VICTORIA- The University of Victoria Vikes men’s rugby team came up with a statement victory over Capilano RFC, defeating the North Vancouver based rugby club 83-31 on Saturday Jan.26 at Wallace Field in Victoria. Fourth-year fly half Gradyn Bowd was easily the star of the match, scoring 38 points for the Vikes on his own as he touched down four tries and successfully kicked nine of his 13 conversion attempts.
“Bowd was the difference in the game today,” said head coach Doug Tate. “You rarely see a player score more than 30 points by themselves in this league. He was simply outstanding today.”
The win evens the Vikes record to 5-5 in the B.C. Premier League standings to remain steady in the fifth place position with 30 points on the year.
The Vikes jumped out to an early 24-7 lead thanks to two tries from Bowd and one each from scrum half Crosby Stewart and newcomer Karsten Leitner who formerly has suited up for the UBCOB Ravens and UBC Thunderbirds. However, Capilano fought back to pull to within three points at the break bringing the score to 24-21.
“Our start was key today,” added Tate. “The three quick tries got us off to a great start before a few of our mistakes allowed Capilano back into the game.”
Early in the second half U-20 Canada team captain James O’Neill, Ollie Nott and Bowd all plunged over the line to increase the Vikes lead to 41-24. From there, UVic continued pour on the offense with more tries coming from Bowd, Nott, Stewart, Brennig Prevost, Ethan Hager and Gavin Kratz. The Caps added one more try before time was out but the final score read 83-31 in favour of the hometown team.
“We were able to take advantage of their turnovers in the second half and turn them into points. Our kick off recovery and ball retention also played a key part in the win today,” added Tate.
Next week the Vikes will welcome the reigning B.C. Premier League and Canadian Club champions, the UBCOB Ravens to Wallace Field for a 2:30 p.m. kick off on Saturday Feb. 2.
SCORING SUMMARY
1st 2nd F
VIC: 24 59 83
CAP: 21 10 31
SCORERS:
Gradyn Bowd (4T, 9C), Crosby Stewart (2T), Ollie Nott (2T), Karsten Leitner (1T), O’Neill (1T), Brennig Prevost (1T), Ethan Hager (1T), Gavin Kratz (1T)
