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Phil Mack - UVic
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UVic Vikes 2010 Rounsefell Cup Champions
UVic Media Release
posted May 15 2010
VICTORIA - The UVic Vikes men's rugby team is 2010 Rounsefell Cup champions. The Vikes earned the distinction of provincial champs by knocking off Meraloma 31-27 in Saturday's title match at Wallace Field.
With 1,200 fans packing Wallace Field for the CDI BC Premier championship game, the Vikes failed to disappoint on home soil. Nate Hirayama accounted for 26 points and the Vikes toppled the defending champs, to win their first Rounsefell Cup since 2003.
"It was a fantastic win for the guys. I knew the team was good and they exceeded expectations," said head coach Doug Tate. "After the first playoff win against Old Boys, I figured they could play against anyone and they showed it the last two weekends."
Hirayama scored two tries, was 4-for-5 on penalty kicks, and made a pair of improbable converts from the far reaches of the field. His fourth penalty kick of the match, coming near the 50th minute, gave the Vikes their largest lead of the game at 31-13.
"Coming into the game we knew we had a good shot and we stuck to the game plan," said Hirayama. "It shows the quality program that has been built over the year and hopefully this isn't the last championship we win."
Meraloma mounted some late pressure with a pair of tries, scored by Eric Wilson and Sam Jenkins, respectively. However, the Vikes defence bore down, and despite a Phil Mack try being waved off, held on for the win.
The Vikes miracle run to the final included playoff victories over the UBC-Old Boys and top-seeded James Bay, despite being depleted by injuries, national selections and summer work commitments. Classes at UVic had ended in early April, and exams were done by the end of the month.
"This has been one of the most resilient group of guys I've ever been with, said captain Dave Spicer. "We have some great young guys coming up and hopefully we can build off this and be in contention for the next couple of years."
The Vikes have won the Rounsefell Cup three times, with victories also coming in 1971 and 2003. The Vikes also won Canadian University Championships the only two years the tournament was held in 1998 and 1999.
Vikes Advance to Premier Final: 36-32 over James Bay
UVic Press Release
posted May 8 2010
VICTORIA - The University of Victoria Vikes men's rugby team has advanced to the BC Premier title match after downing top-seeded James Bay 36-32, in an upset for the ages at Macdonald Park.
The Vikes secured the semifinal win on Saturday with a run of 17 unanswered points in the second half, which was capped off by a try from scrum half Phil Mack. Mack, formerly of the Bays, gave the Vikes their first lead of the game with just over 10 minutes remaining. UVic trailed 20-3 at one point in the opening frame.
"Of all the years I have coached, that was without question the gutsiest win," said Vikes head coach Doug Tate. "It was unbelievable what we pulled off given the injuries and guys not being available. It was an amazing effort."
The victory advances the short-staffed Vikes to next weekend's Rounsfell Cup against Meralomas, which will be hosted at UVic's Wallace Field on Saturday, May 15. It is the Vikes first appearance in the province's title game since 2003.
Nathan Hirayama led the Vikes in scoring with three penalty kicks, three conversions and a drop goal. The drop goal, with about 10 minutes remaining, stood as the game's winning points, and gave the Vikes just their second win at Macdonald Park in the past 12 tries.
"It doesn’t get any sweeter than this - winning at Macdonald Park, against James Bay as an underdog," said Hirayama. "Even when we were down we still felt confident."
Dave Moonlight gave James Bay a comfortable lead in the first half, with the former Vike going over three times in the span of eight minutes. The last of his three scores put the Bays out in front 20-3 with 10 minutes left in the half.
Vikes tries came courtesy of Nick Lubbe, Pat Riordan and Phil Mack.
Meralomas won the other semifinal 29-9 over Capilano, and will defend their BC Premier title against the Vikes. Meralomas won the Rounsfell Cup in 2009, and earlier this year held UVic without a try the only time this season in a 22-9 romp at Jericho Park.
The Vikes only Rounsfell Cup victory came in 2003, with a victory over James Bay at UBC's Thunderbird Stadium.
Premier League Championship Berth On The Line: UVic @ JBAA Preview
by Andrew Smith
posted May 5 2010
VICTORIA – Only one Vancouver Island club will advance to the B.C. Premier League finals, and on Saturday the no. 4 UVic Vikes men’s rugby team will have to beat no. 1 James Bay to punch their ticket to the dance.
