VICTORIA – The University of Victoria Vikes men's rugby team dropped their first loss of the Premier League season Saturday afternoon, losing 45-38 to rival club James Bay Athletic Association at Macdonald Park. The Vikes, who lost members Jamie MacKenzie and Nathan Yanagiya to national team commitments, were unable to guard against a relentless James Bay attack.
 
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After a dominating open half by James Bay, the Vikes found themselves down 29-5 in heading into the second half of play. They would put pressure on the opposing team, scoring three tries in under five minutes.  Following the offensive outburst, the Vikes would make a costly error on defense that would allow James Bay to score yet another try, stretching the lead once again. UVic would pull within seven points, but would be unable to score a final try to complete the comeback.
 
"We weren't ready to play James Bay," said head coach Doug Tate. "They were more physical than we were, we got overworked and we are going to have to work on that."
 
Full-back Kane Wyatt was a standout for the Vikes in the game, making several offensive breaks for the Vikes under pressure.  Second-year Fergus Hall led the Vikes in points, scoring a try and adding three conversions in the game. 
 
The Vikes will regroup to face Vancouver Rowing Club, Nov. 2 in Vancouver, B.C.

UVic scorers:

Reed (1), du Plessis (1), Hrycyk (1), Kay (1), Hall (1, 4 C)