While a 60-20 victory over the Laurier Golden Hawks may seem like a blowout, it was clear to spectators that the Gaels took their foot off the gas pedal after leading 50-5 at halftime.

“It’s tough to do when you’re up 50 or so at half,” head coach Gary Gilks said, referring to the team’s inconsistency in the latter period.

With the win, men’s rugby improved to 5-1 on the season, which ties them in a second-place with the Western Mustangs in the OUA.

Alex Colborne picked up 19 points on the day for the Gaels, including two tries.

Tries were also picked up by Jeff MacDonald, Teddy Taggart, Lucas Rumball, Kainoa Lloyd, Kevin Rush, Matt Beukeboom and Will McArthur. 

The second half saw the substitution of many key starters, including their captain, Rumball, when Queen’s play began to deteriorate. Gilks told his players after the game they played a “nearly perfect” first half, but wasn’t as kind in his critique of their second half performance.

“I think next week, we’re going to do a lot to develop leaders,” Gilks said. “[We need more than] just the captain, but other guys on the field to take leadership roles and keep the tempo up.”

The game was played with light snow and 5-degree temperatures, but Gilks said it wasn’t a factor in his team’s play.

“The weather had no impact,” he said. “It was chilly, but the guys loved it.”

The game was the first of three consecutive home matches to finish off the season. The team will play U of T’s Varsity Blues this Saturday followed by a game against the McMaster Marauders on Halloween.

“Being at home for three weeks is great,” Gilks said. “Guys are happy playing in front of their fans, sleeping in their own beds. This has probably been the best schedule for us that I remember.”

The Gaels will look to finish their final two games with victories, which Gilks said is possible with a few adjustments.

“It’s just ironing out the few things we did wrong and executing what we’re trying to accomplish,” he said.