VICTORIA (November 21, 2018) - The Queen's Gaels started off their journey for a national title with a resounding 76-5 win over the Maritimes University of New Brunswick Ironmen on Wednesday evening in Victoria at Wallace Field.

GAME FLOW
The Gaels wasted no time getting on the scoreboard in what were wet and cold conditions in Victoria. Queen's touched down the games first six tries in the opening half with six different Gaels finding pay dirt. Connor Jaques went 4/6 on converts and the Gaels were up 38-5 at the end of the first half.

UNB was no match for the OUA champions as Queen's was able to even their first half points total with another 38 in the second half, this time allowing none to their opponents.

Noah King and Will McArthur each touched down a pair of tries in the second half while Jaques again converted on 4/6 in the second half despite the rain, cold and wind. For the day Jaques was an impressive 8/12 in tough conditions.

Queen's, who now sit atop Pool B at 1-0, will meet the host Victoria Vikes on Thursday at 5 pm ET as the Vikes open up thier tournament. A win over Victoria would assure Queen's a spot in the National Championship match. 

All games are streamed live on the Rugby Canada facebook page, while scores, recaps and more are available at govikesgo.com/rugby. To purchase tickets for the championship, visit govikesgo.com/tickets.

FINAL SAY
"We didn't know what to expect from UNB coming into this match today," said Dave Butcher, in his second year as head coach of the Gaels. "In preparation for this game, we focused on just playing our on style and set up systems that we thought would lead to success. We have to give credit to the way UNB came out to start the game today. They were physical and tough around the breakdowns. In the second half I think we were able to showcase the speed we have throughout our line up," added Butcher.

MUST SEE

M🏉| It's all Gaels in Victoria as they now lead 17-0 after this try over UNB. Christian Futschick with the try
—#RugbyCA #LeadTheWay pic.twitter.com/VCQ5wMsHg6

— Queen's Gaels (@queensgaels) November 21, 2018

 
GAME MVPs
QUE: #4 Noah King
UNB: #3 Jonathan Velma
 
SCORING SUMMARY
                  1       2       F
QUE:        38     38     76
UNB:         5       0      5
 
FIRST HALF
7': QUE Try- #14 Sam Ibbotson (Convert missed) 5-0 QUE
10': QUE Try- #12 Cully Quirke (Convert Connor Jaques) 12-0 QUE
14': QUE Try- #7 Christian Futschik (Convert Missed) 17-0 QUE
17': QUE Try- #2 Steven Lockhart (Convert Connor Jaques) 24-0 QUE
22': QUE Try- #15 James MacDonald (Convert Connor Jaques) 31-0 QUE
26': QUE Try- #8 Nick De Lallo (Convert Connor Jaques) 38-0 QUE
30': UNB Try- #13 Nikolas Wood (Convert Missed) 38-5 QUE

SECOND HALF
34': QUE Try- #4 Noah King (Convert Missed) 43-5 QUE
39': QUE Try- #11 Jonny Variano (Convert Connor Jaques) 50-5 QUE
43': QUE Try- #5 Zach Rensink (Convert Connor Jaques) 57-5 QUE
55': QUE Try- #9 Will McArthur (Convert Connor Jaques) 64-5 QUE
59': QUE Try- #4 Noah King (Convert Connor Jaques) 71-5 QUE
60': QUE Try- #9 Will McArthur (Convert Missed) 76-5 QU
 
2018 CANADIAN UNIVERSITY MEN'S RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP
VICTORIA, B.C.
 
Wednesday November 21
Pool A: UBC Thunderbirds (41) vs. Concordia Stingers (8)
Pool B: Queen's Gaels (76) vs. New Brunswick Ironmen (5)
 
Thursday, November 22
Pool A: UBC Thunderbirds vs. Guelph Gryphons (12:00 p.m. – Wallace Field)
Pool B: Queen's Gaels vs. Victoria Vikes (2:00 p.m. – Wallace Field)
 
Friday, November 23
Pool A: Guelph Gryphons vs. Concordia Stingers (4:00 p.m. – Centennial Stadium)
Pool B: Victoria Vikes vs. New Brunswick Ironmen (6:00 p.m. – Centennial Stadium)
 
Saturday, November 24
5^th Place Game (2:00 p.m. – Wallace Field)
 
Sunday, November 25
Bronze Medal Game (11:00 a.m. – Centennial Stadium)
Gold Medal Game (1:00 p.m. – Centennial Stadium)