With a boisterous crowd of alumni on hand baying for a win, the Marauder men's rugby team did not disappoint on Saturday.

McMaster hit its offensive stride midway through the first half, and cruised past the Toronto Varsity Blues to the tune of 43-10 at Back 10 Field.

A commendable defensive effort in the early minutes saw the Blues hold the Marauders off the scoreboard for the first 10 minutes of the match, but once they crossed the end line for the first time, the hosts took a firm hold on proceedings.

Mitch Santilli capped a dominant opening half with a try that Jamie Leveridge converted to give the Marauders a 26-0 lead at the break.

With a comfortable cushion, McMaster used the opportunity to empty its bench, and substitute Casey Bouk got his name on the scoresheet when he touched down for a 38-5 advantage.

Two mental lapses created easy tries for the Blues, and coach Dan Pletch will likely spend the week ironing those kinks out of his team's game. But with the lead they enjoyed, the Marauders were hardly made to pay for the mistakes.

The Marauders return to action, and to their home grounds at Back 10 Field, when they welcome the Queen's Gaels to Hamilton on Sunday, September 28. The teams will hear the opening whistle at 1:00 p.m. that afternoon.