Abu Dhabi claimed first blood on home soil against Dubai as the two-part Bill McLaren Foundation (BMF) All-Stars Challenge charity competition began with an exciting exhibition of attacking rugby.
The cream of the sport’s talent from the two cities – plus the visitors’ former Scotland captain Jason White – came together at a sun-baked Zayed Sports City.
The specially-selected players did not disappoint, with nine tries being shared between them as Jeremy Manning’s Abu Dhabi came out on top with a free-flowing 40-24 victory.
BMF was set up in 2010 to promote the game and its values around the world following the death of McLaren, who was nicknamed the ‘Voice of Rugby’ during his illustrious commentary career.
“These guys go toe-to-toe against each other throughout the season, and now they have come together to make two excellent teams,” former Scotland scrum-half Rory Lawson, who as one of McLaren’s grandsons supports the organisation, told Sport360°. “They played hard, but friendships made here will last a long time.”
Dubai, in their vibrant sunset-coloured strip, started well and went ahead when Jebel Ali Dragons back row Niall Statham piled over.
The lead was not to last, as Abu Dhabi responded with a burst of scores from Abu Dhabi Harlequins skipper Billy Graham, Abu Dhabi Saracens number 8 Ali Thompson, Saracens powerhouse Clendon Pene and Quins player-coach Manning.
Lightning-fast Dragons back Imad Reyal and Xodus Wasps’ Mike Rust stopped the rot either side of half-time to leave a nine-point gap between the sides.
This was not to last, as Quins’ wing Patrick Hegarty put on the afterburners to race over the line.
The highlight of the match then followed, as a searching break from the deep by Abu Dhabi saw Chris Marshall set up his Quins team-mate Rob Buaserau with a great offload to waltz in unopposed from 30-yards.
A late Dubai try followed, and this could yet prove crucial as the trophy will be decided on points scored if Abu Dhabi are defeated at Dubai Sports City in the return meeting next Friday.
Meanwhile, seriously injured Abu Dhabi Harlequins prop Mike Ballard has regained feeling in one leg and is set to fly back to his native United States today.
Ballard, 29, hurt his spine as he made a tackle during his club’s 32-11 defeat to Jebel Ali Dragons in the ARFU West Asia Champion Club final.
He has since been under care at Mafraq Hospital, and flies out at 07:00 today to start the recovery process at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Michigan.
