LONDON, Ont.  – The Western Mustangs' men's rugby team came away with a convincing 34-8 win in their home opener against the Guelph Gryphons on Saturday. The match featured a dominant Mustangs' defensive game in the first contest held on Western's newly constructed Alumni Field. 
 
Western was able to score early in the match by capitalizing on key mistakes from the Gryphons. Fourth-year player Eric Selvaggi gave Western its first points early in the first half with a sideline run at 6:00. Tries from Western's captain Ade Ojo and Guelph's Graeme Mahar would set the score at 12-5 midway through the first half before another try from the Mustangs, this one from Mike Penczak, placed the score at 17-5 for the home team heading into halftime.
 
The second half saw a strong offensive push from the Gryphons, who pushed the ball to Western's goal line. Despite having their backs against the goal line Western's defenders refused to relent as they held off several drives from the Gryphons, all of which resulted in no points. The Mustangs were able to regain control of the match and added on tries from Jesse Richardson, Peter Gray, and Jarell Williams to finish the evening with a 34-8 win.
 
With the win, the Mustangs increase their record to 2-0, placing them atop the OUA standings. The Mustangs will be back in action on Saturday, September 21 as they host the McMaster Marauders at Alumni Field. Game time is set for 3:00 p.m.