VICTORIA - Brennig Prevost knocked through a crucial conversion late and the Vikes defence once again came up clutch when the team needed it the most in a 32-31 victory over the Castaway Wanderers in Oak Bay, Victoria on April 14.
 
The win came in the final regular season game for the Vikes and capped off an incredible second half of their season that saw them win their final eight games in a row.
 
Finishing the year with an 11-9 record, the Vikes claimed fifth-place in the BC Premier League and with the victory, set themselves up for a rematch with the fourth-place Wanderers in the playoffs next weekend.
 
"We are very dangerous with the ball," said Vikes head coach Doug Tate. "This was a very satisfying win with a lot turnovers, but in the end I think our pace paid off for us despite playing on a narrow field which does not really suit our style. We know that we will have to play much better next week."
 
Prevost once again led the way for offensively for the Vikes, scoring a try, a penalty goal and two conversions in the contest. James Pitblado, Ethan Hager, Gradyn Bowd and Tyler Wong all added one try apiece in the victory.
 
Captain Pitblado opened the Vikes scoring with a nice try, which top-scorer Prevost converted. Quickly after that, one of several turnovers saw Prevost score after a break up the side of the field.
 
Despite those quick points at the start of the game, the Vikes found themselves in unfamiliar territory, trailing at the halftime break for the first time in six games.
 
The second half started with the Vikes defending for long periods of time after penalties and turnovers hurt the team.
 
"We didn't take care of the ball when we had it," said Vikes assistant coach Rick Farrally. "You cannot let a team like Castaways have that much possession without consequences on the scoreboard."
 
Castaways stretched their lead to 31-15 before the Vikes came roaring back in the latter part of the second half.
 
Hager and Bowd scored in quick succession before the Vikes were able to score the final points of the game and claim the slim 32-31 victory.
 
"Wong scored the Vikes final try after Vikes attacked up the sideline," said Farrally. "Graduating prop forward Macbryan Bos had a run at the goal-line and was stopped just short but the Vikes forwards showed great resolve and patience before Wong crashed over the line. Prevost slotted the conversion which was critical for the win."
 
These two teams will be back in action next weekend when they meet in a BC Premier League quarter-final contest.
 
 
SCORING SUMMARY          
 
             1st     2nd    F     
VIC:      12       20     32
CW:      16       15     31
 
SCORERS
 
Brennig Prevost (1T, 1P, 2C)  James Pitblado (1T), Ethan Hager (1T), Gradyn Bowd (1T), Tyler Wong (1T)