VANCOUVER – The UBC Thunderbirds are set to renew acquaintances with a familiar foe this weekend as they visit the UVic Vikes in the anticipated second-leg of the historic Wightman Boot this coming Saturday afternoon, March 19th with a 2:30 p.m. kickoff at Wallace Field in Victoria.
 
The T-Birds will look to retain the boot title for a tenth straight year and complete the season sweep after defeating the Vikes 22-7 in the opening leg of the series back in mid-October at the Gerald McGavin UBC Rugby Centre. All told it will mark the third meeting of the season between the rivals as the two west coast powers also squared off in a snowy late-November battle for the Canadian University Men's Rugby Championship title in Kingston, Ont. That Sunday afternoon saw the 'Birds reclaim the banner from UVic thanks to a 39-7 victory.


 
"We play UVic more than any other team and over the years both programs have undergone some changes," said UBC head coach Curry Hitchborn in reference to how important the fixture is to the T-Birds program. "UVic have a completely new staff and we're enjoying figuring out their style of play and where they coach to. This is a two-game series and we have the lead. The job now is to work to keep it and we won't get there by making assumptions about our opponent." 
 
UBC has been on a good run of form all season long in compiling an 11-1-1 record in all competitions which includes Coastal Cup play in the fall and more recently BC Men's Premiere League action. The T-Birds lone loss on the season was a 34-22 setback in early October against a strong Wave Rugby side but since then they've run the table.
 
"We took that early loss very hard and went to work," added Hitchborn. "It showed in the Fall but the Spring is a different season now that we're back to club so it's a war of attrition. We manage ourselves and focus on playing rugby and we're one of the best. To say we're pleased is an understatement. We're in it now and we couldn't be happier. The crowd at Wallace field will serve as further motivation."


 
Both the T-Birds and Vikes enter this weekend's action coming off convincing wins last Saturday, Victoria enjoyed a 60-5 triumph over Westshore while UBC topped Pacific Pride 50-10.