VICTORIA – For the 13th time in the last 14 seasons, the UBC Thunderbirds (5-2) have claimed the Wightman Boot – but it didn't come easy.
The T-Birds made their way to the Island to take on the University of Victoria (4-2) for the second leg of the two-game series at Wallace Field on Saturday afternoon. When the blue and gold hit the pitch, they held a 10-point aggregate advantage after earning a 36-26 win over the Vikes on the Point Grey campus in early September, meaning the four-point loss was more than enough to lift the coveted trophy.
Both sides battled early and left the scoreboard untouched midway through the first half, but that changed near the 22nd minute as fifth-year wing
Alastair Marshall crossed the line to touch down the game's first try.
The Vikes needed little time to respond as they fired back with a try of their own just three minutes later, and with the convert made, they held a narrow 7-5 lead. However, hard contact put the 'Birds back in front after a foul on a clear path to the try zone earned UBC a penalty try, leapfrogging them back in front.
The Vikes refused to quit as they answered back with a pair of tries six minutes apart, and with both converts made, Victoria boasted a 21-12 advantage heading into the break.
Defence stole the spotlight in the second half as neither side could break through for a try. The first score of the final 40 minutes came as a penalty goal, with
James Biss knocking down the kick to make it a six-point game. From there, both sides tried adding more to the scoresheet, but neither could crack the other's defensive wall, ending the game with a 21-15 win in favour of the Vikes.
The four-point difference between these two sides also claims the Coastal Cup for the T-Birds as they swept both games against the Trinity Western University Spartans this season; once to open the campaign before following with another win a month later.
The narrow loss also secures the 'Birds a spot in the Canadian University Men's Rugby Championship in November, when they will head to Langley as the TWU Spartans will play host to the nationwide tournament.
With the bronzed boot raised, the T-Birds now return closer to home for their next matchup, as they face the Burnaby Lake Rugby Club for more Premier League action. Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, at 2:30 p.m.
