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Katy Upsets Westlake in Texas

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Katy Upsets Westlake in Texas

Simon Cormack for Katy goes up for a lineout throw. Bill Lear photo.

The Katy Barbarians pulled off something of a small upset in the early going in Rugby Texas, with a preseason 29-22 victory over defending state champs Westlake.

Westlake in stripes, Katy in solids. Bill Lear photos.
Katy Barbarians rugby v Westlake, Jan 21, 2017. Bill Lear photo.
Katy Barbarians rugby v Westlake, Jan 21, 2017. Bill Lear photo.
Katy Barbarians rugby v Westlake, Jan 21, 2017. Bill Lear photo.

Josh Schnell scored two tries for the Barbarians while Paul Bourgogne and Simon Cormack scored one each. Lewis Hopkins had a strong day kicking for goal, notching three conversions and a penalty goal. Bourgogne was named the back of the match for Katy, and Thomas Waghorne was the best forward. Katy played the game without one of their strongest forwards, Max Cordua, who is still recovering from injury. Cormack, who played No. 8, enjoyed a very strong game.

Westlake Head Coach Jason Spodick said his team's match day preparation was "unfocused" and as a result the Chaps made some defensive errors. They were burned for long-range scores twice by what Spodick called "a solid, well prepared Katy team with an exceptional backline."

The second half proved to be a little better for Westlake. 

"We managed to sure up the defense with some halftime adjustments and substitutions, and overall, I was pleased with our ability to work ourselves back into the match," said Spodick. "This was a great opening season friendly that allows us to go over film and clean up our mistakes."