The McMaster women's rugby team took its next step in the OUA playoffs with a dominating 51-7 triumph over the Western Mustangs in semi-final action at Ron Joyce Stadium Saturday night.

The weather was a major factor in this game as it started in a driving rain and heavy winds.  The rain stopped but the blustery conditions played havoc with the kicking game.

The Marauders got on the scoreboard first on a try from Ashley Gordon, followed a few minutes later by Cindy Nelles, who crossed the touch-line.  Kicking into the wind saw McMaster miss both conversion attempts and the lead was 10-0 after 20 minutes.  

Western's Nicola Case then made a cheeky run off after picking off a Marauder pass and raced 60 yards to put the Mustangs on the board.  The conversion was successful and Western was back in the game at 10-7.

McMaster started to dominate physically and was controlling the scrum for the rest of the half.  Nelles scored another try and Abi Moody went over late in the half and at the break the Maroon lead had grown to 20-7.

With the wind behind them in the second half, McMaster got two early tries from Ashley Gordon and Nelles scored her third major of the game to match her teammate and make the advantage 39-7.

Now with a comfortable lead and able to use some substitutes in the later stages, McMaster got single tries from Mackenzie Wiens and Rina Charalampis to close out the scoring.

With three tries and two conversions, Ashley Gordon led the Marauders with a total of 19 points. 

The win advances the Marauders to the OUA Championship game next Saturday, October 31 at the University of Guelph.  The Gryphons advanced to the final with a 38-3 win over Queen's.

Check Marauders.ca as details on the OUA Finals will be posted when confirmed.