Players embraced each other on the battlefield. The travelling support cheered wildly from the stands. But the man who made it all happen sat hunched on a fence, far from the madding crowd.
For a man who’s had such a huge role to play in their rise, it was odd to see Abu Dhabi Saracens president Dave Jackson watching his team’s epic West Asia Cup triumph isolated from the rest of the celebrating masses.
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In a thrilling encounter, fit for any final, Sarries claimed the first trophy of their four-year existence last Friday by beating Doha 26-20.
As fans and players tried to come to terms with a defining moment for the club, Jackson dropped his head to his chest, remaining seated, almost as if he was unable to lift himself to his feet after what had been an exhausting and emotionally draining match, and that was just as a spectator.
Great to hear @ADSaracens won the West Asia Cup Final today. Dan Vickers working his magic once again.
— Alex Goode (@Alex_goode0) March 20, 2015
The Saracens playing shirt that he wore on the sidelines was soaked in sweat, as if he had played the full 80 minutes himself.
He may not have taken to the field but Jackson has done as much as the squad of players that won the match last Friday to get the club where it is today – more so.
“I’m speechless. Absolutely speechless,” said Jackson, who was visibly emotional pitchside as he tried to comprehend what the club he started from nothing four years ago has achieved.
“Four years, West Asia champions. It’s mind blowing. I’ve been here from the start and I’m struggling to put it into words. It’s amazing. Lots of tears.
Few snaps from yesterday’s final! @SaracensUAE @SaracensWorld @Saracens #winning #wolfpack #saracens #uae pic.twitter.com/RleRMbA8fY
— Dougie Steele (@steeleDR) March 21, 2015
“Four tries after going behind. Doha were up for it but I think maybe we wanted it more. There was a lot of heart out there today and I’m very proud of the club.
“The team put in an amazing
effort and the supporters who flew in today I can’t thank them enough.”
An epic encounter deserved an epic finale. And it got it.
After going behind to Doha for the fourth time in the match, Sarries were forced to soak up unrelenting home pressure for 15 minutes.
Leading 20-19, it seemed inevitable that the hosts would score again, a fatal blow you feared the battle-weary visitors would not come back from had it been delivered.
@SaracensUAE: Abu Dhabi Saracens West Asia Champions pic.twitter.com/re6ooEW8T9” congrats to ADS chairman & Scott Regional Director Dave Jackson
— Scott Safety EMEA (@ScottSafetyEMEA) March 21, 2015
But it never came. Instead, Sarries found the energy to surge up field for one final attack. They were denied initially when Doha earned a turnover.
But an incredible final effort pushed the home pack off their own ball from the resulting scrum, Rhuwane Pienaar acting quickest from the next play to dart over for the game’s definitive score.
There were still a tense few minutes left in which Sarries had to somehow remain composed as Doha looked for a score that would take them ahead for the fifth time.
After what must have seemed an eternity, the final whistle blew and Sarries, and Jackson, had done it.
Player/coach Ali Thompson said: “The club has come a long way in four years.”
They certainly have and Jackson is the main reason for that.
