Dubai: A youthful rugby team from the English College Dubai has made a fervent appeal to corporates to sustain the sport at the grassroots following their historic win in North America earlier this week.
A self-funded under-18 team from the English College Dubai won the under-16 final in the North American Magnificent 7s played in Ontario, Canada.
In the final, the team from Dubai secured a 22-0 win against Markham RFC to become the first team ever from the Gulf to notch such an achievement.
"Traditionally, teams from this region have abstained from venturing out for rugby. But we took a chance this time and we have returned feeling very proud of ourselves and the place we represent," Angelo Manesero, one of the juniors, told Gulf News.
During their tour of North America, the Dubai side gave a good account of themselves. They played two 15s matches, defeating the hosts 24-5 and then blanking Barhaven Scottish RFC 60-0.
Later, playing in the Rugby Ontario North American Magnificent 7's tournament, English College Dubai contested against teams from Canada, US, UK and France in the under-18 and under-16 competitions.
The under-16s went on to be crowned champions, while the under-18s ended consolation prize winners following their 14-12 win against the Yeomen team.
"We need a bit more support from corporates in Dubai," said John Balac, another member of the victorious team.
The team of juniors managed to raise their own funds for the trip along with assistance from the Dubai Rugby Mums (DRM) and Avis Rent A Car.
"We have gone and played at the highest level and it would have been good to have some support from the big companies we have out here," added Manesero.
Squad: Mike Lancaster (captain/centre); Angelo Manesero (centre); John Balac (second row); Matthew Chandler (hooker); Craig Wallace (prop); Sam Cross (flanker); Liam Caldwell (no.8); Matthew Kelly (prop); Michael Upfold (second row); Alex Rapallo (fly half); Tom Champion (scrum half); Jeremy Cope (Scrum half/fly half); Kevin Barker (wing); Harry Corthorn (wing); Carl Strickson (wing); Tom Assal (flanker); Tom Driver (full back). Team support: Tom Stroud; Rashid Bin Dalmathian; Coaches: Andy Mexsom and Simon Leigh; Medic: Mike Whelan.
