VICTORIA – The reigning provincial champs UVic Vikes men's rugby team fell 37-23 to James Bay in their home opener on Saturday afternoon.

The Bays led 24-17 at the half with tries coming courtesy of Thyssen De Goede, Jason Marshall and Eric Forsythe. #Struan Robertson# and #Phil Mack# each went over for the Vikes in the opening frame, but the students were unable to record another try in the second half.

With the Vikes trailing 30-23 in the dying minutes, Bays winger John Moonlight was awarded a penalty try, which Connor Braid converted for the 37-23 victory.

Braid went 7-for-7 between the uprights with three penalties and four conversions for a team-high 17 points. Mack led all scorers with 18 points registering a try, two conversions, two penalties and a drop goal.

“I think the boys played really well for our first game together,” Robertson said. “Obviously James Bay are a well-seasoned team and they're a pretty cohesive group. But all things aside, we played pretty well and I think we stuck in there.”

The Vikes now head to Cowichan next Saturday, September 25th to face off against the Piggies. Kick off at Herd Road is scheduled for 2:45pm.

Scoring Summary:

First Half: Uvic 17, James Bay 24
Second Half: Uvic 23, James Bay 37
.
James Bay (37)
Tries: Thyssen De Goede ('3), Jason Marshall ('26), Eric Forsythe ('30), John Moonlight ('78)
Conversions: Connor Braid x4
Penalties: Connor Braid x 3

Uvic Vikes (23)
Tries: # Struan Robertson# ('22), #Phil Mack# ('32),
Conversions: Phil Mack x2
Penalties: Phil Mack x2
Drop Goal: Phil Mack