In a crucial game today, the men's lacrosse team defeated Western 6-2, moving the team to 5-3 on the season and a step closer to a playoff spot in the quarter finals. From the opening face off, it was apparent that Guelph had home field advantage. As the Western draw man looked to move the ball forward he came out of his stance and was ready to fast break. The ball, however, was stuck in the mud and Gryphon draw man Paul Ryan scooped it up and put the Gryphons on offense from the outset. The field conditions would be a factor throughout the game and ultimately play in Guelph's favor.

The first quarter was a bit of a cat and mouse affair, with both teams somewhat tentative on the muddy field. While sloppy field conditions usually benefit the offense, Guelph's defense maintained great position and did not over commit. Their communication was excellent and they managed to limit Western's chances. When Western was able to get free and shoot, Gryphon goaltender Gary Muzzin (Brampton, ON) was stellar. He made several saves in close that kept the Gryphons in the game early.

The only goal of the quarter came with 5 minutes remaining as Braden Gallant (Burlington, ON) found Jason Mainer (Orillia, ON) who buried the ball.

In the second quarter Guelph's offense, that has been struggling of late, found its stride. Mike Cameron (Mississauga, ON) made a great cut, took a feed from Braden Gallant and put the Gryphons up 2-0. Four minutes later, on the power play, Gallant fed Scott Fitchett (Scarborough, ON) who made no mistake. 3-0 Gryphons. With 6:30 remaining in the half, Joe Wasson (Peterborough, ON) playing the top of the power play, fired a cannon from outside that Western's goalie couldn't handle. The Gryphons held a 4-0 lead at the half.

Down 4-0 with possession of the ball and 2 seconds remaining in the half, Western as can be expected called for a stick check on a Guelph player. Kyle Andrews (Georgetown, ON) was found to have an illegal stick, resulting in a 3 minute non-releasable penalty. As a result Western would start the second half with possession of the ball and be on the power play.

Guelph 's defense were up to the challenge, and instead of playing passively on the man down, forced a turn over in the power play. The Gryphons managed to clear the ball into Western's end and ragged the ball for the remaining 2 minutes of the penalty. What could have been a disaster for Guelph turned into a crucial bounce in momentum for the Gryphons.

The defense carried that momentum through the third quarter. Long stick defensemen Mike Gillan (Orillia, ON) and rookie Ben Vangalen (Orangeville, ON) created several turnovers by stripping Western attack men. Long stick midfielders Colin Skyvington (Mississauga, ON), Brad Gallante (Burlington, ON) and rookie Kyle Andrews were stellar on loose balls. Guelph's short stick midfielders, who Western tried to exploit, shut down Westerns midfielders at every opportunity.

At the 7:48 mark of the third quarter Rusty Poulton (Toronto, ON) capitalized on a Gryphon power play, giving Guelph its fifth unanswered goal and the only goal of the quarter.

Going into the final quarter with a 5-0 lead, the Gryphons seemed to be wary of giving Western any momentum. Offensively, they began to be more deliberate and started taking time off of the clock. Defensively, they maintained their aggressive style but finally, eight minutes into the quarter, Western found the mark. Guelph was able to respond soon thereafter on a goal from Justin Wilson-Kirby (Oakville, ON), reestablishing its 5 goal lead. Western's defense started to pressure Guelph everywhere on the field, but the Gryphons managed to keep the ball and take time off the clock. Western mustered up a final tally with 2 minutes remaining but it was too little, too late.

Guelph coach was proud of his team's effort against Western. "We needed a convincing win and we got the all-round team performance that we were looking for. Our defense was dominant and our offense created, and took advantage of opportunities".

The win strengthens Guelph's playoff chances and if the Gryphons can win its next two games against McMaster at home on October 24 and at Brock on the 25^th, Guelph could manage a second place finish in their division and host a ¼ final game. Next weekend, the Gryphons will take part in their annual alumni game. It could prove to be a tough test however, as the Gryphon alumni are on a 3 game win streak.