Jebel Ali Dragons 3rds and Abu Dhabi Harlequins 3rds meet in Community League final for second successive year

They were beaten by Beaver Nomads in the final of the inaugural Community League season two years ago, with Neil ‘Dutchy’ Verweij leading them to glory 12 months ago.

He has since moved on to a team manager with the senior Dragons’ side, replaced by Malachy Mulhall.

Both teams have lost once this season, with Mulhall and his Dragons seeking revenge for a 37-5 trouncing at the hands of Quins in February.

“We left everything on the bus that day but we got over it. They were on fire and every side has a bad day,” said Dragons’ coach.

“Maybe it was a good thing as we were worrying too much about going the season unbeaten up to that point. We’re focused and still hurting from being beaten heavily in February. They’ve had two teams in the Community League this season so well done to them.

“They’re good and we know we need a game to pull off the double. It will be a game between two very even teams.”

Mulhall praised the assistance the players have had from Dragons director of rugby and first team head coach Henry Paul, as well as senior forwards coach Andy Buist.

He also has faith in a squad that hasn’t altered too much from the one that earned silverware last season.

He added: “We’ve got some good players in this squad. Out of team, we have nine from last year. Another three or four of them are injured and some dropped out with family commitments around Christmas. It’s still the same core.”

Dragons captain Mike Hayel knows all the pressure is on his side as the defending champions, but he and his teammates are relishing the challenge ahead.

“It’s a huge game for us. Going in as defending champions is tough, there’s more pressure on us but the attitude in the three’s at the moment is fantastic,” said the skipper.

“As it’s the social league it’s difficult to get numbers down at training but everyone is on the same page and we all know the task in hand. We’re getting more guys at training than the ones and twos.”

Despite the fact it may be UAE rugby’s third tier, Hayel said the burning intensity of a Dragons/Quins rivalry is just as hot.

“Quins are coming to get revenge for last season’s final but we’re also out for blood as they were the only team to beat us in the league,” he added.

“They ruined our unbeaten season so that’s going to add some spice to this final! And any game at any level between us and the Quins is always huge.

“They’re a great club and its going to be the hardest game of the season but if we stick to our structure that’s been installed throughout the club by HP (Paul), we’ll walk away with the trophy.”

Quins’ only defeat came in November, a 38-21 loss at RAK Rugby. They are coached by former first team player Mike Ballard, who last appeared for the Zayed Sport City side in the Gulf Top 6 (now West Asia Premiership) final in April 2014 – suffering a spinal injury that has left him wheelchair-bound.

The American returned home for treatment but has since returned to the UAE to work as well as taking up a coaching position at a club where he is hugely respected.

And his biggest headache seems to be who to leave out of his final 15.

“Selection was a nightmare, with nearly 40 lads down to training on Monday,” said the American.

“Things have been ultra competitive within the club this year. We were able to put a third and a fourth team on the field week in and week out throughout the season. We’ve had lads competing for spots non-stop since the season kicked off in September.

“Friday is a massive day for the club having our junior section on in the morning, and our first team and third team playing in their respective finals with everyone supporting each other.

“We see ourselves as the Quins development side, and we’re fortunate to have a solid core of leaders who have been able to help coach up some of our young lads, and guys new to the game.”