Sport | Football
Dubai Dragons are slain by ruthless Exiles
Last week's celebrations for the Dubai Dragons after their upset victory over reigning champions Dubai Hurricanes was soon forgotten on Friday with the giant killers being battered 47-14 by a ruthless Dubai Exiles who scored seven tries in their bonus point earning rout.
- Staff Report
- Published: 01:18 September 30, 2008
Dubai: Last week's celebrations for the Dubai Dragons after their upset victory over reigning champions Dubai Hurricanes was soon forgotten on Friday with the giant killers being battered 47-14 by a ruthless Dubai Exiles who scored seven tries in their bonus point earning rout.
New Exiles winger Brent Lategan opened the scoring within minutes of the opening whistle and was rewarded with another score later in the match. He was joined by his team captain Marcus Smith who also scored a brace of tries.
A strong bench saw Exiles giant midfielder Wayne McDonald in action with the former Super League professional crashing over for a try and offloading perfectly to set up midfield partner Smith for his second of the day.
Sound tactical kicking from Kiwi flyhalf James Ireland and man of the match Paul Beard gave the Exiles strong territorial positions from which to unleash their attacks led by Gulf player Stephen Cooper.
For the Dragon's centre Trent Eastgate had his moments and was rewarded with a try while fullback Asa Firth earned the praise of Dragon's Captain James Wellings for his attacking flair and work rate.
Unbeaten Doha RFC tasted defeat for the first time this season and continued with their poor form away from home with a 67-14 thumping by Dubai Hurricanes.
In Kuwait, hosts Kuwait Nomads RFC had no answer to a strong travelling NBAD Abu Dhabi Harlequins being comprehensively beaten 67-12.
The predicted close match between Al Ain Amblers and Dubai's French Frogs was as expected with Frogs Steve Coutard nudging over two penalty goals to take a one point win, 6-5.
Results
AGRFU Gulf Premiership:
Nomads 12 Harlequins I 67
Hurricanes I 67 Doha I 14
Exiles I 47 Dragons I 14
AGRFU Gulf Emirates League
Wanderers 7 Exiles II 14
Al Ain 5 Dubai Frogs 6
Abu Dhabi II 10 Hurricanes II 8
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