Gulf Colts narrowly beaten in first team match

Dubai: The AGRFU under-18 team put in a very creditable performance recently when it lost narrowly to prestigious New Zealand school Christ's College.

This was the first match together for the Gulf's youth elite players. Honoured with a rousing haka from the visitors, the team was not overawed with the challenge and led for long periods of the game.

Later after relinquishing the lead the Gulf team still battled hard with numerous late sieges on the tourists' line and were unlucky to go down 12-7 at the final whistle. Christ's College have a proud rugby history, producing six All Blacks and played Saturday's match while on a stopover on their way for a tour of the UK after a successful domestic season in New Zealand.

The Gulf team more than matched its rivals in size and strength and showed some deft, confident touches in attack. For the victors while not an overly big side they showed typical Antipodean skills at the breakdown and were effective and fearless in the tackle. Newly-appointed Gulf Colts Coach Brian Allen was very happy with his team's first match together.

"Our boys showed great skills and fitness at the highest level after working hard with our coaching team over the summer. It was an excellent first hit out, with all squad members meeting the haka challenge full on.

"Results like this show that the talent is here. The AGRFU has established the Senior Colts Programme to support players to make the step up to international/senior competition. Some of these Gulf players should be facing the haka again," he said.

Allen and his staff are always on the lookout for players and will hold an open trial this Saturday (September 27) at The Sevens Rugby facility.

Next up the team will face Ilkley Grammar School from Yorkshire, England in Dubai in November.