It's not very often that you see the UVic Men's Rugby team drop back to back losses at Wallace Field. After losing 32-23 against Gordon Head rivals Velox on Feb. 28, Meraloma edged out the Vikes last weekend with a convincing 38-28 win.
With five of their starters returning this weekend against the Castaway Wanderers, however, Friday night's match at Centennial Stadium will be a different story.
The Vikes were missing key players at the breakdown as Meraloma drove them back through grinding pick-and-drive tactics. Despite strong tackling by John Moonlight and the front row, UVic's forwards were missing some key tackles that saw them retreat for much of the 80 minutes. Adam Kleeberger and Neil Meechan should make a huge difference with their tenacious tackling and quick breaks from the scrums.
Despite strong running from Ben Grant and Kyle Buckley over the past couple of weeks, the Vikes haven't run up the score lines like they did in the fall semester. Gordie Sawers, Jordan Kozina and Phil Mackenzie could make the difference if they're back in the line up after their tough exit from the RWC Sevens.
The Castaway Wanderers are on a three game win streak at the moment and with the return of Ciaran Hearn to their lineup, won't be looking to concede any points to the Vikes. The sides split their two regular season meetings in the fall. This one might go down to the wire but the returning UVic starters just might make the difference.
With five of their starters returning this weekend against the Castaway Wanderers, however, Friday night's match at Centennial Stadium will be a different story.
The Vikes were missing key players at the breakdown as Meraloma drove them back through grinding pick-and-drive tactics. Despite strong tackling by John Moonlight and the front row, UVic's forwards were missing some key tackles that saw them retreat for much of the 80 minutes. Adam Kleeberger and Neil Meechan should make a huge difference with their tenacious tackling and quick breaks from the scrums.
Despite strong running from Ben Grant and Kyle Buckley over the past couple of weeks, the Vikes haven't run up the score lines like they did in the fall semester. Gordie Sawers, Jordan Kozina and Phil Mackenzie could make the difference if they're back in the line up after their tough exit from the RWC Sevens.
The Castaway Wanderers are on a three game win streak at the moment and with the return of Ciaran Hearn to their lineup, won't be looking to concede any points to the Vikes. The sides split their two regular season meetings in the fall. This one might go down to the wire but the returning UVic starters just might make the difference.
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