VICTORIA, B.C. – The UBC Thunderbirds and Victoria Vikes men's rugby teams renewed hostilities this past weekend in the first leg of the annual Wightman 'Boot' competition. The annual series dates back to the 1967-68 season and has featured many of Canada's greatest players over the years. 

The Boot is the annual home-and-home series named after the late Brian Wightman, an Englishman who coached at UBC from 1964-67. Famous for going on tour with one shirt, a pair of pants, one tie, one pair of underwear and a pair of socks, Wightman would wash his clothes every night and wear them again the next day. The trophy itself is Wightman's rugby boot, stolen and bronzed by his players. 

For the first time since 2008, the 'Birds defeated the Vikes this past Saturday, winning the first leg of 'The Boot' 29-16. 

The Thunderbirds were quickly out of the starting gate scoring four tries in the first half, all through the backfield. Nate Rees (Porth County), Ben Grant (St. George's) Sean Ferguson (Brentwood) and James Thompson (Dromore High School) scored tries as Brock Staller (Kitsilano) added three conversions. The Birds had a number of very good opportunities to add on to that score but were unable to finish and went into the half with a 26-6 lead.

The second half saw both teams put together solid efforts on both sides of the ball and eventually the Vikes scored a long range try, against the play, as well as adding a penalty kick matched by a UBC penalty kick. The final score had UBC winning 29-16.

There were a lot of happy faces and hugs along with a few hearty slaps on the back after the final whistle as UBC enjoyed their first win over the Vikes since 2008. Yes, it was like winning the lottery, but luck had nothing to do with the win as UBC was the better team on the day. The tentative date for the second leg is January 18th, but other dates will be explored and obviously passed on to our alumni and supporters in due time.