VICTORIA – The University of Victoria Vikes men's rugby team is set to make their return to CDI Premier League action this weekend, Feb. 20, against the James Bay Athletic Association. Their return comes after a successful 10-day trip to Australia from Feb. 4-14. The Vikes are 1-1 in the standings of the premier season that just began in January, while James Bay sits behind the first-placed UBC Thunderbirds (2-1).
This weekend's Bays-Vikes match up will take place at Macdonald Park.
The Vikes have had nearly a week to recover from their tour to Australia that included two friendly matches and four training sessions. The Vikes dispatched Merewether Carlton Rugby Club 44-27 on Feb. 10 before winning a close match, 22-19, on Feb. 13 against Eastern Suburbs, Australia's oldest district rugby union club.
Third-year Vikes fullback
Fergus Hall and second-year lock
Jonas Blomberg will not dress this weekend due to injury, paving opportunity for first-year fullback
Jack Nyren to earn some playing time with the varsity team.
The Vikes will welcome back third-year centre
Joseph Erlic from injury and first-year eight-man
Bhiamie Williamson,who did not join the Vikes on their Australian tour.
Luke Bradley, Guiseppe du Toit and
Oliver Nott will also return to the Vikes lineup after their Canadian Under 20 team lost out in their World Junior Trophy against the USA on Feb. 13.
"Both teams are always up to the challenge of playing one another," said Vikes assistant caoch
Rick Farrally. "We're expecting a lively game this weekend."
The Vikes are familiar with their island rivals having faced them three times already in the Barnard Cup series that qualified both teams for the CDI Premier League. The Vikes confidently beat the Bays on Sept. 19 (32-0) and Oct. 16 (41-22) but edged them by just three points on Nov. 7 (29-26). With changing rosters all season due to injuries and national team commitments, it could be two different teams facing off this weekend.
The Vikes and Bays will kick off at Macdonald Field at 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 20.
