Amblers Shine at Al Ain Rugby Tournament

25 November 2009 DUBAI — Al Ain Amblers emerged as the surprise package at the Al Ain Sevens and Tens rugby tournament held on on Friday at the Palm Sports Resort.

Held as a regional build up to the Emirates Airlines Dubai Rugby Sevens, the tournament attracted 23 teams participating in four competitions.

In the Premier competition, six of the Gulf’s elite seven-a-side teams competed in a spectacle of running rugby. The event was bolstered by the inclusion of the Arabian Gulf squad, who used the Al Ain competition as their final selection trial ahead of the Emirates Airlines Dubai Rugby Sevens.

The Amblers, although well beaten by the national team in the final, can look forward to the Dubai Sevens with justifiable anticipation.

They were the strongest club side in the tournament, recording good wins over all four Dubai-based clubs and scoring over 20 tries from all areas of the pitch. Joining the victorious Arabian Gulf team as champions were the Dubai Hurricanes (Plate) and Dubai Exiles (Bowl). Jonny MacDonald of the Arabian Gulf was voted Player of the Tournament.

The women’s competition saw the Arabian Gulf team compete against Dubai Hurricanes Ladies and Toa Dubai Ladies in a series of round robin matches. Five teams battled it out in the 10-a-side Veteran’s competition.

The Al Ain Amblers topped the group unbeaten after four matches and faced the Abu Dhabi Harlequins in the Cup final.

The Quins struggled to break through Al Ain’s steadfast defence to match their lone score for much of normal time, before scoring a well deserved try in the corner with seconds remaining. In extra time, a piece of Al Ain Fijian magic won them the Cup with a delightful chip and chase resulting in the win for the Amblers.

Al Ain captain, Bob Armstrong, was voted Player of the Tournament while the Dubai Dragons defeated the French Frogs Legends in the Plate Final.

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