Texas-based Katy Barbarians traveled to New Orleans, La. this weekend to take on defending Louisiana Rugby champs Bayou Hurricanes, and runners up New Orleans Jesuit.

Both games were very physical for both sides and were highly entertaining. In the first match, the Hurricanes used their heavyweight pack with force and ran hard crash lines with their large centers. But Katy held on, controlling possession nicely and keeping the ball away from the Bayou runners. Final score 26-7.

Josh Schnell scored a try and kicked two out of two conversions and was named Man of the Match. The best forward was HS All American prop Tom Waghorne, and best back was all-state flyhalf Max Palmer. 

 In the second contest, against the Blue Jays of New Orleans Jesuit, the competition between the forwards was intense and the backlines were both fit and skilled. Katy took control of the game, forcing turnovers at the breakdown and sending players in support when there was a line break. Final score 25-5.

Senior lock forward Thomas Sanders was named the player of the game for his hard work around the field and his punishing runs. His skillful offload from the ground set up the game-clinching try. The best forward was loosie Simon Cormack, who is having a breakout year so far, and the best back was Palmer once more.

"Both results were very positive, especially when playing two games in one day," said Katy Coach Ryan Marshall. "The boys showed mental fortitude and a positive team mindset against two solid teams. We still have some things to work on and refine but as of now. We are moving in the right direction as an organization, we just have to ensure we continue to work towards the club goals that we envisioned when we set out to rebuild the program three years ago."