SEMIFINALS INFORMATION
Sat. May 8 vs. James Bay (MacDonald Park) – 2:45p.m.
SCOUTING THE VIKES (8-3) (PLAYOFFS 1-0)
Last weekend’s quarterfinal win over the UBC Old Boys ended a seven year absence from the final four. And although they may be inexperienced in the playoffs, the Vikes are the only team to have solved James Bay this season.
The triumvirate of David Spicer, Pat Riordan and Nathan Hirayama marked their return to Premier League play last Saturday scoring a combined 30 points in the Vikes’ 38-19 victory. Shouldering the squad’s kicking responsibilities, Hirayama notched three conversions and three penalties to record a game-high 15 points.
SCOUTING JAMES BAY (10-1)
Unlike their youthful rivals, the Bays are well tested in the postseason play. In pursuit of their fourth Rounsfell Cup in five years, James Bay led the league in offence (42.7 p/g) and defence (11.3 p/g) this season.
Matching the firepower the Vikes boast up front, the Bays work at the breakdown has seen them dominate CDI competition and prior to their recent loss, the Bays outscored their four previous opponents by 285 points. The Blue Crush boasts a perfect record at home and with Dave Moonlight, Jeff Williams and Jason Marshall in their arsenal, the Bays grit will clash with the Vikes’ expansive style of play.
HEAD TO HEAD
Earlier this season the Vikes notched 38 points against their Island rivals, the most points James Bay has conceded in 23 matches. For the students, the upset marked their first CDI Premier League win over James Bay since April of 2006.
Old Boys retire early from playoffs: Vikes 38 - Ravens 19
by Andrew Smith
posted May 1 2010
VICTORIA – For the first time since 2003, the UVic Vikes men’s rugby team advanced past the opening round of the B.C. Premier League playoffs downing the UBCOB Ravens 38-19 on Saturday afternoon.
Just a week after dropping the regular season’s final game 24-20 to the Ravens at Wallace Field, it was the Vikes who were in top form during the re-match running in four tries and kicking 18 points by the final whistle.
After a month-long layoff from injury, Canadian international Nathan Hirayama made his presence felt opening the scoring with a penalty kick before contributing a game-high 15 points.
The Ravens responded through their rucking and it was forward Tom McKeen who gave the Old Boys their only lead of the game with a well-deserved try ten minutes later.
UVic hooker Pat Riordan ran in the Vikes’ first try in the 19th minute and Hirayama converted for the 10-7 lead. For the remainder of the half it was one-way traffic as David Spicer barreled through four tacklers for another try. Hiryama’s conversion and penalty combined with a cheeky drop goal by Phil Mack had the Vikes up 23-7 at the break.
The second half was much of the same story as Pat Riordan recorded the brace and Sean Duke burned three tacklers down the wing for the Vikes final score. The Ravens pulled back two late tries but waited too long to stage their comeback.
“Last week we didn’t put the nail in the coffin,” Riordan said. “We were down in their end quite a bit and we didn’t really make them pay. But today every time we got down in their end we came away with at least three points.”
The no. 4 Vikes now head across town to face off against no.1 James Bay AA in next Saturday’s semifinal. When the two sides met back on April 17th, the Vikes handed the Vancouver Island champs their only loss of the season, downing their bitter rivals 38-25. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:45pm on May 8th at MacDonald Park.
Scoring Summary:
Half time: UVic Vikes 23, UBCOB Ravens 7
Final: UVic Vikes 38, UBCOB Ravens 19
UVic Vikes Scoring
Tries: Pat Riordan x2, David Spicer, Sean Duke
Conversions: Nathan Hirayama x3
Penalties: Nathan Hirayama x3
Drop Goals: Phil Mack
David Spicer - UVic (by Sharon Tiffin)
Playoff Action Returns to Wallace Field: Ravens @ Vikes Preview: UPDATED WITH VIDEO PREVIEW
by Andrew Smith
posted April 28 2010
Video Preview
VICTORIA – The Premier League postseason returns to Wallace Field for the first time since 2004 this weekend, when the no. 4 UVic Vikes men’s rugby team squares off against the no. 5 UBCOB Ravens. A win on Saturday could see the Vikes advance past the opening round for the first time since their 2003 championship run.
