KINGSTON, Ont. (November 4th, 2018) – The Queen's Gaels Men's Rugby Team (8-0,1-0) defeated the Waterloo Warriors (6-2,1-1) 59-16 at Nixon Field in the OUA semifinals on Sunday afternoon. With the win the Gaels have booked their ticket to the OUA Championship for the fifth consecutive season against the Guelph Gryphons. Queen's will host Guelph at Nixon Field for the second straight year.
GAME FLOW
The Gaels struggled with Waterloo's grinding physical play early on and the Warriors were able to take advantage with three early penalty goals from Mitch Voralek in the 5
th, 19
thand 24
th minutes. On the strength of these kicks, the Warriors held a surprising 9 to 0 lead through the halfway mark of the first half.
The Gaels would come back with a strong response late in the half, scoring three tries in the span of twelve minutes and taking a 19-9 lead into the halftime break.
In the second half, the Gaels continued to add to the advantage, stretching the lead as far as 45-9 before the Warriors were able to break through for their first and only try of the match.
The Gaels would add two more tries in the final ten minutes sealing the result 59-16 and securing another berth in the OUA Finals against Guelph.
Leading the way for the Gaels were Josh Engelbrecht and
Trevor Helgason with two tries each, while
Dylan Young snuck in for a late try and added seven conversions.
BY THE NUMBERS
16 – Sixteen points is the second highest point total given up by the Gaels this season, a testament to both the Gaels defensive structure and a strong performance from Waterloo.
19 – The Gaels unbeaten run has now been extended to nineteen OUA matches.
40-13 – The score in the Gaels regular season victory over Guelph this season, whom they will match up against in the finals next weekend.
MUST SEE MOMENTS
After Waterloo took an early lead,
Michael Douros got the Gaels on the board with this try.
Patrick Lynott added to the Gaels second half lead with this highlight reel score.
FINAL SAY
"We were all pretty aware that they were going to come out hard in the opening twenty minutes. We just had to bare through it, stay physical and open the game up when they're tired and we're hitting our stride," said Gaels'
Dylan Young.
When asked about the upcoming OUA Championship, Young simply said: "This year I think it will be a close game again and I'm looking forward to the challenge ahead."
UP NEXT
Next weekend the Gaels will be hosting the Guelph Gryphons in the OUA Championship final. The match is set for Sunday November 11
at Nixon Field. Full game details and start time to be announced throughout the week.
