Friday night saw another concerted efforts from the 1's against the competition frontrunners Abu Dhabi, but ultimately the lads fell short on the scoreboard. We led 6-0 at the 30-minute mark and things were going well, before Abu Dhabi score 10 points in the minutes leading up towards half-time to lead 10-6. Abu Dhabi then scored two quick tries to start the second half and in a blink we went from leading 6-0 to trailing 6-20.
But the lads kept chipping away and the final score of 23-11 flattered the visitors. As they were against the Dragons, the forwards were tremendous and their improvement is testimony to the hard work the guys are putting in. The backs defended tremendously but a combination of the Abu Dhabi fly-half's prodigious boot and our own error rate really held us back from showing what we can do.
Well done to Shane as M.O.M. and to Rapid for a great first game back from injury. All the lads really emptied the tank out there and all the replacements came on to replace the spent and injured. Brad and PK (having to go to the wing) in particular brought on tremendous hustle and enthusiasm and Shorty's own enthusiasm earnt him a yellow card but his actions of cleaning his boots so thoroughly on his opponent certainly stopped the rest of the Abu Dhabi forwards from lying all over the ball for the rest of the game! Sadly, we had some less than expert officiating which didn't help the cause but the lads realise he didn't lose us the game but only added to the frustration.
The 2's had a tough outing at Al Ain and went down to a good outfit. By all reports the forwards played well in patches and competed well and our makeshift backline had their hands full against a big and settled Al Ain combination.
A big night of Cup action ahead this Thursday witht he 1's against the Exiles and the 2's against Toa Dubai. Training turnouts have been a credit to the players and with only a 6-day turnaround with games this week its important to let your coaches/managers know asap if you are not available for training or playing.