The two-time defending champion UBC Thunderbirds scored early and often en route to a convincing 56-10 victory over the Brock Badgers in their opening match of the Canadian University Men's Rugby Championship Wednesday afternoon at Concordia Stadium in Montreal, Que.
 
With the win, the T-Birds advanced to Friday's semifinals where they'll face the host Concordia Stingers for an 11:30 a.m. PT kickoff.
 
"We managed to control possession and build a comfortable lead," said UBC head coach Curry Hitchborn following the win. "We had some very excellent moments mingled with some very creative ones, our guys are starting to play with more freedom and control."


 
The 'Birds took little time in making their presence felt in the snowy conditions in Montreal as Michael Smith managed to score a Try in the opening minute of the game. Smith's score would be followed by four more in succession for UBC in the first half, coming courtesy of Jack Scher in the 11^th minute, Connor Byron (13'), Donald Carson (15') and Owain Ruttan (18'), all leading to a comfortable 35-0 lead before the match was 20 minutes old. The Badgers would respond with a penalty goal in the 27^th minute to get on the scoreboard that read 35-3 at halftime.


 
The 'Birds kept the pressure on after the break thanks to a try from Dan Archer in the 40^th minute while the Badgers answered back with their lone try of the game courtesy of Cillian O'Brien to make it 42-10 UBC. The T-Birds would wrap up their scoring with Try's from Nick Allen in the 54^th minute and conclude with Flynn Heyes try in minute 59^th en route to securing the 56-10 victory.


 
Fourth-year Lock Donald Carson was chosen the game MVP for UBC while Adam Melia earned the same honours for Brock who with the setback, next settles for a consolation round meeting on Thursday against the Guelph Gryphons at 11:30 a.m. PT.
 
"Nick Allen set up numerous tries attacking from the base of the scrum and managed to distribute plenty of ball to others," added Hitchborn. "Donald Carson was fully deserving of his man of the match honours for his outstanding open field attack and considered defence. It was a full team performance and Don more than did his part."


 
Finally, Hitchborn took a moment to look ahead at Friday's semifinal opponent and shared what he's expecting in a meeting vs Concordia.
 
"Watching Concordia play, we know we're in the deep end. They're a very physical team with loads of skill and some excellent coaches. Add in that they are the home team, and we know we're in for a challenge. The key to success will be building on our players taking ownership of the day and not involving us coaches."



Friday's other semifinal will see the familiar Victoria Vikes take on the Queen's Gaels with a 9:00 a.m. PT start time.