Abu Dhabi Saracens finally got off the mark in the West Asia Championship with a resounding 53-17 win against Al Ain Amblers, but the players insist there is plenty of hard work ahead.
Sarries, the reigning West Asia champions, are already on the brink of being out of the reckoning for this season’s title following back-to-back defeats to a much-improved Bahrain and old foes Doha in the opening two rounds.
A bonus point win over injury-ravaged Amblers, however, might just be the catalyst the Al Ghazal men need in order to spark their campaign.
“The hard work is still ahead and it certainly doesn’t get any easier after this,” said Sarries skipper Jaen Botes, whose side enjoy a bye week next Friday but then get back into action with a daunting trip to Dubai to take on one of the form sides of the season, Exiles.
“I hope the win will give the boys bit more motivation to keep training and keep going. There are some areas we can still improve on and we just need to keep working hard the results will start to come.”
Meanwhile, Bahrain’s 2015-16 resurgence continued as Ian Davies’ side bounced back from defeat to Exiles last week with an impressive 37-17 triumph at home against visiting Jebel Ali Dragons.
Dragons, who had opened their campaign with a convincing win against Amblers last week, travelled without several stars and their UAE international Niall Statham says the club remains in the midst of transition.
“We gained some momentum last week but it’s been difficult this season in that respect,” said the Scotsman.
“When I first came to the club we were always the bridesmaids, then we won everything, and now we’re back building again.”
