VICTORIA - The University of Victoria Vikes men's rugby team has advanced to the BC Premier title match after downing top-seeded James Bay 36-32, in an upset for the ages at Macdonald Park.

The Vikes secured the semifinal win on Saturday with a run of 17 unanswered points in the second half, which was capped off by a try from scrum half #Phil Mack#. Mack, formerly of the Bays, gave the Vikes their first lead of the game with just over 10 minutes remaining. UVic trailed 20-3 at one point in the opening frame.

"Of all the years I have coached, that was without question the gutsiest win," said Vikes head coach #Doug Tate#. "It was unbelievable what we pulled off given the injuries and guys not being available. It was an amazing effort."

The victory advances the short-staffed Vikes to next weekend's Rounsfell Cup against Meralomas, which will be hosted at UVic's Wallace Field on Saturday, May 15. It is the Vikes first appearance in the province's title game since 2003.

#Nathan Hirayama# led the Vikes in scoring with three penalty kicks, three conversions and a drop goal. The drop goal, with about 10 minutes remaining, stood as the game's winning points, and gave the Vikes just their second win at Macdonald Park in the past 12 tries.

"It doesn't get any sweeter than this - winning at Macdonald Park, against James Bay as an underdog," said Hirayama. "Even when we were down we still felt confident."

Dave Moonlight gave James Bay a comfortable lead in the first half, with the former Vike going over three times in the span of eight minutes. The last of his three scores put the Bays out in front 20-3 with 10 minutes left in the half.

Vikes tries came courtesy of #Nick Lubbe#, #Pat Riordan# and Phil Mack.

Meralomas won the other semifinal 29-9 over Capilano, and will defend their BC Premier title against the Vikes. Meralomas won the Rousnfell Cup in 2009, and earlier this year held UVic without a try the only time this season in a 22-9 romp at Jericho Park.

The Vikes only Rounsfell Cup victory came in 2003, with a victory over James Bay at UBC's Thunderbird Stadium.