A strong first half showing was overturned in the second, as the McMaster men's rugby team lost its opening game of the OUA season 24-16 at the hands of the Guelph Gryphons. The visiting Marauders led 10-5 at the break, but were beaten by a late offensive surge by the hosts. McMaster drew to within a point at 17-16, but couldn't fully overturn the deficit.

Veteran Marauder scrum half Andrew Ferguson led all scorers with 11 points in the loss, notching three penalties and a convert, while fourth-year flanker Ryan Natale added a try. Eric Charest-Pekeski was the top scorer among the winners, scoring 10 points on two tries, while Scott Sopel and Stephen Seccareccia also had tries to their names.

McMaster has over a week to prepare for a bounce-back effort, as the Marauders meet the RMC Paladins at home on Sunday, September 15.