Kiran Sandhu, Dinos Communications

CALGARY – Fifth-year forward Caleb Clarke put up a hat trick for the visitors as the UBC Thunderbirds took a 4-1 victory over the University of Calgary Dinos Sunday afternoon at Dinosaur Field.

Clarke's trio of tallies came in the 24th, 78th, and 85th minutes, with the final two snuffing out any momentum the home side had built after Derek Brust put up Calgary's only goal of the day. After Brust made it 2-1 UBC in the 77th, Clarke attacked immediately, spun, fired, and beat Jake Ruschkowski to make it 3-1 less than a minute later. Clarke completed the hat trick less than 10 minutes after that, one-timing a cross from Nick Fussell past Ruschkowski.

"We were gambling there a bit at the end, but overall I was pleased with our defensive effort," said Dinos Head Coach Brendan O'Connell. "I hope going forward we will retain the ball a lot better and work on our finishing."

Second year Dinos goalkeeper Ruschkowski had a busy afternoon with five saves against the Thunderbirds in the first half, allowing only Clarke's first one of the game to sink into the net in the 23rd minute. The Dinos had a glorious opportunity to tie it in the 36th when Jared Fillo was awarded a free kick just outside the area, but his offering hit the post.

Sean Einarsson scored the eventual game-winner off a mad scramble in the 52nd. Ruschkowski came out to challenge Thomas Gardner and had the ball slip away from him on the slick turf. Gardner continued and put it toward the goal, and Einarsson was finally able to head it past the Calgary 'keeper. Rylan Sangha drew the assist on the tally.

Winners of five straight, the Thunderbirds return home next week to face Mount Royal and MacEwan. Calgary also heads west for a tough two-game trip that will see them in Victoria Friday night, followed by a Sunday afternoon fixture in Prince George, B.C. against UNBC. All games will be broadcast live on CanadaWest.tv.

-UC-

Photo by David Moll