The University of Regina Rams advance to the Hardy Cup after defeating the Manitoba Bisons 28-25 in Winnipeg.

The game came down to the wire – receiver Nicholas Sirleaf’s touchdown with 19 seconds remaining gave the Rams the victory.

U of R kicked off the scoring on the first drive of the game with Christian Katende rushing five times for 43 yards in that effort. The Rams brought it to the house on a 1-yard plunge from quarterback Noah Pelletier.

The Rams would have the honor of scoring the only major of the first half. Manitoba recorded two field goals – with both teams trading safeties to make it 10-8 before halftime.

After the Rams gave up a safety early in the third quarter. The Bisons took possession and ran the ball 75 yards in six plays to the end zone to give Manitoba the lead.

The Rams responded on an ensuing Manitoba comeback attempt. Ethan Jaster released the ball and Kaeden Brennan recovered it to give Regina possession at the Manitoba 38-yard line.

From there, the Rams shot in another major to make the game 18-17.

Moving into the fourth quarter, the Rams gave up a safety, but then scored a 30-yard field goal by Wegner to regain the lead 21-19.

However, the Bisons recorded the longest offensive sequence of the game – which saw Breydon Stubbs rumble 58 yards into the end zone to put Manitoba ahead at 25-21. An ensuing two-point conversion attempt failed.

What followed was the deciding point of the match.

The clock was ticking. The Rams were forced to start from their own nine-yard line after difficulty fielding Manitoba’s kickoff.

However, Pelletier led an 11-play, 101-yard drive that included an 11-yard run by Marshall Erichsen, long passes to Emmett Steadman and Erichsen for a total of 53 yards.

Facing 3 and 12 following a sack by the Bisons – Pelletier was able to maintain the attack by completing Renzel Arinaza for a 19-yard gain.

An Erichsen touchdown was returned due to a holding call – but the Rams still managed to score the major with a pass to Sirleaf – making the game 28-25 with 19 seconds left.

The Bisons fought hard to tie the game.

Forced to put the ball in the air with so little time remaining – Tachinski completed a 22-yard run to Zachary Wynne to cross midfield.

However, the next pass was intercepted by Rams linebacker Garret Hatchard, sealing the game for Regina.

The Rams will be making their sixth appearance in the Hardy Cup – entering the competition with one victory (2000) and four defeats (2001, 2002, 2007 and 2012).