The stage has been set for the revival of the Sharjah Grass Roots Xs Tournament to be held at the Sharjah Wanderers Sports Club (SWSC) today.

"We are all set to go for a fresh start to this competition," SWSC sports coordinator, Douw Smit told Gulf News after the fixtures for today were finalised.

The draw ceremony was held late on Wednesday in the presence of Arabian Gulf Rugby Football Union (AGRFU) representative, Darryl Weir. "Everyone is quite excited about this event and we are only too eager to have it rolling afresh," Smit said.

Much depends on the success of the competition this year. Since being revived after a lapse of nearly a decade, the organisers are keen to make this a permanent fixture on the UAE rugby calendar.

"I think this is going to be the start of a very popular tournament for the future," Smit noted. To start with, the organisers are targetting a spectator presence in excess to 1000.

"The emphasis is on the entire family. We've done enough advertising on the newspaper and the radio and I think, we will be get past the target we've set for ourselves," Smit said.

Dubai Dragons, who have fielded two teams, look certain favourites after clinching both the Gulf Cup and the Arabian Gulf League titles this year.

Though the Cup final is yet to be played next week, there is no way they can be denied the honour as their two teams clash in the final at 12.30 pm on April 30.

The Emirates Flying Muppets, another strong combination is also expected to fare well. However, they are likely to run into the Dragons in the semifinals. "The better team will win," Smit said.

"But I can predict a final between the Dragons and our team from Sharjah Wanderers," Smit said.

The event is also being supported by GAC Logistics, Degussa, Halcrow, A&E, and Al Laith Scaffolding.

Fixtures
Pitch No.1 (10 am) Sharjah1 vs Exiles1; (10.30 am) Dragons2 vs French Frogs; (11 am) Sharjah1 vs Dragons2; (11.30 am) Exiles1 vs French Frogs; (12 noon) Lanka Lions vs Al Ain; (12.30 pm) Sharjah1 vs French Frogs; (1 pm) Exiles1 vs Dragons2.

Pitch No.2 (10 am) Dragons1 vs Lanka Lions; (10.30 am) Flying Muppets vs Al Ain; (11 am) Dragons1 vs Flying Muppets; (12.30 pm) Dragons1 vs Al Ain; (1 pm) Lanka Lions vs Flying Muppets.