Bahrain recorded a perfect start to the new West Asia Premiership season with a bonus point win against visiting Dubai Eagles, although the home side had to claw back an early 10-0 deficit in order to remain perfect.
Elsewhere on Friday there were points galore as Abu Dhabi Harlequins turned over reigning champions Jebel Ali Dragons on their own turf, emerging 46-22 winners. There was also a feast of tries in the Dubai derby as Exiles beat Hurricanes 45-26 at The Sevens.
It was a barnstormer of a game between the two Dubai sides, but Canes coach Mike Wernham was left feeling bitterly disappointed.
“We started off really well, were 7-0 up after 10 minutes. We then went missing for 60 minutes,” said Wernham, whose side got their season off to a winning start last week against Eagles.
“The set-piece worked really well, we won almost every lineout and combatted their big pack in the scrum. The big one was pure defence, the amount of missed tackles was high, hence the 40 plus points conceded and people need to hold their hands up.
“The pleasing thing is we could have folded completely but didn’t. We fought and fought, and pulled out the four-try bonus point. So in terms of last year it’s an improvement but at the start of the season when the fixture list came out and we saw this one, it was in every player’s minds.
“We were confident with what was out on the field. A couple of big strong ball carriers gave them all the confidence they needed and we knew Durandt (Gerber, Exiles fly-half) would kick penalties if given the chance.
“It’s back to the drawing board now for a huge challenge against Dragons, who will be cheesed off after a loss to Quins.”
Mike McFarlane.
Cheesed off is probably an understatement, but victory is a massive boost for Mike McFarlane’s men after they lost at home to Bahrain on the opening day.
“I’m really proud of the boys who put in a great performance from the first whistle,” said the Quins coach.
“The biggest improvement was the execution of the game plan for the entirety of the game. Set-pieces gave us an excellent platform and the boys displayed physicality and control.
“We still have improvements to make which is all part of this season’s journey. However, we have a big week ahead now to prep for another big game against the Eagles who we won’t take lightly.”
And there are plenty of reasons why Eagles – who only came into existence last season – shouldn’t be taken lightly. Andrew O’Driscoll’s men took the game to their illustrious hosts before Louie Tonkin’s side eventually moved through the gears, earning a 52-16 triumph.
“Eagles got off to a great start, which shocked us a bit,” admitted Tonkin.
“They kicked really well, put our back three under a lot of pressure, and scored a great opportunist try with a kick and chase and were 10-0 up.
“We had a strong bench and brought Adam Wallace off it and he had a massive impact in the second-half. We scored 38 points, our attack game was excellent. New outside half Leon Mauer had an excellent game and Jordan Viggers had an excellent game in defence too.”
West Asia Premiership results:
Bahrain 52 Dubai Eagles 16
Jebel Ali Dragons 22 Abu Dhabi Harlequins 46
Dubai Hurricanes 26 Dubai Exiles 45
