Cloverdale rugby team mauls PoCo rivals
Published 9:30 pm Tuesday, April 28, 2026
The Lord Tweedsmuir Panthers put on an offensive clinic April 24 as they posted 52 points on the Terry Fox Ravens in senior boys high school rugby action.
The game, which ended 52-8, was part of the annual Stadium Series showcase of games. The series is designed to pit high school rugby teams in different leagues against each other so that organizers get a better idea of rankings for teams as they head into the provincial championships. The Stadium Series fills some gaps that existed under the old system and has provided a more competitive experience for all teams at provincials since its inception.
Panther head coach Walter van Halst said he was proud of his team’s effort. He said it was just another step forward on their journey to provincials.
“We will have to work a lot harder and keep improving if we want to achieve our potential,” van Halst explained. “The teams we play from now on will only get better and potential means nothing without dedication.”
The Panthers named Jerin Harinen man-of-the-match. He scored 15 points on three tries and added another 10 points on five conversions.
“He had a whopping total of 25 points, which is rare at this level,” van Halst noted.
He added Harinen is a multi-sport athlete and was the MVP for the Panthers senior varsity football team last fall.
“He put on an absolute clinic in all phases of the game,” van Halst said. “More importantly, he is a truly unselfish athlete and person in everything he does.”
In the game, the Panthers enjoyed strong play from their forwards too.
Jake Johnson ran in the Panthers first try of the game after rambling through six Raven defenders.
Caine Maggio led the forward pack as they dominated both set play, including controlling virtually all lineouts, and open field play.
“These boys have been with me since Grade 8 and I’m extremely proud of them,” van Halst said after the match.
The teacher-coach recently took the squad on a two-week rugby tour of New Zealand during spring break.
“I’ve been blessed to coach a lot of great kids over the last 30 years,” he added, “but honestly, no team has been more fun and has more potential to do well at the upcoming provincial championships than this one.”
The Panthers will face GW Graham May 1 (Friday) in there final home game as part of Senior Night. Kick off is 4:15 p.m. at Lord Tweedsmuir.
“(It’s) an event honoring both the players on their families when graduating seniors take to their home pitch for the last time.”