VICTORIA - The University of Victoria Vikes men's field hockey team picked up their first point of the season after a 2-2 draw with the West Vancouver Millionaires on Nov. 2 at Rutledge Field in West Vancouver, B.C. The Vikes had two second-half goals that came from Derek Wiggins and Sam Jones.

Both teams came out of the gate with high presses and ball speed despite the windy and rainy conditions. Thw down pour didn't seem to slow either team as the game was end-to-end. Rookies Greg Tonkin and Riley Tringham had breakout performances after being given the dutiful task of shutting down and experienced West Vancouver midfield line.

The Vikes had only one penalty corner opportunity in the first half and were unable to capitalize, while rookie keeper Toby Owen continued to show his agility defending successive penalty corners. 

The visiting Vikes dropped a huge turnover in their midfield line that sprung former Vike and now turned Millioniare James Kirkpatrick on a rush that resulted in the lone first-half goal. Owen made several key saves while the sprawling Vikes defence tried to clear the ball but an overload from the West Vancouver back line resulted in extra people and a 1-0 lead for the home team.

Trailing by one entering the second half the Vikes came out with a burst of energy, showing a clear dominance in fitness. The Vikes generatied several turnovers and put the Millionaires under immense pressure. Forwards Trevor Feehan and Brenden Bissett created a few promising chances but couldn't finish. Shortly after, Tringham sprung Pye who had an open opportunity but the ball went just wid of the post.

Momentum was heavily in favour of the young Vikes who finally capitalized in the 58th minute. Wiggins stripped the ball from brother and former Vike Graham Wiggins in the midfield and beat West Vancouver's last defender. Wiggins had the pass option to Pye but calmly slid the ball under the keeper to tie the game at one. 

The Vikes continued to knock on the door for the go-ahead goal with lots of scrambles in front of the net. After several opportunities the VIkes were finally awarded a penalty stroke, on which Jones made no mistake. The ball went into the top corner to give the Vikes the 2-1 edge.

The stroke sent a wake up call to the West Vancouver team who finally generated an opportunity through team Canada standout Jesse Watson. Watson entered the circle on the left side and took a back hand shot from a sharp angle that slotted perfectly past an out-stretched Owen's pads to tie the game at two.

The 2-2 final score was the first point for the Vikes in their 2013 premier league campaign.

SCORING SUMMARY
VIC: 0 - 2 : 2
WV: 1 - 1 : 2

SCORING LEADERS
VIC: Derek Wiggins (1), Sam Jones (1)