Gulf Colts almost pull off a major upset

The Arabian Gulf under-18 side made an impressive season debut with a narrow defeat to a touring side from the reknowned Christ's College of Canterbury, New Zealand.

This was the first match together for the Gulf's youth elite players but despite it being an early season fixture for the team they almost managed an historic victory in Abu Dhabi.

Greeted with a rousing Haka from the visitors, the Gulf team met the challenge head on and led for long periods of the game.

Later, after relinquishing the lead the Gulf side 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 (including current Australian coach Robbie Deans) and played Saturday's match while on a stopover on their way to touring the UK after a successful domestic season in New Zealand.

Newly appointed Gulf Colts coach Brian Allen was very happy with his team's first match together. “Our boys showed great skill 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,'' he said.

For the home side, Osama Shayeb, Domingo Rodrigo, Jason De Broize, Joe Macari, Paul McKeown, Greg Cannie, and Khaled Helal starred with Danny Rapello earning the Man of the Match award for his efforts.

Allen and his support staff are always on the lookout for potential representative players and will hold an open trial next Saturday (September 27th) at The Sevens Rugby Facility.