VICTORIA- The University of Victoria Vikes men's rugby team held a 19-12 lead over the UBC Thunderbirds at half time but were unable to contain the T-birds in the second half. The Vikes conceded 33 points in the second half in what turned out to be a 45-26 loss at home on Oct. 20 at Wallace Field. 
 
This match between the T-birds and Vikes held value in the Legends Cup, Wightman Boot series and the BC Premier league. The win earned UBC two more points in the Legends Cup standings and lead in the Wightman Boot series with the second leg to be played in Vancouver on Jan. 12. The loss drops the Vikes to a 1-3 record in the BC Premiership league standings.
 
"Our scrumming struggled today which resulted in a lot of possession for UBC," said Vikes head coach Doug Tate. "We took too many penalties off our scrums which gave the territorial advantage to UBC and they were able to capitalize."
 
The Thunderbirds struck first in this Legends Cup match, scoring in the corner to give them the early 5-0 lead.  Shortly after, newcomer Isaac Kaay forced a turnover deep in UBC territory but Bowd wasn't able to slot the penalty kick, keeping the score 5-0 in favour of the T-birds. 
 
In the 18^thminute, a Vikes' cross kick landed perfectly allowing winger Kapi Vataiki to put the first five points up on the board for Victoria. 
 
Kaay made his presence felt in the 27^thminute, the national team back evaded two UBC defenders with back-to-back fake passes to open enough space to run the full length of the field for the second Vikes score of the game. 
 
"He has been a huge addition to our team," commented Tate. "the international experience he has combined with his physicality and overall skill makes him such a dangerous player on the field at any point in a game."
 
Thunderbirds outside centre Ben Lesage, who also has national team experience, answered back quickly for UBC scoring off a set piece to tie the game up at 12-12. 
 
Vikes prop Gui Costa powered his way over the goal line late in the first half to restore the Vikes seven point leading heading into the break. 
 
The Thunderbirds came out firing in the second half scoring a try early before scoring two more in the 60^thand 63^rdminutes to take a 31-19 lead over the Vikes. 
 
Ollie Nott would break the UBC line in the 67^thminute to set up Kaay for his second try of the match, pulling the Vikes back to with in one score. 
 
Despite a strong defensive stand in the final 10 minutes, the Vikes would allow the Thunderbirds over the line twice more, securing the victory for UBC by a final score of 45-26. 
 
Up next, the Vikes will host the undefeated Castaway Wanderers on Friday Nov. 9 at Centennial Stadium. Kick off at 7:00pm.
 
 
SCORING SUMMARY          
 
              1st      2nd       F     
VIC:       19        5         26
UBC:    12        33       45


 
SCORERS:
 
Kaay (2T), Bowd (3C), Costa (1T), Vataiki (1T)