 Media Credit: Kristen Mallory The Trottier Building stands as the backdrop during the ruggers´ win.
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Redmen 26, Vert et Or 3
The McGill Redmen qualified for the Quebec Student Sports Federation rugby final for the third year in a row, disposing of the Sherbrooke Vert et Or 26-3 Sunday at Rutherford Park. In a rematch of last season's semifinal when the Redmen were almost upset by the Vert et Or, McGill was determined not to let anything get in the way of a return trip to the final.
McGill kept Sherbrooke pinned in its own end in the first half with an onslaught of runs and precise kicks. The Redmen utilized their speed to break through the Vert et Or line, with Matthew Ruben weaving his way around several players to score a try. After a placekick by fly-half Matt De Graff, the Redmen went up 7-0.
Following the try, the Vert et Or worked their way into the McGill end and took advantage of a Redmen penalty to close the gap to 7-3. However, the Sherbrooke players did not make the most of the slight shift in momentum. Instead, the Vert et Or committed several miscues in their own end, and McGill was able to convert another penalty kick midway through the half and re-establish its dominance.
The Redmen opened the second half with an early penalty kick after a late hit by Sherbrooke, pushing their lead to 13-3. Only minutes after he converted that opportunity, De Graff continued the scoring with a spectacular drop goal from about 25 metres out.
McGill asserted itself with dominant forward play, keeping Sherbrooke scrambling for possession of the ball. With several strong phases by the McGill forwards, Robin MacLachlan broke through numerous attempted tackles to score a try untouched.
The remainder of the half consisted of an intense attack, especially through set pieces by the Redmen forwards. Their effort resulted in another penalty kick toward the end of the half by De Graff to round out the scoring. De Graff finished with an impressive 16 points.
Coach Sean McCaffrey said the Redmen are primed for the championship after Sunday's effort.
"We are definitely the favourites coming into this game with the way we have played this season... it's ours to lose," he said.
McGill players echoed the coach's opinion with regards to the Redmen's chances to repeat as QSSF champs.
"This game was a warm-up for us," declared Dylan Kannott. "We have some tough practices ahead of us [to prepare for the game], and whoever plays us next week better bring their best game."
Bishop's upset Concordia and will play McGill in the final. However, captain Pat Weldon was not concerned about his team's next opponent.
"Our defence is solid and we have a strong core of guys. It really doesn't matter who we play," he said.
McGill won both meetings between the two teams this season by scores of 22-11 and 26-20.
The final is on Sunday, with the Redmen needing only one win to record consecutive undefeated seasons.
2008 Woodie Awards
