Jacques Benade says Dubai Exiles’ 25-14 West Asia Championship win over Doha will live long in the memory. The hosts were second best for large spells of an enthralling encounter at The Sevens but their defence was resolute and they capitalised on their opportunities to go to within a point of Doha at the top of the table with a game in hand.
The win, coupled with a try-scoring bonus point and denying previously-unbeaten Doha a bonus point for the first time, meant it was a perfect day for Benade.
“We were talking about the magnitude of the game beforehand, we were saying everyone is coming from different areas but today is one of those games they will always remember,” he said. “It was a big game, everyone was talking about it. Doha were undefeated and you can see what the result means to the boys afterwards.”
Doha had the home side on the rack in the opening 10 minutes before they were stunned by a brilliant counter-attack that saw Exiles travel the length of the field and open the scoring through centre Philip Snyman. Exiles would end the half 14-8 down though following a two-minute, two try blitz from Doha’s star man, Aaron McLelland.
The full-back’s first was simply brilliant. He didn’t have a lot on and was very much isolated when he rounded Rhinus Bothma near the touchline. A devastating step accounted for winger Matt Richards before he dinked the ball over Ryan Rapello and beat him in a footrace to touch down. He strolled in for a second to turn the game on its head.
Doha started the second half at a high tempo too but three tries in 10 minutes put Exiles in the driving seat. Charlie Sargent and Richards went over out wide to give Exiles a four-point lead and a brilliant piece of play from Glenn Moore gave them breathing space – Moore chipping the last man and scrambling to pounce on the loose ball.
From then on it was a backs to the wall job but Exiles held on for a hard-earned win. McLelland admitted defeat was hard to take but said Exiles deserved the win.
“They deserved to win. It’s difficult to take but it’s not the end of the season. We’ve still got four games left and three of them are at home so we back ourselves there,” said the New Zealander. “We’re looking to not drop any more points and take five points from every game from here on in.”
