Abu Dhabi Harlequins Vs Dubai Hurricanes

16/10/2009

Abu Dhabi Harlequins Vs Muscat

Friday 16th October, 2009:

Facing a rejuventated Muscat side was always going to be a daunting task for the unbeaten Abu Dhabi Harlequins. The team travelled to Muscat early on Friday morning and the inconvenience of such a long wait prior to a 4pm kick-off may have been enough to unsettle or lose focus in the most willing of teams.

Due to a number of injuries to key players the scene was set for a number of up and coming players to step up and make an impact, and compete for a more permanent role. The game started at a high pace and the Quins raced out to an early 12-0 lead, scoring two early tries through Dave Stolzenberg and the ever-impressive Murray Strang, one of which was converted by Strang himself. This proved to have a detrimental effect on the focus of the team however, and after a number of missed tackles and lack of urgency in defence, the Quins switched off momentarily, allowing Muscat back into the game with a penalty kick and converted try under the posts. Stand-in captain and stalwart, Sean McMahon rallied his troops and following a quick tap from a penalty, the ball was recycled and full-back Tony Matthews scored a try in the corner. Strang, once more, converted to make the half time score 19-10.

As has been the case for much of the season to date, the Quins discipline around the ruck was poor. As a result, two players were yellow carded for related infractions, leaving the side to end the first half, and start the second period with 13 players on the field.
Although down to 13 men, both sides were aware that the next score was crucial to the outcome of the game, and being on the receiving end of a Muscat side gaining momentum and confidence, the Abu Dhabi Harlequins were sparked into life. From a back-line move that started deep in the Abu Dhabi half, Tim Harwin set Tom Calnan away on a 40 metre break. From the resulting ruck, the ball was fed to Strang who drew the defence and released the ball to man of the match Simon Osbourne, who broke clear to score under the posts; the try was converted by Strang. At this stage, the Quins were controlling all facets of the game; winning quality ball in the lineout through Niko Van Niekerk and Osbourne, and setting a powerful platform in the scrum through John McCoppin and Graham Murphy.

In the 64th minute, Tim Harwin scored a well executed try in the corner; again, Strang secured the two extra points from the touchline. Abu Dhabi continued to play positive rugby and with the game essentially won, took the opportunity to make wholesale changes to the lineup. In the time it took the side to bed in, Muscat scored their final try following some loose passing and defense from the away side. Eager to finish the game on a positive though, the new combinations started to move the ball moved from left and then right to left as they attempted to open a hole in the resolute Muscat defence. Following good work by debutant Gavin Beets and scrum-half Patrick Hegarty, Dave Stolzenburg clawed his way over in the corner for Abu Dhabi’s final try. Once more, Strang converted to make the final score 43-17.

In the end this was a good performance by Abu Dhabi, a side that continues to show glimpses of brilliance mixed with a lack of control. Head-coach Ali Thompson had mixed emotions when being asked to reflect on the game. ‘It seemed to be too easy for us score the first couple of tries, and this led a loss of focus for long period in the first half''. That being said, Thompson and Captain on the day, Sean McMahon, paid tribute to a Muscat side with a never say die attitude. McMahon commented ‘ Muscat made it very difficult for us, they put pressure on us in attack, forced turn-overs at the break down, and can take many positives from the way they played'

The focus now turns to the challenge of the undefeated Dubai Dragons next week at the 7’s facility in Dubai. Thompson commented ‘We made less errors in the second half and must take this in to next week’s game. The Dragons have a very potent back-line and we will work hard this week to limit this threat. They, too, are undefeated but I am confident that the side will rise to the occasion to maintain our flawless season. With the return of some key players, we will continue to look to the flare that Murray (Strang) brings to the team; his all-round game has been outstanding this season so far’.

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