GAME INFORMATION
Sat. May 1st vs. UBCOB Ravens (Wallace Field) – 2:45p.m.
SCOUTING THE VIKES (8-3)
After lengthy layoffs from injury, Canadian internationals and Vikes leading scorers David Spicer and Nathan Hirayama will be back in the lineup. The potential 9-through-12 combination of Phil Mack, Hirayama, Spicer and Ben Grant boast a combined total of 221 points. Spicer notched a team-high 90 points in eight games before he sustained an injury against the UBC Thunderbirds on April 1st.
For the forwards it’s been business as usual with Andrew Tiedemann (20 points), Ryan Hamilton (15 points) and Toby Peyton (10 points) filling out the front row. The Vikes last qualified for the postseason in 2008 but were knocked out in the opening round by Oak Bay’s Castaway Wanders 18-9 at Windsor Park.
SCOUTING THE RAVENS (7-4)
It’s been a long wait for the Old Boys who enter to the playoffs for the first time since 2005. With their season hanging by a thread and facing a ten-point deficit in last weekend’s regular season finale, the Ravens staged a crucial comeback to edge the Vikes 24-20. Boasting international experience and a ruthless forward pack, the Old Boys handed the students their first loss at home since October 3rd, 2009. UVic alumnus and lineout specialist Tom McKeen caused a number of problems in the air but it was the late tries by Kol Henrikson and Warren De Bruin that produced the comeback.
HEAD TO HEAD
The Ravens upset the Vikes last weekend in a narrow 24-20 victory, defeating the students at home for the first time since 2007. The Vikes won their two previous matchups downing the Ravens 29-15 in 2008 before escaping Connaught Park last season with a narrow 22-15 victory.
Ravens Win Sets up Quarterfinal Rematch
by Andrew Smith
posted April 25 2010
VICTORIA – With their playoff hopes on the line, the UBCOB Ravens rallied late in the final match of the 2010 Premier League season to down the no. 4 UVic Vikes men’s rugby team 24-20.
Across town, the Castaway Wanderers fell 17-16 to the no. 3 Capilanos and failed to secure enough points for a playoff appearance. With CW out of the picture, the Vikes will have another shot at the Ravens in next week’s quarterfinal matchup to be hosted at Wallace Field.
Saturday’s contest opened with Vikes’ centre Ben Grant kicking a penalty for the early 3-0 lead. The Ravens pack responded through a series of powerful rucks to see the visitors dot down first when no. 8 David Payne put his side up 5-3.
In total, the lead changed hands five times and it was Vikes’ winger Willem Du Plessis who went over next to give the home side the advantage.
Former UVic lineout specialist Tom McKeen responded for the Ravens and after grinding out several phases gave his side the 10-8 lead heading into half time.
The scoring resumed after the break with Vikes’ scrum half Phil Mack chipping the defence to dive down for a try. With less than ten minutes to play, Du Plessis bolted down the wing shrugging off multiple tacklers to record the brace.
Ben Grant’s conversion gave the Vikes a 20-10 lead and with the clock wearing out, the Vikes were en route to posting an undefeated record at home this season.
But as they watched their playoff hopes vanish before them, a flame was lit under the Ravens offence who banded together for the most crucial comeback of their 2010 campaign.
Kol Henrikson led the charge barreling through for the visitors’ third try and combined with Ed Fairhurst’s conversion to cut the lead to three points.
With victory in sight, the Ravens recovered possession and drove the Vikes back towards their own try line allowing for Warren De Bruin to notch the final try.
A series of tough breaks, including Mack being held up on the try line, saw the Vikes final surge come up short.
“They hit us on the side of the rucks and beat us through our mistakes,” Du Plessis said after the match. “We’ve got to work on that for next week and come back and give it our all.”
The quarterfinal matchup between the no. 4 Vikes and no. 5 Ravens is scheduled for 2:45pm on Saturday, May 1 at Wallace Field.
Scoring Summary:
Half time: UBCOB Ravens 10, UVic Vikes 8
Final: UBCOB Ravens 24, UVic Vikes 20
Ravens Scoring
Tries: David Payne, Tom McKeen, Kol Henrikson, Warren De Bruin
Conversions: Ed Fairhurst x2
UVic Vikes Scoring
Tries: Willem Du Plessis x2, Phil Mack
Conversions: Ben Grant
Penalties: Ben Grant
Vikes in Full Stride Down the Stretch: Vikes v Ravens Preview
by Andrew Smith
posted April 21 2010
VICTORIA – Fresh off a 38-25 victory over the reigning Vancouver Island champs James Bay AA, the UVic Vikes men’s rugby team will look to close out the Premier League regular season with a win over Ceili’s Cup holders UBCOB Ravens.
