VICTORIA, B.C. - The University of Victoria Vikes men's field hockey team fell 4-0 to the visiting Vancouver Hawks team, Nov. 22, in the Vancouver Premier League.

The visiting Hawks boasted an experienced line up that included the international experience of former and current Canadian national team players David Jameson, Iain Smythe and Ben Martin. The trio were well supported by the experience of Frank Paine and Oliver Scholfield.
 
The Vikes were forced to compete without their top players Brenden Bissett and Josh Brown. Bissett is currently in Raipur, India with the Canadian senior national team competing in the Hockey World League Finals as part of their continued preparation for the Rio 2016 Olympics.
 
The Hawks opened play earning a penalty corner from Smythe in the fifth minute of play. Martin stick stopped for Paine whose low but drilling flick beat Vikes keeper Jack Matthews low on his non-stick side. The Hawks continued to dominate offensively off their 1-0 advantage as a right side attack from Hamish Love found the sliding stick of Smythe, whose shot deflected just wide right.
 
In the 11^th minute Nathan Oldfield was free on the left side of the circle and he sent a low back-hand cross through dangerous territory. Hawks forward Andy Thomas was able to deflect the ball low from close range for a 2-0 Hawks lead.
 
The Vikes had few attacking chances but did earn a penalty corner off a Hawks foot in the circle in the 14^th minute. Defender Amardeep Sidhu's drag flick was on target but saved by the pads of Hawks keeper Cam Musie to preserve his team's lead.
 
In the 47^th minute a strong run from Vikes midfielder and Youth Olympic Games silver medallist Harbir Sidhu drew the Vikes' first penalty corner of the second half. Sidhu's ensuing flick was blocked by Jameson sending the Hawks on a streaking counter-attack where they were able to capitalize. A left side attacked allowed a clean deflection by Thomas that put the visitors up 3-0. The Hawks were able to add a fourth through Oliver Scholfield to sweeten their lead and continue to control the game with lots of time on the clock, up 4-0.
 
In the 55^th minute the Vikes had an attacking opportunity through Jack Hyslop who was able to feed Aidan Pye. The speedy forward drew three Hawks defenders before curling strong and firing a forehand shot that was saved by the left toe of Musie to keep the Vikes off the board.
 
Paine had another penalty corner opportunity for the Hawks with under three minutes to go but Vikes defender Riley Tringham did well inside the post to deflect wide of Matthews' cage.
 
The Vikes were unable to penetrate the Hawks back line and Vancouver took the game with a final score of 4-0.
 
SCORING SUMMARY
UVIC: 0 – 0 : 0
VAN: 2 – 2 : 4
 
SCORING LEADERS
UVIC:
VAN: Frank Paine (5'), Andy Thomas (11', 50'), Olivier Scholfield (55')
 
PENALTY CORNERS
UVIC: 2
VAN: 8
 
GOAL KEEPER SAVES
UVIC: Jack Matthews (70:00 min) 4
VAN: Cam Musie (70:00 min) 3