VICTORIA - The University of Victoria VIkes men's field hockey team found their first win, 1-0, over the United Brothers in the Vancouver premier league on Nov. 10. A perfectly executed set piece from Sam Jones gave the Vikes their first three points of the season after a close 6-5 loss just a day before to India Club.

The double-header weekend was tough for the Vikes who played less than 24 hours prior with only one substitute. The slower, methodical pace of the United Brothers suited the VIkes, who conserved energy after Jones' goal in the 55th minute. 

Both teams exchanged chances in the opening frame but excellent defensive work quarter-backed by fifth year David Bell, along with rookie keeper Toby Owen kept the game scoreless at half. Owen was called to action on two penalty corners in the first half.

In the second half, the Vikes began to pace the Brothers, increasing the intensity and speed on the pitch. Momentum started to tilt towards the Vikes, who travelled to Surrey for the match. Derek Wiggins had an open shot from the right side of the circle that was denied by the United Brothers' keeper. Aidan Pye, who scored two goals the day before, also missed a diving tip at the far post to keep the game scoreless.

The Vikes fended off two more second-half penalty corners, while the game started to see more end-to-end action as the Vikes became more offensive, looking to get on the board. Owen continued to shut the door on several quailty chances, while gritty defence continued to stymie the strong Brothers attack line.

In the 55th minute Jones, also a member of team Canada, lifted the Vikes 1-0. Jones drag flicked the ball into the top left corner for the game-winner and tilted momentum heavily in favour of his team. The Vikes continued to hem the Brothers in their end, not allowing for any come-back.

The Vikes had a chance to lift their advantage by two on a penalty corner in the 60th minute but the United Brothers' keeper made an excellent save. One more chance to get on the board fell in the hand sof Brenden Bissett and Prabh Sahota in the final minutes of play but they were unable to capitalize.

The Vikes were forced to compete all weekend without junior national team member Tyler Klenk, who is recovering from a concussion.

The Vikes finished with a 1-0 win, their first of the season, with shutout credits going to first year Owen.

The Brothers will have their chance to redeem themselves as the Vikes will host them this week, Nov. 16, at 2:00 p.m. at UVic's field hockey pitch. 

SCORING SUMMARY
UVIC: 0 - 1 : 1
UBRO: 0 - 0 : 0

SCORING LEADERS
UVIC" Sam Jones (55')
UBRO: N/A