for Humber in the second half, with Ivontae Cambronne breaking a tackle and accelerating past the remaining defenders for a beautiful try just seven minutes into the half. Ndukwe nailed the conversion, and Humber would take a 26-7 lead.
From there, Humber would dial in. Thirty minutes from OCAA gold, the Hawks put the pedal down and played some of their best rugby of the season.
Conestoga would get three great chances deep in the Humber zone, but each time, the Hawks forced turnovers and turned the ball the other way.
Humber would add another try in the 70th minute; this time, it was Prince Ndukwe. Ndukwe would make an incredible hip-fake before breaking three tackles, sending defenders flying. The nig fourth-year wing would end up alone and would score with a finger pointed to the sky.
Ndukwe would then nail the conversion, giving Humber a 33-6 lead.
Humber would lock down defensively for the rest of the match. To Conestoga's credit, they never went away, adding a late tally to make it 33-14, but it wouldn't be nearly enough.
Humber would win the game 33-14, picking up their first gold medal in ten years in commanding fashion. Facing the only team to give them trouble in the regular season, the Hawks took charge and showed they're the best in the province… and it's not particularly close.
Timico Smith was named the championship MVP, while Prince Ndukwe and James Robb-Kennedy were named postseason all-stars.
Humber Highlights
- This is Humber's first OCAA gold medal since 2014.
- This is the first time Humber has medalled in consecutive years since 2013-14.
- Humber's 289 regular season points were more than 100 points more than any other team scored.
- The Hawks have finished the year perfect for the fourth time in team history.
