VICTORIA - The University of Victoria men's rugby team was narrowly defeated by Westshore RFC, 32-31, Oct. 5 on Wallace Field.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Vikes get on the board first; Westshore takes lead

• Adam Doane opened the game scoring, shoving through the Westshore defender to touch the ball down in the in-goal in the sixth minute for the 5-0 Vikes lead.
• Two tries and converts by Westshore in the 11th and 15th minutes put the visitors in front, 14-5.

Casey scores two to end first half

• In the 18th minute, a Morgan Di Nardo run out of a scrum got the Vikes nearly to the try line. Muiredach Casey got the ball and dove over the line for the try to make it a four-point game, 14-10.
• After Westshore extended its lead to 19-10 with a try in the 25th minute, Casey was in the middle of a pack of Vikes that fought their way over the line, paving the way for Casey's second try of the day. With a successful convert by Alex Gamage, the Vikes pulled within two, 19-17, in the 34th minute.

Vikes take the lead to open second half

• In the 52nd minute, Reece Thompson spotted a gap and took advantage, diving through to score his first try as a Vike. With a second Gamage convert, the home side took a five-point lead, 24-19.

Westshore charges back

• A try by Westshore in the 59th minute tied the game at 24-24, and was followed by a penalty goal in the 74th minute and try in the 78th minute to put the visiting side back in front, 32-24.

M'Cloud scores as time expires

• With only seconds remaining in the game, a quick toss to Merlin M'Cloud led him to swoop past the Westshore defenders and score the final try of the day. Though Gamage was successful on the convert, the final whistle immediately followed and Westshore came away with the win, 32-31.

UP NEXT
The Vikes host the University of British Columbia Saturday, Oct. 19 at 2:30 p.m. on Wallace Field. Get your tickets here.