VICTORIA – The University of Victoria Vikes men's rugby team lost to the Castaway Wanderers, 38-21, in a muddy contest at Windsor Park, March 15.
Following a bit of donnybrook and early game antics, CW struck first for the 5-0 score. The home side's forwards worked hard, and were rewarded for their efforts in the 10th minute. Major League Rugby (MLR) experienced fly-half Gradyn Bowd's boot was true, and the score sat at 7-0.
CW would score again thanks to a clever move from Bowd who darted through a gap in his own end, only to boot the ball past the Vikes' 22 metres. The CW pack would do the rest, getting over the try line after several exchanges. The conversion sailed over, resulting in the 14-0 lead.
In the 33rd minute,
Dane Siebens rumbled over on the back of some hard work from the Vikes pack and good ball retention from their midfield for the try. Gareth Sander hit his conversion, bringing the score to 14-7 for CW.
The Vikes' youth showed on the day, conceding numerous penalties, while falling victim to the slick rugby ball. Conversely, CW's experience and international talent was on full display capitalizing on UVic's misfortunes. A CW try in the corner made the score 19-7, and a Bowd conversion confirmed the 21-7 lead.
The Vikes were still knocking on the door, as
Merlin M'Cloud went over the line in similar fashion to Siebens. This proceeded a hefty amount of pick and go's in CW's 22 metres, and some debate over the validity of the try. Upon consulting the touch judge, the referee awarded M'Cloud the try, and Sanders brought the game to 21-14.
CW would score twice more, as the Vikes failed to successfully exit their own 22 metres. The second of the two scores being a charged down kick, in the 70th minute. Bowd was perfect on the day, bringing the score to 35-14. He then decided to take points several minutes later: the score was now 38-14.
UVic showed some flair to finish the contest, as some of the young guns got into their bag of tricks.
Lachlan Crooks opted to go quick in the 78th minute and dodged several CW defenders, culminating in his diving over the try line. Sanders finished the game with a successful convert.
The Vikes now look to keep their playoff hopes alive in next week's match up with James Bay AA at Macdonald Park, March 22.
