Dubai : Barrelhouse Yobs dedicated their Gulf Men's League Trophy win to one of the club's founding members Andy Jackson, who passed away in a tragic motorcycle accident in the US recently. His son Ben Jackson lifted the silverware in a victory that was played with his father's memory fresh in mind as all the players donned black armbands in a tribute to the former player.
The Dubai-based team beat Exiles I 22-15 in front of a packed main arena at the Sevens Stadium on Al Ain Road at the Dubai Rugby Sevens yesterday. The cup final victory came as a shock to some considering the team had never featured in this level of the competition before. Coach Rob McLoughlin explained his team had previously only featured in the social competition but of the boys first foray into the senior league had gone beyond expectation.
"I'm surprised how they've fronted up to the physicality to be honest. We've out-muscled a couple of teams which surprised me. We started off with a gameplan that we needed width on everything it needed to go wide, I told them don't get caught up in a dogfight in the middle and it went just as it was planned. They played to the gameplan perfectly."
Consecutive games
Barrelhouse won three consecutive games in Group B seeing off Dubai Frogs 28-10, Dubai Hurricanes 12-10 and Dubai Dragons II 35-7. In the quarters they saw off Dubai Dragons I 34-28, while the semi-final saw them win 26-17 against Abu Dhabi Harlequins I.
McLoughlin added, "Beating Dragons I and Hurricanes I in the pool games set the benchmark really — we knew we could go all the way then. We were a bit fearful of Abu Dhabi in the the semi but we came from two tries down to win that which shows character.
"They've shown maturity beyond their years it's a joy, year on year we've lost in the quarters and the semi to now win is just superb."
Meanwhile in the Gulf Women's Trophy League final, TOA beat Dubai Hurricanes Ladies I 22-19. The TOA coach John Mamea had this to say of his team's victory.
"It's like New Zealand beating Australia. The Dubai Hurricanes have dominated for such a long time but it comes in swings and roundabouts."
He added that come the end of the local domestic season his team had a good chance of stealing the crown after this tournament win.
Improving standard
"This is just a tournament, in the main season we've been progressing well also. The standard of ladies rugby is improving well and the other sides are now catching up with Hurricanes. We had some tough pool games and the semi was tough I'm just stoked. Really excited."
Mamea added, "For the other team to have come back at us in the final from 22-0 down really shellshocked our girls but we did well to hold out. I'm not surprised by the win at all."
