The University of Victoria Vikes men's rugby squad headed to Vancouver, Feb. 22 looking for their first victory of 2014 against Capilano RFC. Despite a strong opening half of play in snow-covered conditions, the Vikes fell 35-19 to move to 4-4 on the season.
 
SCHEDULE /  STANDINGS
 
Victoria began Saturday's contest with a three-straight tries in the contest to gain an early 19-3 lead. Vike Sean Duke returned to the Vikes lineup for the first time in 2013-14 varsity season, collecting one of three Vikes tries. Teammate Nathan Yanagiya, facing brother and Capilano leading scorer Matt Yanagiya also posted a Vikes try, along with second-year Lukas Balkovec, while Pat Kay added two conversions.
 
Unforced errors began to rear their head with 15 minutes left in the opening half, as several unforced errors by the Vikes resulted in Capilano possessions that were converted into tries. Vikes defenders were unable to halt the Capilano momentum as the home club chipped back to finish the first half trailing 19-18.
 
The second half of play saw the Vikes offence dry up while Capilano continued to convert on their opportunities. Capilano Adam Zaruba was the difference in the second half, making several breaks down the field for his squad and posting two tries.
 
The Vikes attempted to get a bonus point in the remaining minutes of the game, but were unable to do so, dropping to 4-4 on the season and dropping to fourth in league standings, while Capilano jumped into third place.
 
"I thought we opened up with the best 20 minutes of the play this season," said Vikes head coach Doug Tate. "We played really well. A couple unforced errors were the difference in the game, we tried to battle back late for the bonus point but couldn't do it."
 
The Vikes will return to the mainland to face host Burnaby Lake RFC, Mar. 1, looking for their fifth win of the season. For more information please visit www.govikesgo.com
 
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