The upper echelon of Rugby Texas just got a whole lot more intriguing after Thursday night’s meeting between Westlake and Lake Travis.

This game was a rematch of the 2015 Rugby Texas final, and produced as much drama as you’d expect. Lake Travis had a try called back for a forward pass, knocked on another likely try at the goal line, and were held up at full time, as Westlake held on 12-7.

“It was a nailbiter!” said Westlake Head Coach Jason Spodick. 

Lake Travis controlled much of the game in the first half and scored to lead 7-0.

“We just couldn’t finish,” lamented Lake Travis Coach Rick Medina. “We felt we owned the first half but we only got the one try.”

In the second half, Westlake subbed on Michael Wiggin and Kade Ball, and that shifted the momentum somewhat. Scrumhalf Ryan Rees was hugely influential for the Chaps, scoring two tries on quick taps, and kicking a conversion. Both of those tries came in the firs ten minutes of the second half.

After that, Lake Travis began to exert some pressure, but Westlake also had chances to score and did convert.

In the final five minutes, Lake Travis made one more surge, and camped out on the Westlake tryline. But on the final play, somehow the Westlake defenders got under the ball.

For Lake Travis, their midfield of Aidan Estrada and Patrick Medina played superbly on the night. Westlake has to thank a solid team defensive effort, and the quick thinking of scrumhalf Ryan Rees.

Video of the match is below. If you don't see the video embedded, please refresh the page.