GUELPH, Ont. - The Laurier Golden Hawks saw their three-game winning streak come to an end Friday night, falling 71-19 to the five-time defending OUA champion Guelph Gryphons at Varsity Field.

The loss drops Laurier to 3-2 on the season.

The Golden Hawks made a dream start, striking for two early tries to seize a 12-0 lead.

Drew McQueen opened the scoring in the fourth minute, with Jack Gore adding the conversion, before Ben Calconi crossed the try line six minutes later to extend the advantage.

Guelph responded midway through the opening half, getting on the board through Heath Barnett-Ritcey before Will Gordon's try in the 28th minute evened the score.

The Gryphons grabbed their first lead five minutes later when Jackson Priestman touched down, and a late try from Evan Wilson helped the hosts carry a 26-12 advantage into the break.

Laurier answered just before halftime as McQueen recorded his second try of the night and Gore converted to pull the Golden Hawks within seven points at 26-19.

That's as close as Laurier would get.

The Gryphons took control immediately after the restart, with Liam Bowman scoring tries in the 42nd and 46th minutes to ignite a dominant second half.

Priestman completed a hat trick, while Charles Trollip, Will Rigby and Jon Musabelliu also added tries as Guelph finished the contest on a 45-0 run.

The Golden Hawks will look to bounce back and close out the regular season on a high note next Sunday when they host the Western Mustangs on Senior Day at University Stadium in Waterloo.

Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m., with admission free for all fans.