Team Cluttons have been crowned winners of the 2015 Zurich Corporate Touch 6s tournament.
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The chartered surveyors claimed the main Cup competition as their own property on Saturday, sweeping to victory at the annual tournament, which was celebrating its fourth year.
Held at the Jebel Ali Centre of Excellence on the outskirts of Dubai, Cluttons enjoyed an unbeaten run through the tournament,
assisted by some top players, including Jebel Ali Dragons player/coach Murray Strang and Dubai Exiles full-back Charlie Sargent.
The tournament, which is becoming a hugely popular fixture in the UAE touch rugby calendar, saw both all-male and mixed-gender teams competing in just shy of 40 games over six hours, with more than 20 teams battling it out to make their mark on the pitch.
Teams from a number of leading companies with a base in the UAE took part in the event, including Zurich, Clyde & Co, Hill International and African & Eastern.
Cluttons enjoyed wins
in Pool A clashes against Hyder, who they beat 8-0, before then overcoming Hill International, edging the contest 7-5 in a thoroughly entertaining game.
Quality day of rugby at the Zurich corporate touch rugby 6s stoked winners in the bowl final for mondial and… http://t.co/XbGvWTLWlW
— slingshot health
They enjoyed a six tries to one win over A&E in the semi-final, while Gems, who won Pool C, reached the showpiece after overcoming Pool D winners Clyde & Co by the odd try in seven, winning their last four clash 4-3.
Captain Strang led by example in the final, scoring two tries, while there was also a brace for Nicholas Paine as Cluttons claimed a 4-1 victory.
WellDrill won the Plate final by beating Hyder and the Shield was won by Mondial who beat Du.
In the mixed competition, Duplays won the main Cup event by beating Aimia in the final, while AES beat PWC B in the Plate final.
#DUPLAYS at the Zurich Corporate Touch Event! http://t.co/Bv2YOP4XIm pic.twitter.com/4nVY22Z6h2
— DUPLAYS (@DUPLAYS) March 7, 2015
John Larkins, president of UAE Touch, said: “This tournament just gets better and better every year and highlights just how inclusive and, more importantly, fun touch can be.
“As a minimal contact sport, everyone and anyone can join in, regardless of age or gender.
“I’ve been extolling the virtues of touch for a long time now and it’s great to see more and more people trying out the game and realising what a great sport it is. It’s a fantastic way to stay fit, active and healthy.”
Jane Sabugueiro, tournament organiser and partner at Corporate Affair Event Management, added: “This is the fourth year the touch tournament has taken place and it is really going from strength to strength – this year’s event has exceeded our expectations in every way. It’s great to see so many teams taking part, but also to see so many supporters on the day.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved for helping to make this tournament such a great, fun family day out. I also want to encourage those watching from the sidelines to give touch a try and hopefully we’ll see them competing in next year’s event.”
