Dubai Exiles look to keep unlikely treble dream alive in West Asia Cup final at Bahrain

Matt Jones - Editor 20:35 28/03/2018
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  • Dubai Exiles are aiming for the West Asia Cup (Gerhard Botes).

    Dubai Exiles head to the cauldron atmosphere of Bahrain on Friday to try and complete the second stage of what would be an unlikely treble, knowing that once again they are the underdogs.

    Jacques Benade’s men have been here before this season though. They were second favourites heading to West Asia champions Jebel Ali Dragons a week ago for the West Asia Cup semi-final, but prevailed in a tense contest in which both sides had a man sent off.

    They have been underdogs the whole 2017/18 season; first scrapping to repair their damaged reputation following a woeful 2016/17 campaign and then battling back after a promising start was eroded as Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Bahrain and Dragons surged ahead in the Premiership.

    They will again be the unfancied side in Saar. An attempt to overturn Jaen Botes’ two yellow cards against Dragons failed, while they already have a few injuries and additional players missing as they’re teachers on school holidays.

    But no-one at the club is using these issues to make any excuses, with players and coaches adamant they are heading west to add the West Asia Cup to their Dubai Sevens title.

    “We had Tuesday off to recover. The game against Dragons was a belter, but a sore one,” joked Northern Irish lock Stephen Ferguson.

    “We’re so happy to come out on the right side of the result but the job’s only half done. Anyone going to Bahrain is an underdog.

    “The place is electric to play at. We are all just excited to put on a show for their awesome crowd. And hope we can deliver.

    “We love to prove people wrong and we love to prove to ourselves that on our day we can deliver. It’ll be a great game and if you can’t be there, get on Facebook and watch it. One not to be missed.”

    South African head coach Benade encapsulated the Exiles approach to the game by defiantly stating: “We are missing a few players due to teacher holidays and injuries, but we are going there to win the final.

    “We lost both games to Bahrain this season but we also know that we could have won both. It’s a big ask of the boys but we are always keen for a challenge and proving people wrong.”

    Friday will be a special day for the hosts and their head coach Louie Tonkin.

    The Welshman has revolutionised the club since coming in nearly two years ago, transforming a middling team into championship contenders.

    They were one of four teams fiercely contesting the Premiership title. But having come up short in the big games during his tenure, Bahrain delivered in their semi-final by toppling reigning Cup champions Quins in Abu Dhabi a week ago.

    They lost a heartbreaker to Quins in this final 12 months ago, after a storming first half was undone by their opponents’ brilliance in the second. And Tonkin is reminding his team that while they have the advantage of a home final, their lack of experiencing success gives Exiles an edge.

    “We’re absolutely delighted to be hosting a final. A really exciting day for the club. It’s been the best part of 10 years since the club hosted anything like this and it’s going to be a fantastic occasion for all involved,” said Tonkin.

    “We were ecstatic after the win last week but the focus this week has been bringing ourselves back down to earth and the fact we haven’t won anything yet.

    “The boys have worked so hard all season to create this opportunity, to bring home silverware in front of their home crowd.

    “But we know Exiles are a good side. Physical pack, great 10, big centres. They’re a real threat to anyone and any team that can go to Dragons twice in a season and win is a dangerous team.

    “So we know, despite the results we’ve had against them (Bahrain beat Exiles 18-15 and 19-11 in the Premiership this season), it’s going to be a real battle and one we’re ready for.”

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