The Mustangs football team had its 2004 season come to an abrupt and disappointing end on Saturday as Western lost its Ontario University Athletics semi-final to the McMaster Marauders 40-23.

In a game that was expected to showcase both teams’ impressive offensive abilities, the Mustangs faltered and were shut out in the first half as McMaster built a 30-0 lead.

Western receivers had problems catching the football for much of the afternoon, and the offense could find little rhythm.

The Mustangs finally gained some momentum in the second half, scoring 15 unanswered points, but a turnover in the fourth quarter snuffed out any hopes Western had of rallying.

Meanwhile, McMaster running back Jesse Lumsden continued his dominant season, rushing for 217 yards and a touchdown before leaving the contest with a knee injury.

The Mustangs will now have to watch McMaster try and capture its fifth-consecutive Yates Cup. The Marauders visit the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks next Saturday, a team that defeated McMaster 34-33 earlier this season.

—Ian Van Den Hurk