GAME INFORMATION
Sat. April 24 vs. UBCOB Ravens (Wallace Field) – 2:45p.m.
SCOUTING THE VIKES (8-2)
An undermanned Vikes squad punched their ticket to the postseason last Saturday and snapped James Bay’s 17 game win-streak. Undefeated against Vancouver Island competition and boasting a perfect record at home, the Vikes will look to wrap up the regular season with their third straight victory. A win for UVic and a loss for no. 3 Capilano could see the students tie up third place, but regardless of Saturday’s results, the Vikes will host a quarterfinal matchup.
The forwards have been ruthless at the breakdown this season and after last weekend’s physical matchup against the Bays, the pack will welcome the return of junior national team players Brett Beukeboom, Liam Murray and Casey Cavers. All three of the Vikes top try scorers Phil Mack, Keaton Styles and Nick Lubbe will also be available for selection.
SCOUTING THE RAVENS (6-4)
It’s been a turbulent run for the reigning mainland champs as they venture to the Island riding a four game win-streak. Their fourth-ranked defence has held opponents to 19.8 p/g but the Ravens have been unable to beat any teams above them in the standings. A win against the no. 4 Vikes could send them to the postseason but a loss combined with a win for no. 7 Bayside could squeeze the Old Boys out of the playoffs.
HEAD TO HEAD
A converted try was all that separated the Vikes and Ravens last season when the students escaped Jericho Park with a narrow 22-15 victory. The Vikes have not lost to their mainland rivals at home in their past three meetings with their most recent defeat at the hands of UBC Old Boys back in 2007.
Vikes Reign Supreme in Battle of Island Titans
by Andrew Smith - UVic Media
posted April 17 2010
VICTORIA – In a rematch of the 2009 Vancouver Island championship game, the UVic Vikes men’s rugby team defied their no. 4 seeding on Saturday afternoon, edging the previously undefeated no. 1 James Bay Athletic Association 38-25.
Former Bays’ scrum half Phil Mack led the Vikes’ assault contributing a try and several line breaks to see the students run in six tries. The Vikes had lost four straight matches against the Bays heading into Saturday’s contest and the win snapped James Bay’s 17 game undefeated streak.
UVic hooker Pat Riordan ran in the first try before Mack undressed his marker with a chip kick, diving on the ball for a 12-8 lead. Riordan broke through for the third try to see the Vikes head into the break with a 19-8 lead.
The Blue Crush came roaring back with three tries of their own through Eric Forsythe, Dave Ramsay and Spencer Dalziel. But well-supported runs by a younger and craftier Vikes line put second row Robert DeJong over to record a brace.
“They are the rival team and they were undefeated all year,” DeJong said after the match. “Everyone was coming with speed and hitting hard and that’s what got us the tries.”
The Bays were not without opportunities and despite several chances, including a five-on-two down the wing, their comeback came up short.
Phil Mack put on the finishing touch breaking through an exhausted Bays’ line to give the Vikes solid field position before Vikes’ flanker Ryan Hamilton dashed under the uprights for the final try. Ben Grant kicked his fourth and final conversion to upset the top-ranked team in the British Columbia Premier League.
“Every game that we win is obviously sweet but with that being my old club it gives us a little bit more bragging rights heading into the postseason,” Mack said.
The win sees the Vikes move to 8-2 with their final match of the regular season against the UBCOB Ravens. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:45pm at Wallace Field on Saturday, April 24.
Scoring Summary:
First Half: UVic 19, James Bay 8
Final: UVic 38, James Bay 25
UVic Vikes Scoring
Tries: Robert DeJong x2, Pat Riordan x2, Phil Mack, Ryan Hamilton
Conversions: Ben Grant x4
JB Scoring
Tries: Hugo Belanger, Eric Forsythe, Dave Ramsay, Spencer Dalziel
Conversions: Jeff Williams
Penalties: Jeff Williams
Battle for Vancouver Island Supremacy: UVic v JBAA Matchup This Weekend
by Andrew Smith
posted April 14 2010
Video Preview Including Interviews and Highlights
VICTORIA - After grinding out a five game road series, the no. 4 UVic Vikes men’s rugby team returns to Wallace Field in hopes of punching their ticket to the post season by upsetting the undefeated James Bay Athletic Association.
