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04/04/2010
QUINS Grand Final Danway Cup Match Report
The 2009/2010 Arabian Gulf rugby season came down to the most dramatic of finales as Abu Dhabi Harlequins narrowly edged out the recently-crowned Prosperity Premiership champions Bahrain 6-5 in the Danway Gulf Cup final.
Arriving to a large Bahrain crowd and live TV cameras the Abu Dhabi Harlequins always knew that it was always going to be a torrent 80-minute affair. Right from the kick off Bahrain felt the full impact of Harlequins intent for the match, physicality, intensity, and pressure. Early on both sides traded possession with some entertaining counter attacks and phase-play. The Harlequins forward pack, diligently marshaled around the park by Peter Howley, has often be touted through the season as one of the strongest and most mobile in the gulf competition. With no surprise the front row delivered perhaps its strongest performance all season in the set pieces as well as dominating with strong defensive around the rucks; a stand out being Charles Lilley.
Despite the lop sided penalty count against the Harlequins during the first half Bahrain failed to convert any scoring opportunities and late the first half the ever reliable marksman Murray Strang punished Bahrain with two quick penalties to end the half 6-0.
As expected, the second half continued at 100 mph and proved to be an extremely close affair. Bahrain delivered some strong raids over the game line into Quins territory only to be such down by strong cover defensive from the strong back row.
On a few occasions Bahrain advanced closed to the try line only to be repelled time and time again.
Lineout’s were a standout with Simon Osbourne and Captain Ali Thompson dominating and helping to set good platforms for the backline to exploit growing Bahrain’s frustrations.
The first and only try of the game came deep into injury time. Bahrain once again failed to convert allowing the Quins to hold on and secure the trophy.
Ultimately Bahrain’s inability to execute and finish numerous attacking phases and Quins strong defense proved to be the telling factor, strangling any continuity Bahrain tried to create.
The match was an all round impressive show of rugby with the two strongest teams in the gulf showing their dedication and intestinal fortitude after a very long season; the Quins however showed again their commitment and tenacity, and the rightful owners of the silverware. Man of the match was the veteran Austin Relton.
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