CHAPS PREVAIL OVER WESTSIDE...GAIN MOMENTUM FOR STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
April 4, 2009
Westlake’s rugby team traveled to Houston on Saturday for its final cup match of the season and soundly beat Westside High School 36-15. The Chaps dominated every phase of the game and buoyed fans’ hopes that they would do well in the State Championship rugby tournament to be hosted by Dallas Jesuit on April 18th and 19th.
The Westbank visitors got off to a quick start with its scrummies pushing the ball onto the Westside Wolves’ side of the field early. Aggressive rucking by Alex Putnam, Colin Harman, Chris van Datta, James Savard and James Howe kept the opponents backpedaling for much of the period. The Chaps capitalized on the good field position when Evan von zur Muehlen and Ari Shita each scored tries after short, but bruising, runs. Von zur Muehlen converted a penalty kick and the Chaps jumped out to a 13-0 lead early in the contest.
Westside found its stride late in the period and managed two late scores, but not before Ellis Glaw bowled over a clot of defenders and reached the try zone to make Westlake’s half-time lead 18-10.
The visitors continued to press their advantage in the second half. Inspired defensive play, especially by wing Alex Lokken and flanker Shane Carlisle, took its toll on the Wolves, who seemed to tire visibly as the game wore on. Westlake’s backs kept the ball moving up field during the period, with wing Thomas Robison and fly half Markham Sayers leading the attack. Although Westside did manage one score in the period, Westlake dominated play.
Rogan Lye notched the half’s first try early in the period on an impressive run. Full back James Robison intercepted an errant Westside pass and streaked into the try zone untouched, leaving a handful of defenders fading behind him. Evan von zur Muehlen nabbed his second try of the match and nailed two conversion kicks to close out Westlake’s scoring in the period, sealing the 36-15 win.
Westlake’s ruggers will now have two weeks to savor their successful inaugural cup season and prepare for stiff competition in the state championship tournament where they will represent central Texas against rugby powerhouses in Dallas and Houston.
Charles Vermont