GAME INFORMATION
Sat. April 17 vs. James Bay AA (Wallace Field) – 2:45p.m.
SCOUTING THE VIKES (7-2)
Boasting a perfect record at home this season, the Premier League’s second highest scoring offence will have one last shot at beating a top-four team. Against the seven squads beneath them in the standings, the Vikes have amassed an impressive 344 points. Their high-octane production was held to just 31 points, however, when they suffered their only losses of 2010 against the no. 2 Meralomas and no. 3 Capilanos.
Injuries have sidelined top scorers David Spicer and Nathan Hirayama but veteran centre Ben Grant has stepped up to contribute 31 points on the season. Each of the tight five in the forwards has been tested against international competition and with the return of Canadian senior men’s captain Pat Riordan to the pack, the Vikes have been dominant at the breakdown.
SCOUTING JAMES BAY (9-0)
Hot off a 19-12 injury time victory against the reigning Rounsfel Cup champs Meralomas last Saturday, the Bays are in top form averaging a league-high 47 points per game. Led by a slew of Team Canada alumni including current national Canadian sevens coach Morgan Williams, the Bays will look to their veterans to grind out their 19th straight victory. Their ‘Blue Crush’ defence has allowed a league-best nine points against and sees them enter week 11 as the only Premiership team to concede less than 100 points.
HEAD TO HEAD
The last time the Vikes edged the Bays was in the 2008 Barnard Cup Final when Canadian international Sean Duke dashed 50 metres to score in a late 23-18 comeback victory. The Bays have since won the last four encounters including the 2009 Vancouver Island championship final.
Thunderbirds fall victim to Mack attack: UVic 67 - UBC 8
by Andrew Smith - UVic Media
posted April 2 2010
VANCOUVER – Jamie Mackenzie and Phil Mack of the UVic Vikes men’s rugby team combined for five tries on Thursday afternoon to down the UBC Thunderbirds 67-8 en route to the program’s 13 consecutive Wightman Boot series.
The margin of victory was the largest in the Boot’s history with the Vikes winning both legs by a combined total of 117-23 points. Head Coach Doug Tate now boasts a 27-3-1 all-time series advantage against UVic’s university rivals.
By the final whistle, the Vikes ran in 11 tries with MacKenzie crossing over three times. Canadian Sevens Captain Phil Mack marked his return to Premier League play with a brace.
“We got off to a great start in perfect conditions,” Tate said. “UBC’s lineup is struggling with injuries and our guys were in top form. Ben Grant was dangerous up the middle and Jamie MacKenzie picked the right times to run.”
With playoffs now just three matches away, the bonus point victory sees the Vikes leap past Capilano into third place. The students will do battle against the Caps on April 10th when they travel to Klahanie Park to play their final road game of the regular season.
UVic Vikes Scoring (67)
Tries (11): Jamie MacKenzie x3, Phil Mack x2, David Spicer, Willem Du Plessis, Ben Grant, Andrew Tiedemann, Casey Cavers, Nick Lubbe
Conversions (6): David Spicer x3, Keaton Styles, Ben Grant x2
Boot Game Part Deux: University of Victoria Vikes v UBC Thunderbirds, Thursday April 1st
Staff Writer
posted April 1st 2010
Venue – Thunderbird Stadium
Kick-off – 2:30 pm
The University of Victoria Vikes head to Vancouver on Thursday to play the final chapter of this year’s Boot Game series against university rival the UBC Thunderbirds.
After squeaking past the determined Velox team this past Saturday the island university will be pleased to welcome back their sevens players from a successful tournament at the famous Hong Kong Sevens.
Starting immediately for the Vikes after Hong Kong will be pace-man Sean Duke while his sevens team-mate Phil Mack will get a well deserved rest after starting and playing in every game at the iRB tournament this past weekend.
There is talent throughout the Vikes line-up for Thursday’s game despite the loss of their starting locks Toni Wodzicki and Bret Beukeboom – both age-grade internationals. Also on the injured list after Hong Kong is international Nate Hirayama.
