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15/11/2009

Abu Dhabi Harlequins v Dubai Exiles - Danway Gulf Cup - November 12th 2009-11-15

The Abu Dhabi Harlequins moved up another gear to defeat Dubai Exiles for the second time in as many months. The ever improving Harlequins were impressive form for the unusual Thursday night fixture, and remain unbeaten in all competitions this season.

The Harlequins were again without influential players, especially Fly half Murray Strang and Locks Simon Osbourne and Sean McMahon. These absences awarded a first start of the season for Owen Everitt and Chris Jones Griffiths.

The game started at break neck speed by both sides and the physicality of the contest was apparent by the opening exchanges. The scoring was opened in the 8th minute by Tony Matthews back in his more accustomed role of full back. Some neat play by the impressive back row trio of Tom Fisher, Jamie Clark and Captain Ali Thompson built a good platform and Matthews was put in under the posts. Matthews then added the two converted points. The evening looked like it would be a long night for Coach Wayne Masters and his team from Dubai. The half continued to be a bruising encounter with the tackle count for both sides exceeding the norm. Matthews was unsuccessful from two difficult penalty kicks and the Quins looked like they were destined to Lead 7 nil at the break. The Exiles had another mindset and pressurized the Abu Dhabi line. The away sides first foray into the home sides half was rewarded with a try under the posts. The score at half time 7 all. Thompson needed to rally his troops and put a display together which showed why Abu Dhabi are the reigning Gulf champions.

A change at scrum half at the interval as Mick Haddin’s dislocated finger prevented him taking the field. An interesting tactic by Captain Thompson brought on another back row forward Sam Cooke with Tom Fisher moving out to the mid field. This Tactic paid off immediately with Fisher terrorising the Exiles defence with his strong, straight running.  He touched down after 57 minutes after bowling through three defenders. Matthews added the extra 2 points and the Exiles were starting to wilt under the Abu Dhabi Floodlights. The continued assault of the Dubai side’s goal line was being repelled and tempers flared on occasions. Late in the game a scrum resulted in Captain Thompson powering over for his fourth try in two games after his hat-trick against Muscat. Then in the dying seconds of the game, Thomson crossed the line again after a moment of genius in the lineout. A textbook lift, a sweet pirouette turn and a 30 metre dash beating 3 defenders had watching supporters aghast at the skill and control of the Captain and really emphasised that Abu Dhabi could now win in Style!

The final score Abu Dhabi Harlequins 26 - Dubai Exiles 12.

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