For Black and Gold Day 2019, the Warriors’ Men’s Rugby Team hosted the Guelph Gryphons at CIF. The Gryphons took the match by a score of 36-14, controlling the game from the beginning as the Warriors struggled to find their offense. The match was the OUA season opener for both teams.
Black and Gold Day is a tradition at UW during Welcome Week each Sept. Usually, the Warriors’ Men’s Football Team plays their first home game of the season for the occasion, but this year the rugby team had the honours.
As part of Welcome Week for incoming students, the match was beyond the usual home game spectacle. First years received faculty t-shirts, had the opportunity to compete in some small games organized by RBC, and enjoyed a free BBQ lunch.
The team took the field running through a giant inflatable Warrior helmet and was greeted by a large crowd which filled both the bleachers and the opposite sideline. Cheerleaders and Welcome Week leaders led crowd chants throughout the match.
While the crowd was impressive, the Warriors’ performance on the field couldn’t keep up. The Gryphons—who finished last season second in the OUA—were bigger and stronger than the UW team. They used this advantage to force turnovers and advance quickly downfield. UW showed grit in the second half, fighting back and even pulling within a single try. Guelph eventually pulled away and took a commanding 36-7 lead before the Warriors added another try late for a final score of 36-14.
UW Fullback Paul Schroeder had a strong game, making long bomb kicks and leading the team defensively on the backline.
The UW Rugby Team is looking forward to facing the University of Toronto on Sept. 14.
