WATERLOO – The Guelph Gryphons men's rugby team know that championship sides need depth. The Gryphons showed that Friday night in Waterloo. Guelph, using a lineup that was missing some key pieces, got past the Waterloo Warriors 43-5 in OUA action at the Columbia Ice Fields.

The Gryphons were down a few players who went to Colorado this weekend to represent the Ontario Arrows. But the young players stepping in didn't miss a beat. Third-year wing Brandon McLeod led the way with three tries and four conversions, helping the Gryphons improve to 2-0 on the young season. Five different players had tries for the defending OUA champions.

"It was a bit of a slow start but we eventually took over," said assistant coach Gary Robinson. "We did what we had to do and eventually found the necessary intensity."

Guelph went up quickly on a try from third-year wing Erich Milne in the fourth minute. But Waterloo answered right back a minute later. The Warriors picked up a bounce that went their way and carried it in for their own try, tying the match 5-5.

The Gryphons took over from there and by the second half, had found the gear they were looking for. Robinson was pleased with the balanced scoring and especially happy that younger players received chances with starters missing.

"We had a lot of fresh faces stepping into the 23," he said of the new-look roster. "It shows the depth we have. It's good that some young guys stepped in there and got the experience."

Guelph will now prepare for arguably its biggest test of the season at McMaster. The Gryphons take on the powerful Marauders next Sunday at 2 pm.

"The boys have already identified what they need to work on," said Robinson. "We'll have to correct those mistakes to compete against McMaster."