Sport | Rugby
St George team mean business in social event
St George have emerged as the team to beat in the International Invitation tournament and they're keen to make it a Dubai one-two for England.
- By Steve Hill, Correspondent
- Published: 23:31 May 3, 2009
Dubai: St George have emerged as the team to beat in the International Invitation tournament and they're keen to make it a Dubai one-two for England.
Comfortable victories over a Bone Steelers side featuring former Scotland and British Lions stand-off Gregor Townsend, VVA Podmoskvje and then Tremblers appear to make this side the favourites for the event although the New Zealand Legends and Christina Nobel might have something to say about that come the business end of the competition.
St George are an England second string in everything but name, and they want to be one half of a trophy-winning pairing with Simon Amor's side who are bidding to repeat last season's Dubai success.
Dan Luger, a member of England's World Cup squad, said: "That's certainly the aim."
Rugby Ecosse, meanwhile, appear to be clear favourites in the International Ladies Trophy after cruising to a hat-trick of impressive wins without conceding a single point.
Caspian Cats were dispatched by 68 points, 50 were piled up against O'Neill's Babas while MGUS, perceived as the team's toughest opponents, were beaten by 38.
Stephen Gemmell, who coaches what is effectively a Scottish national side, said: "Anyone who has seen us play can only look favourably upon women's rugby.
"That's what it's all about for us. This is a great opportunity to showcase our skills."
Rimma Petlevannaya, Ecosse's Russian-born star who has won 69 caps, and Paula Chalmers, sister of former Scotland stand-off Craig, provide plenty of experience for the team who are using Dubai as a developmental tool for next year's World Cup in Canada.
Asian champions Kazakhstan are expected to provide stern opposition in the knock-out stages for Ecosse, who are sponsored by Weatherford and UPS.
In the International Vets trophy, the Bahrain-based Warblers enjoyed a strong first day with former Gulf internationals Chris 'Stanley' Mathews and Nigel Palmer to the fore.
Kowloon Bedouins sneaked into the quarter-finals by a point over Barrelhouse and now face Swansea Old Boys.
Off the field, it was business as usual in the Welcare Ambulatory Care Centre which dealt with around 375 injuries of varying severity on the first day, compared to a total of 1,100 patients last year.
Dr George John, the chief medical officer for the tournament said there had been a significant increase in cut injuries alongside the customary number of fractures and dislocations.
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