GUELPH – Size is a major attribute of the Guelph Gryphons men's rugby team. The defending OUA champions are a big side – and they used their power to work the Brock Badgers over in a one-sided 56-5 win at Varsity Field Saturday night.
In a meeting of undefeated teams, the Gryphons (4-0) showed they were too much for the Badgers, who had won their first three matches but spent much of Saturday going backwards on the pitch.
"We just wore them down on both sides of the ball," said Guelph coach
Cory Hector. "We were bigger and able to punish them when we were running at them and when we were defending.
"It was constant pressure."
Third-year flanker
Marcello Wainwright led the way with three tries, while rookie fly half
John Sheridan scored a try and nailed all eight conversion attempts for 21 total points.
Kolby Francis made his first appearance of the season after an injury kept him out and the third-year 8-man provided a try in 60 solid minutes of action.
Guelph had a sluggish opening but did get on the scoreboard just a few minutes into the match thanks to fifth-year prop
Samuel Evans. Francis added his about midway through the half after a great run from second-year prop
Mitchell Gleben. Sheridan's conversion would make it 14-0 and the Gryphons didn't look back.
The hosts were up 21-0 at the half but actually picked up the intensity when the subs came rolling in after the restart.
"There was a change of pace in the second half," said Hector, who was satisfied seeing the team add 35 more points. "The bench had a massive impact. It's what we want from them.
"It hadn't happened yet in previous matches this season but today, it was like they were shot out of a cannon."
Hector was also complimentary of Guelph's front row, which showed well all over the field but particularly in set pieces.
The Gryphons have now out-scored opponents 156-25 through four matches.
They face a tough test next week when they go to Kingston to take on the Queen's Gaels, who also sit at 4-0 after beating Western 26-8 earlier in the day. Match time is 1 pm on Saturday, Sept. 30 at Nixon Field.
