The U SPORTS No. 4-ranked UBC Thunderbirds (2-0) will look for their third consecutive Canada West victory on Sunday, October 3
rd, as they host the No. 8 Calgary Dinos (1-0) at 1:00 p.m. (PST) at the Gerald McGavin UBC Rugby Centre.
After leading the conference offensively in their championship-winning 2019 season, UBC has already scored 91 points over two matches this season while allowing just 20 points against as they sit four points clear of the Lethbridge Pronghorns atop the Canada West standings. The T-Birds depth has been on display early and often with seven different 'Birds tallying tries so far – with contributions from both veterans and first-year Thunderbirds alike.
While the Thunderbirds have earned back-to-back wins on the young season, UBC head coach
Dean Murten still sees areas his team can improve on heading into their third week of conference play.
"I want the team to play faster than we have done in our first two games and defend hard to get the ball back, since we can't win without the ball," said Murten. "As a group of coaches, we want the players to keep trying things. At times it might not work but we must keep trying to build game on game."
Murten knows the 'Birds will be in for a battle against the visiting Calgary squad.
"We haven't beaten the Dinos at UBC for a long time," said Murten. "They are a very physical team with multiple threats around the field that makes them hard to defend. They are well coached and will be very determined to win the physical battle."
Calgary took down the Pronghorns in a tight 12-6 match in week one and will face the University of Victoria Vikes on Thursday, September 30
th, prior to their meeting with the defending champion 'Birds this weekend.
Live streaming of the Sunday matinee Alumni Game is available on
Canada West TV.
