Exiles on the verge of West Asia Championship

Matt Jones - Editor 07:12 03/03/2016
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  • Flying finish: Barry Dwyer.

    Dubai Exiles return to the scene of their only defeat this season knowing that a win against Abu Dhabi Harlequins will secure the West Asia Championship title.

    Barry Dwyer’s try in the last seconds at Zayed Sport City on October 16 in a pulsating game of rugby gave Quins a 22-18 win in the UAE Premiership, but Exiles have since embarked on a nine-game winning run across both competitions that has lasted four-and-a-half months.

    Jacques Benade’s side hold a fivepoint advantage at the top of the table from second-placed Quins and victory in the capital on Friday will see Exiles become West Asia champions with a game to go.

    Despite standing on the cusp of glory, prop Kristian Stinson says it’s important for Exiles to retain their focus.

    “As cliched as it sounds it’s just another game for us,” said the Northern Irishman. “It’s a very dangerous thing to play the occasion rather than the game and this is something we are very mindful of, so we will train like we have every other week, focus and stick to our normal routine.”

    Stinson does, however, feel lifting the championship would be fitting for a club celebrating it’s 50th year.

    “Of course, from a romantic side it’s a great story for UAE rugby as a whole, historically the two biggest and most successful clubs going at it for bragging rights and poignantly for us as we head into our 50th year as a club,” he added.

    “Given where we have been as a club in the last five years it’s great to just be in the mix again and the coaching team and the players deserve a lot of plaudits for that.

    “However, all of that is just is just background noise to us, we’re just playing another 80 minutes of rugby and aiming to come out on top against a really solid team that we have a lot of respect for and who have consistently shown why they are always the favorites in tournaments and games such as these.”

    Quins chances of West Asia glory were dealt a body blow two weeks ago when they were beaten 25-10 in the Abu Dhabi derby by Saracens, but they bounced back in style with a tremendous 44-25 win in Doha, and head coach Mike McFarlane knows the title race is far from run.

    “We really can’t wait to play them,” he said. “Like last weekend it will be two good teams going head to head, looking to play quick, running rugby. It’s another game for us. We set ourselves high standards no matter the game, no matter the opposition and we always look to play positive rugby.”

    After defeat to Sarries, captain Phil Abraham was delighted with how his men responded last week.

    “We’re very excited, we felt like we were clicking as a team last week and there is still room for improvement and there are more guys available this week. It’s good to have everyone ready,” said the prop.

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