Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
A large crowd saw a spirited performance from a good Bahrain side who shared the honours with last season’s champions Abu Dhabi Harlequins at Bahrain Rugby Football Club.
It was a Friday evening of missed chances for the home team who had multiple opportunities to win the match in the dying minutes of the game, as did their opponents.
Early heated exchanges saw Bahrain take an early 6-0 lead from the boot of new recruit, outside half Iwan Phillips, who kicked two penalties. After a lack of control in their own half, Bahrain made key errors and the referee awarded penalties to the away side where outstanding Abu Dhabi outside half Luke Stevenson converted with ease.
A huge blow to the Bahrain squad saw tighthead prop Rich Muncaster get stretchered off after a nasty knee injury 30 minutes into the game, a loss that will be hugely felt by the young squad for the remainder of the season.
He sustained a dislocated patella and a ruptured tendon and needed an operation at the BDF Hospital following careful aid pitch-side by the medical team. Further pressure from both teams amounted in two further penalties apiece from both Phillips and Stevenson and the teams went into the half time break at 12 points all. Strong words from head coach Louie Tonkin at half time led to more dominance in the second half from Bahrain where the team were dominant in the set piece.
Unfortunately as was the story of the game, both defensives were very strong and thwarted out any try scoring chances for the duration.
Abu Dhabi were awarded a penalty from a period of pressure and Stevenson again slotted the kick taking his team into the lead 15-12 with 20 minutes to go. A dominant scrum deep in the Abu Dhabi half eventually led to a penalty for Bahrain, and the subsequently the scores were again tied at 15 each.
An intense final 10 minutes saw large periods of sustained pressure exerted by both teams and a welcome return to play by key figure Elliot Behan after a long injury layoff.
A late surge from Bahrain in the Abu Dhabi 22 unfortunately led to a mistake and allowed Abu Dhabi to regain possession and on 80 minutes they kicked the ball off the field in relief as the referee blew his final whistle.
