Abu Dhabi Harlequins coach Mike McFarlane was magnanimous in defeat, revealing he emailed Jebel Ali Dragons head coach Henry Paul congratulating him on his side lifting the West Asia Premiership title.
Quins went into the final week of the Premiership season in second place, but in the driving seat to retain their trophy as they travelled to Dubai Sports City for an eminently winnable game against lowly Dubai Eagles – with a bonus point win expected.
That was achieved, with Quins winning 55-3 – meaning Dragons also required a maximum victory, but at fortress Bahrain, who hadn’t lost a home game in 14 months.
But that’s exactly what Dragons did, winning 36-32 in Saar to lift a first trophy in four years – not since April 2014 and winning the Gulf Top 6 final had Dragons won a piece of silverware.
“I’m pretty gutted but we did everything we could as a squad,” admitted McFarlane.
“We’ve put in some tremendous performances this season, at times when we were up against it. We will look back on that loss at home to Dragons as a slip up but that’s the nature of such a competitive league.”
The 2017/18 Premiership has been an epic competition, with the title fiercely contested between four teams – Dragons, Quins, Bahrain and Dubai Exiles – all of whom could have won it with two weeks remaining and three in with a shout on the final day.
McFarlane added: “I’ve already emailed Henry Paul and Johnny MacDonald to congratulate them. To go over to Bahrain and get that result is a cracking effort so fair play to them and their lads.”
Quins still have their UAE Premiership crown to defend.
After a quintuple for Quins last term – they won the West Asia Premiership, UAE Premiership, Dubai Sevens, West Asia Cup and Asia Rugby Western Clubs Champions League titles – McFarlane’s men have now relinquished their grip on two, with Dragons claiming West Asia supremecy and Exiles winning at the Sevens in December.
But there is still the UAE Premiership and West Asia Cups to defend, with Quins in the domestic final and receiving a home semi-final against Exiles in the Cup in two weeks’ time after finishing runners-up.
And McFarlane insists there’s plenty to be positive about.
“Absolutely. The boys are mentally strong and resolute and will come back with a bang no doubt,” he said. “They will always give 100 per cent and that’s all I can ever ask for.”
