It was a banner year for the Brock Badgers men's rugby team as they made the OUA semifinals for the first time since 2019.
To get there, the Badgers went undefeated in regular season play, including a win over the Queen's Gaels 22-19 for the first time in program history on Saturday, October 7.
On Saturday, November 4, the Badgers took on that same Queen's team but came up short, falling 28-10.
The Badgers got the game started with a penalty kick off the foot of senior flyhalf/centre Steven Commerford.
Queen's countered with a try and conversion to take a 7-3 lead in the 26th minute. A penalty kick six minutes later gave the visitors a 10-3 advantage.
The Badgers' defence prevented any more damage in the first half as the Gaels held a slim 10-3 lead at the break.
Starting out of the half, the Gaels continued scoring off penalty kicks, earning three more points in the 44th minute.
A big run from Commerford plus his conversion dropped the Queen's lead down to just three at 13-10 in the 50th minute.
Queen's added 15 more points off two tries, a conversion and penalty kick to take the game 28-10.
The Badgers put in a great effort but were unable to beat the Gaels for the second time this season.
Head coach Sean Medeiros has a lot to be excited about as the program continues to trend in the right direction. With their only loss coming in the playoffs, this team should be able to ride a lot of momentum heading into 2024.
