Abu Dhabi: Dubai Exiles dominated, winning most of the mini titles, while hosts Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai College and English College had their share of success in the Abu Dhabi Duty Free Mini & Youth Rugby Tournament.
The Exiles turned on their might with a strong participation of over 300 youngsters in the nine different categories and carried away the under-8, under-9, under-10, under-11 and under-12 titles.
Abu Dhabi started well with the under-7 title but they got beaten in the most prestigious final of the two-day event- the under-19 section.
The co-holders of the under-19 title, Abu Dhabi went down to Dubai College who also scalped the other co-holders Dubai Exiles in the semifinals.
In a final where both sets of players looked tired in the 7s format, Dubai College scored two tries through Thomas Roderick while Sean Gould accounted for the other as well as a conversion. For Abu Dhabi, who did get their chances, Jonathan Bending scored both the tries with their star fly-half Robin Quickfall getting one conversion on target.
The under-16 final was also a closely-fought affair and this time Dubai College were on the losing side with English College winning the title.
Khalid Helal scored a try and Michael White converted for English College. Dubai College's points came from Duncan Head's effort.
Out of the three outstation teams - Doha, Kuwait and Bahrain - it was the under-14 lads from Doha who impressed. In a thrilling final, Doha defeated English College with a 'Golden Try' by Jamie Frost in extra time after the teams were locked 5-5 after full time. Pieter Diepraam and Rhodri Phillip also played well for the visiting side who dominated the under-14 category.
"It has been highly satisfying to watch the kids play. The event went off very well and the standard of rugby has improved from last year," said Richard Harris, the Tournament Director.
"Most of the visiting team officials have said that playing four to five matches in a day has helped their young players and they are already looking forward to the next event," added Harris.
"The Abu Dhabi Duty Free and the Al Gazal Gold Club staff led by Dayle Kelly did a superb job," he said.