Flankers Robert De Jong and Drew Langer will be paired up in at the lock position replacing Wodzicki and Beukeboom.
The back-row will be re-shuffled and includes freshman Casey Cavers from Ladysmith B.C. on the blindside making his first start for the varsity team. Struan Robertson moves to the #8 position from his favored #6 slot and Liam Murray holds his selection at #7 after a dynamic game this past weekend against Velox RFC.
The return of Canadian international Pat Riordan is a significant addition to the young Vikes side. The Canadian captain played his first game of the season on Saturday against Velox and had a massive influence on the final outcome.
And with the outstanding play all season long of front row props Andrew Tiedemann and Toby Peyton the Vikes should be assured of an excellent attacking platform for Thursday afternoon’s encounter.
Jamie MacKenzie continues to hold down the starting scum-half job after some excellent form this season. MacKenzie is partnered at #10 with Ben Thomson who has steadied the backline most of the season with solid performances during Hirayama’s absences.
The centre pairing includes internationals Ben Grant and varsity captain David Spicer – both have been in outstanding form all season for the Vikes.
Included in the back three are sevens internationals Sean Duke and Keaton Styles along with newcomer Willem du Plessis on the wing.
The reserves bench is also full of talent – Ryan Hamilton gets an extra weeks rest after returning from injury as does Phil Mack who started and played in every game at the Hong Kong tournament; front row forwards Rob Levy and Emil Christensen both have varsity games under their belts as do Adam Timler, Nick Lubbe and Keenan Horton in the backs. The talented and hard working Shawnigan graduate Chris Linn makes up the reserve list for Thursday’s varsity match.
VIKES TEAM
1. Toby Peyton
2. Pat Riordan
3. Andrew Tiedemann
4. Drew Langer
5. Robert De Jong
6. Casey Cavers
7. Liam Murray
8. Struan Robertson
9. Jamie MacKenzie
10. Ben Thomson
11. Willem du Plessis
12. Dave Spicer
13. Ben Grant
14. Sean Duke
15. Keaton Styles
16. Emil Christensen
17. Rob Levy
18. Phil Mack
19. Adam Timler
20. Nick Lubbe
21. Keenan Horton
22. Chris Linn
23. Ryan Hamilton
Coach – Doug Tate
Assistant Coaches – Rick Farrally / David Docherty
Skills Coach – Shane Thompson
Therapist – Jon Bell
Valhallians uprooted in battle of Gordon Head
by Andrew Smith
posted March 28 2010
VICTORIA – The UVic Vikes men’s rugby team battled to the final whistle on Saturday afternoon, erasing a 12-point deficit to edge the Velox Valhallians 21-19.
In a highly physical encounter on the narrow Gordon Head pitch, the Vikes were forced to play a tighter attack and it took 27 minutes before Captain David Spicer barreled through for the opening try of the match. Spicer converted to give the Vikes a 7-0 lead heading into half time.
The second half saw a complete shift in momentum as the Valhallians fierce work at the breakdown put their visitors on the back foot. The home side ran up the score line with Dustin MacPherson running in a try before Dean Budd recorded a brace.
With some staunch defending in the final minutes, the Valhallians wore out the clock before multiple Vikes phases eventually saw Keaton Styles break through for a try. With two minutes left to play, Spicer’s conversion had the Vikes within seven.
A costly Velox high-tackle on Vikes’ winger Willem du Plessis allowed Spicer to put the Vikes in strong field position inside the twenty-two. After crashing the gates through multiple phases, the wall of Valhallians finally gave way as Liam Murray tied the game with a crucial try. Spicer capped off the comeback effort with the final conversion to see the Vikes squeak out a 21-19 win.
“Everyone kept going full pace and I didn’t want to let the team down so I just went for it and ended up getting the score,” an exhausted Murray said after the match.
With the win the Vikes now move to 6-1 in B.C. Premier League play. Their next match will take them to the mainland to face off against the UBC Thunderbirds in the final leg of the 2010 Wightman Boot series.
