VICTORIA – The fresh legs for the University of Victoria Vikes carried them to victory in their 2019-20 B.C. Rugby Union Premier League opener Saturday afternoon at Windsor Park.
 
The younger unit eventually wore down the Castaway Wanderers 43-31.
 
"Our fitness is going to be our biggest advantage this year when we go up against some of the older teams," said Mostyn Findlay, a third-year centre for the Vikes.
 
The Vikes scored two quick tries to jump ahead 12-0 early, but a pair of unforced errors handed momentum back to the Wanderers. The Vikes took a 15-14 lead into half.
 
"We came out strong and hung with them in the first half. In the second half, our cardio took over," said Findlay.
 
The Vikes turned on the gas in the second half. Fourth years Noah Bain and James O'Neil each posted a pair of tries. Thomas Di Fiore added a try from the flanker position and freshman Jarvis Dashkewytch punched in a try in his first game as a Vike. Jenner Tuefel of Duncan, B.C., scored one penalty kick and five converts for 13 points.
 
The early-season offensive outburst will definitely help out later on in the season, as the Vikes pick up an extra point in the standings for registering at least four tries.