The Terry Fox Ravens have locked up a berth in the AAA high school rugby Provincial Championships scheduled for later this month.
The team punched their ticket to the B.C. tournament with a win over Semiahmoo secondary Tuesday night in a match to decide who would take 5th place.
Fox started strong and built up a healthy lead in the match, with a try from Taylor Poitras and two more from Sean Stewart, to give them team a 19-0 cushion.
Semiahmoo began to press in the second half, but the Ravens continued to stay strong, with several key tackles to hold the Surrey team to just one score.
The Ravens added some more insurance with 15 minutes left in the game when Poitras notched his second of the game to give his squad a 26-7 lead, a score that would hold until the end of the game.
This is the first time that the Ravens have made the provincials since 2009 and just the second time in 17 years.
"The boys played really hard, tackled very well and truly earned the victory for themselves," said coach Jorge Knizek. "They have learned to physically impose themselves so that they can swing momentum in their favour."
Knizek said that the team will now focus on bettering their 13th place showing that the club achieved in 2009.
The first round of the provincials will take place on Saturday, May 23.
Tuesday nights win ended a dominant week for the Terry Fox, which made its way through the Fraser Valley playoffs.
On Thursday, the team took on Elgin Park, a squad the Ravens have struggled against in recent years.
Jordan Seney got an early try, followed by Mike Dupuis to put Fox out front 10-0, however Elgin Park managed to cut the lead in half going into the second. Pedro Vasquez scored for the Ravens early to make it 15-5, but two quick tries from the opponents tied the game.
However, the Ravens were able to maintain their composure when Jericho Mendez grabbed the ball and carried it over the Elgin Park goal line for the winning score on the final whistle.
Terry Fox was also strong in the first round against Sardis secondary of Chilliwack.
Isaiah Stevens scored the first try to make it 7-0 early in the match, however Sardis was able to quickly tie up the game.
Stevens scored again with another Stewart conversion to restore the lead, which held until the end of the game. Isaac Evans was named man of the match.
"It was tight, but a confidence building win for the boys," said Knizek.
