Queen's Mens Rugby falls to Guelph Gryphons 38-22 in OUA Final

By Ian Donaldson

Last Thursday, Queen’s Men’s Rugby took on the Guelph Gryphons in an OUA final on the
road. It was the 8 th time in 10 seasons the two have met in a men’s rugby final, with Guelph
looking to take their third straight OUA gold at the Gaels’ expense. With a painful 34-17 regular
season loss to the Gryphons in the back of their minds, the Gaels would get off to an excellent
start—as a penalty right after kickoff allowed Queen’s points leader James Webb to kick for 3
and give the Gaels the lead just 2 minutes in.

Unable to capitalize off of time spent in Guelph territory, quick thinking by the Gryphons would
earn them a try and a 7-3 lead just under 10 minutes into the game. With not much between the
two sides for much of the first half, Guelph would score two more tries and head into half time
with a convincing 21-3 lead.

With Queen’s needing to set the tone early in the second half, it would be the Gryphons who
would strike first with a great individual try through a kick and chase. Guelph’s 4th try of the
night meant Queen’s were now 28-3 in the hole.

However, just minutes later Ben Greenstein would give the Gaels a lifeline with a great display
of individual skill down the left wing to cut the deficit to 20. Another Guelph try 10 minutes later
would make the climb back for Queen’s difficult, and a pair of Gaels tries through James Webb
and Dan Svoboda would come too late, as Queen’s would fall 38-22 to the Guelph Gryphons.
Despite the result, the Gael’s effort cannot be faulted. Ultimately, Guelph’s ability to consistently
break the gain line and limit their turnovers made the difference on the night.

Queen’s season isn’t over yet, as a top 2 finish in the OUA sees them qualify for the Canadian
University Men’s Rugby Championship in Langley, BC! Queen’s campaign for national glory
will kick off this Wednesday, November 15 against the UVIC Vikes.

Queen’s vs. Guelph final score: 38-22 Guelph
Tries: Greenstein (1), Webb (1), Svoboda (1)
Try conversions: Webb (2)
Penalty Kicks: Webb (1)