UVic Vikes Scoring (21)
Tries: David Spicer, Keaton Styles, Liam Murray
Conversions: David Spicer x3
Velox Scoring (19)
Tries: Dean Budd x2, Dustin MacPherson
Conversions: Pita Savea x2
Golden Boot Leaves Lakers Gasping for Air
by Andrew Smith
posted March 7 2010
WALLACE FIELD – Nathan Hirayama went 9-for-9 between the uprights on Saturday afternoon and combined with five different try scorers to lead the UVic Vikes men’s rugby team to a 55-10 win over Burnaby Lake Rugby Club.
The Canadian international standoff opened the scoring by converting a penalty kick before notching seven conversions and a drop goal. Rookie full back Keaton Styles ran in three tries on the day to see the Vikes cruise to their fourth straight Premier League victory.
It took the Vikes 25 minutes to get on the scoreboard before a lapse in Burnaby’s defensive efforts saw the Vikes post 31 points before half time.
“I thought they would have let us run at them but they came out really strong,” Styles said. “But we’ve got speed on the outside and today we used it well.”
Burnaby was able to run in two tries but the Vikes were relentless in spinning the ball wide and outrunning their mainland opponents.
Sitting third in the standings with a game in hand, the Vikes boast the league’s highest scoring offence averaging 55 points per game. Their next Premier League match is scheduled for Saturday, March 13th where they’ll travel across town to take on the Castaway Wanderers.
Scoring Summary
Half time: UVic 31, Burnaby 5
Full Time: UVic 55, Burnaby 10
UVic Vikes Scoring (55)
Tries: Keaton Styles x3, Ben Grant, Chris Thompson, Toni Wodzicki, Jamal Allen
Conversions: Nathan Hirayama x7
Penalties: Nathan Hirayama x1
Drop Goals: Nathan Hirayama x1
Burnaby Scoring (10)
Tries: Doug Breadon, James Marsten
PREVIEW Burnaby @ UVic: Home turf advantage paying dividends
by Andrew Smith
posted March 4 2010
VICTORIA – The undefeated UVic Vikes men’s rugby team will look to capitalize on their home field advantage this Saturday against Burnaby Lake before taking their show on the road for their next five matches.
GAME INFORMATION
Sat. March 6th vs. Burnaby Lake (Wallace Field) – 2:45p.m.
SCOUTING THE VIKES (3-0)
The Vikes have gone 6-1 on their home turf during their 2009-10 campaign and are eyeing their seventh straight win. With a game in hand, they could potentially climb as high as second place in the Premier League standings this weekend. In just three outings, the young squad has punched in 22 tries notching a total of 165 points. Consistent kicking from Canadian internationals David Spicer and Nathan Hirayama have put 55 points on the board and a dominant forward pack has contributed ten tries. Spicer, the Vikes Captain and lead scorer has run in two tries and kicked 11 conversions, 2 penalties and 3 drop goals for a total of 47 points.
SCOUTING BURNABY (1-3)
After recording just two victories last season, Burnaby has something to prove in this year’s Premier League. Making their presence felt early on, the Lakers narrowly lost out to Cowichan 7-5 and followed up the performance by holding Ceili Cup Challenge finalists Rowers to a 19-10 score line. Last weekend Burnaby recorded their first win of the season edging the UBC Thunderbirds 12-6 with Sanna Dawai running in two tries and Tom Harris adding the conversion.
HEAD TO HEAD
Over the past four seasons, the Vikes have gone 2-2 against their mainland rivals. In their most recent meeting on January 24th, 2009, the Vikes escaped from Burnaby with a tight 5-0 win.
Vikes grind out victory at Brockton Oval: UVic 34 - Rowers 21
by Andrew Smith - UVic Media
posted Feb 27 2010
VANCOUVER – Three forwards punched in tries on Saturday afternoon to lead the UVic Vikes men’s rugby team past the Vancouver Rowing Club 34-21.
With several starters away at the Canadian Junior National Team’s weekend camp, the match was far closer than the Vikes last trip to Brockton Oval where they blanked the Rowers 74-0 on February 16th, 2008. Saturday’s outing was also the first time in six matches the Vikes were held to under 40 points.
UVic tries came courtesy of Toni Wodzicki, Toby Peyton and Canadian international Andrew Tiedemann.
Nathan Hirayama converted two penalties and two conversions and Captain David Spicer added three drop goals. Spicer currently leads the Vikes Premier League point haul with 11 conversions, 2 penalty kicks, 2 tries and 3 drop goals.
“Spicer’s tactical kicking was outstanding and really put them under pressure
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