WATERLOO, Ont. - The Laurier Golden Hawks men's rugby team picked up their second consecutive win on Sunday afternoon, defeating the McMaster Marauders 47-14 at University Stadium.
After McMaster cut the deficit to five points early in the second half, Laurier took control of the match with 28 unanswered points to secure the decisive home victory.
The Golden Hawks struck first when
Ethan Mark crossed the line just two minutes into the contest. McMaster responded midway through the opening half with a converted try to take a 7-5 lead.
Laurier regained momentum before the break. Mark scored his second try of the afternoon in the 29th minute, with
Jack Gore - making his season debut after representing Rugby Canada in Japan - converting to put the Golden Hawks back in front.
Minutes later, Ben Campbell added another try and Gore's second conversion helped Laurier carry a 19-7 advantage into halftime.
The Marauders opened the second half with a converted try to trim the deficit to 19-14, but the Golden Hawks responded immediately.
Lucas Murchison found the try zone in the 51st minute and Gore added the conversion to restore a 12-point cushion.
Laurier continued to press the attack as Will Reddon scored in the 71st minute before
Devonne Henry added another try seven minutes later.
Gore converted both attempts as the Golden Hawks extended their lead to 40-14.
The hosts capped the scoring in the closing minutes when
Senuk Fernando crossed the line for Laurier's seventh try of the match.
Gore's conversion completed the 47-14 final, as he finished with 14 points, converting seven of Laurier's eight tries.
With the win, Laurier improves to 2-1 on the season.
The Golden Hawks will travel to St. Catharines, Ont., on Sunday, October 4 to face the Brock Badgers.
Kickoff at Brock Alumni Field is scheduled for 1 p.m. local time.
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