VANCOUVER – A pair of second half tries by Sean Duke propelled the Thunderbirds to a 29-15 victory over James Bay, as UBC took the opening step in defending their 2016 Rounsefell Cup CDI Premier League title.
 
The match marked the opening game of the CDI Premier League playoffs for the 'Birds. After a tightly played first half UBC's offense took charge in the second and they eventually pulled away from James Bay.
 

.@UBCRugby's @SeanDukelow scores 2 tries in 'Birds 29-15 victory over @JamesBayRugby. 'Birds off to round two of playoffs. #GoBirdsGo pic.twitter.com/WGMbxxqZsi

— UBC Thunderbirds (@ubctbirds) April 22, 2017

 
"In the first half we didn't play so well and left a lot of points of the board," said Duke. "The second half we turned it around. I think the boys fitness really showed today."
 
Along with Duke's two scores, Andrew Coe and Manar Kulkhan also found the scoring area for the 'Birds. Adam McQueen added two conversions and a penalty kick.
 

Nice 2nd half from @UBCRugby to secure the win against @JamesBayRugby - great to see @RugbyCanada 7s past, present and future on the field

— UBC Rugby Alumni (@ubcrugbyalumni) April 22, 2017

 
The UBC win sets up a second round playoff match-up between the 'Birds and Castaway Wanderers on Saturday, April 29th.  The two teams met in late March when a final second try by the Wanderers pushed them to a 29-25 victory over UBC.


 
"Castaway is a good team," added Duke. "Historically they've been awesome, but were good too. We are going to do our best next Saturday."
 
The winner of the UBC and Castaway match will play in the Rounsefell Cup final on May 6th.