VICTORIA – The University of Victoria Vikes men's rugby team couldn't find its way past rivals the James Bay Athletic Association on Saturday, Feb. 20 as the Bays defeated the Vikes 33-21 in CDI Premier League action at Macdonald Park. The win moves the Bays to 3-1 this season while the Vikes are now 1-2.

"James Bay played a very good defensive game today," commented Vikes assistant coach Rick Farrally. "They were stiff out wide knowing we wanted to run the ball. You simply cannot spot a team like James Bay that may points through our own mistakes and hope to get a positive result. We had some good performances from Bhiamie Williamson, Isaac Kaay, Morgan Tate and Kevin Leask was immense around the field once again."

Saturday's loss came in the Vikes' return to league play following a 10-day trip to Australia that included two exhibition matches and four training sessions from Feb. 4-14.
 
The Vikes found themselves in trouble early, down 21-0 to the Bays 14 minutes into the game after Wes Block drove home their third try late in the first half to increase their advantage. Needless penalties were the Vikes' downfall as they conceded good field position for the Bays and ultimately easy points. 
 
After the Vikes found a lifeline by cutting the deficit to 14, Matt MacKenzie restored the Bays' hefty advantage by driving home a try to make the score 33-14. The Vikes would get a late try but it would be to no avail as the Bays took the contest with a final score of 33-21.

The Vikes played much better in the second half but by that time the damage had been done. The Vikes played catch-up all game and several times had James Bay on the ropes. Ultimately, little mistakes foiled the Vikes on the day and couldn't score from good field position. Macdonald played slippery all game, limiting the Vikes' expansive wide, quick game that has done them well this season.

First-year Vike Jack Nyren was a bright spot for the Vikes on his first-team debut, nailing three conversions through the uprights. Nyren was called to action after regular fullback Fergus Hall couldn't play due to injury.

The Vikes will look to respond on Feb. 27 against the Castaway Wanderers. Game time will go at 2:30 p.m. at Wallace Field.

Vikes' Scoring Summary:
UVIC: I. Kaay (1T), J. Erlic (1T), S. Herron (1T), J. Nyren (3C)