Exiles storm to win over Dubai Hurricanes RFC

Exiles‘ Under 12s enjoy the 59 – 17 scoreline.

If the old sports saying that ‘good teams win even when they play badly’ then Dubai Exiles RFC must be positively world class. Last night’s derby match with Sevens Stadium neighbours the Dubai Hurricanes was without question the Exiles‘ most incoherent and stuttering performance of the season.

Justin Walsh carried hard all game

Jordan Ainslie tries ro dance his way through

The Exiles‘ UAE Premiership clash with Dubai Hurricanes RFC marked the 10th anniversary of the sad passing of Exiles‘ and Arabian Gulf Rugby centre, Jon ‘Studente’ Beeton. A large crowd had gathered at The Sevens Stadium for this game, they respectfully observed the one minute of silence as both team lined up and faced the Exiles‘ clubhouse and galleries.

Matt Mills enjoys another high tackle

Justin Walsh, the Exiles‘ 10, or 22 in this case, got the game underway. It wasn’t the greatest start for the Men-in-Black. Within the first minute of the match Exiles centre Michael Stubbs had to be stretchered off with a badly dislocated ankle. With ‘Stubbsy’ being made comfortable on the sidelines it wasn’t long until the Dubai Exiles opened the scoring. Kenyan international, Brad Owako, opened the scoring for the Dubai Exiles after only 3 minutes of play. Sustained and direct pressure had buckled the Hurricanes defence and Owako had crashed over. Converted by Justin Walsh. 7 – 0 to Exiles.

It was only a few minutes later, and Anthony Capp crossed for his first of 3 tries of the evening. Again converted by Justin Walsh. 10 minutes weren’t yet on the clock and Exiles already had 14 points on the board against the Dubai Hurricanes.

Being 14 points up after less than 10 minutes seemed to spark the Exiles into a surge of apathy. Any thoughts of playing to patterns, constructing attacks or creating weak spots in the Hurricanes defence went out of the window. All sorts of weird passes were being thrown, ball retention was ignored, and the general lackadaisical approach gained it’s own momentum – and consequently let the Hurricanes score two tries which they would have had no right to score in any ‘normal’ state of affairs. By the time the half time whistle blew, Anthony Capp had scored another try, but at 21 – 12 to the ‘home’ team. The Hurricanes were very much still in the hunt.

Jaron Shelley scored the first try of the second half

Dave Gairn gets ready for another scrum

Anybody who was privileged enough to be in the team huddle at half time with Exiles‘ Director of Rugby, Jacques Benade, would have received an extended education in the application of the English language. There were probably expletives from other languages being shared too, but it was difficult to keep up with them because of the volume – both in quantity and decibels.

The message given at half time had been evidently been clearly understood. The Exiles scored in the opening minute of the second half. Wing, Jaron Shelley, outpacing the scrambling Hurricanes defence. 26 – 12. Matt Mills was next to score for the Exiles. The UAE International crashing over from an Exiles‘ line out .Converted  33 – 12.

By the time the Hurricanes had managed to post another score, Jordan Ainslie had scored and the Exiles had rumbled their way to what looked like an unassailable 38 – 17 lead.

Referee convention

The final 10 minutes of the match saw an outburst of 3 tries for Dubai Exiles RFC. Number 8, Stephen Ferguson, had crossed with a very large and gleeful smile on his face. Anthony Kapp got his hat-trick, and substitute Willem Jansen crossed for the final try of the match.

Nine tries to the Exiles. Final Score: Dubai Exiles RFC 59 – Dubai Hurricanes RFC 17.

Willem Jansen added himself to the try scorers’ list

Brad Owako opened the Exiles’ scoring

The Exiles‘ Kenyan ‘Booster Club’!

DUBAI EXILES RFC v DUBAI HURRICANES

UAE Premiership (5th November 2021)