The Dubai Tigers lifted the West Asia Premiership trophy for the first time by beating 3 time reigning champions, Bahrain 28-19 in front of a packed home crowd in the shadow of the Burj Al Arab on Saturday.

After a nervy start, where the visitors took an early lead, the Tigers created a 10 point buffer going into the halftime break at 17-7 with tries from Moli Schaumkel, Charlie Taylor and Saki Naisau.

Two early second half tries for Bahrain brought them within reach, but was short lived as Tigers halfback Matt Gilham nudged over two penalties in front of the sticks and dotted a late try to confirm the title.

The West Asia Championship adds to their second piece of silverware in what is their 10th anniversary season since formation.

The Tigers will surely be chasing the treble after winning the Dubai Sevens title back in December and a potential domestic UAE Premiership title up for grabs later this month.

“I am overwhelmed by the growth of the club over the last ten years. Watching our mini and youth players train and get behind our men’s team means the world to me. To have the support of our parents and sponsors was amazing. And lastly to get the win was really the icing on the cake and I am super proud of all the players, coaches, managers and medics! It wouldn’t be the club it is without them all” said Club Chairman Shane Thornton.

Director of Rugby, Peter Kelly added;

“It’s our 10th year anniversary for the Tigers, so we’re really pleased to get the victory. It’s definitely our biggest win. They’ve kind of set the standard over the last six or seven years with regards to the level that everyone needs to be at.”

Officials

• Referee: Jaco De Wit
• Assistant Refs: Matt Riley, Brayden Hudson

Dubai Tigers Team

1. Deanne Makoni
2. Mosese Toafa
3. Duane Aholelei (C)
4. Esekaia Dranibota
5. Rory Smith
6. Marcus Guerin
7. Fabien Rivalland
8. Epeli Davetawalu
9. Moli Schaumkel
10. Matthew Gilham
11. Niko Volavola
12. Jerome Harimate
13. Saki Naisau
14. Nick Cliffe
15. Charlie Taylor
16. Siphatho Phanta
17. Callum McKay
18. Jone Bola
19. Max Pendry
20. Emosi Ratuvecanaua
21. Vito Tuivione
22. Kobi Bates
23. Oliver Shepherd

Bahrain Team

1. Matthew Mickee
2. Lindsey Gibson
3. Pierson Kennington
4. Aled Morris
5. Awethu Lushozi
6. William Burroughs
7. Rory Drummond
8. Alastair Crombie (C)
9. Caprice Cocker
10. Mason Porteous
11. Greg Heath
12. Adam Wallace
13. David Evans
14. Joel Kidgell
15. Deina Morete
16. Nick Young
17. Gerhard Cronje
18. Fiachra Wynne
19. Jack Jarvis
20. Rhys Fitzgerald
21. Daniel Dryden
22. Joel Lewis
23. Matthew Richards