Kingston, Ont. (November 1, 2008) – Chris Barrett of Vancouver had one try and two converts leading the Gaels in a 19-8 victory over the Western Mustangs in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Semi-final game held Saturday. The win advances Queen's to the OUA Championship held in Markham, Ont. next weekend.

Barrett would open the scoring early, just eight minutes into the game as he would intercept the ball in the Queen's end and return the ball the entire length of the pitch for the try.

Western had opportunities to pull close, but missed a penalty kick by their fly-half Peter Jawl of Victoria, B.C. to keep Queen's on top before the half. The Gaels would go on to take a 19-0 lead with tries coming from Thomas Binczyk of Victoria and Zach Pancer of Unionville, Ont.

The Mustangs would convert a penalty kick in the 33rd minute showing optimism heading into the half. The Mustangs would start the second half with a try as Matthew Barrett of Lindsay, Ont. scored to pull Western within eight.

While the Mustangs held the Gaels off the score sheet in the second half, Queen's dominate defence preserved the 19-8 victory and a berth in the OUA Championship final.

The Gaels will focus on the championship final being held next Saturday at Fletcher's Field in Markham, Ont. The Gaels, who were last year's runner-up will aim to defeat the McMaster Marauders who defeated Brock 29-14 in the other semi-final contest.

The Gaels have met McMaster only once this season with Queen's edging the Marauders 14-10.