RUGBY – BAHRAIN’S First XV maintained their pristine record in 2024-25 Men’s West Asia Super Rugby yesterday with a resounding 41-32 victory over the Dubai Exiles First XV in an exciting top-of-the-table clash played at Bahrain Rugby Football Club (BRFC) in Saar.
Tries from Josh Petro, Romeo Eksteen, Jack Phillips, and two from Charlie Farmer – coupled with a series of kick conversions by Josh Drain – lifted the kingdom’s side to the hard-earned win, despite being reduced to 14 men heading into the second half.
The home side had a brilliant start although the visitors powered ahead before the break. But Bahrain battled back in the game’s closing stages and lived up to their tag as the league’s top-ranked team to claim their ninth win in as many outings.
They handed the Exiles only their second loss of the season, both of which have come against the Bahrain First XV.
“Really proud of the boys today, they did really well,” BRFC rugby director Adam Wallace told the GDN after the match. “We had a plan to really get up for this game – it’s a top-of-the-table clash, and we knew how important it would be.”
Petro opened the scoring for the hosts just four minutes after kick-off with a try in the left corner to give them a dream start. Drain then added his first successful kick of the contest for the 7-0 advantage.
Farmer doubled the lead just six minutes later with another try at the corner, followed by another Drain conversion.
The Exiles finally got onto the scoreboard with their first three points on a penalty kick in the 18th minute, and after Bahrain replied with their own three points, the Exiles closed the half strong. They gradually cut into the deficit and took an 18-17 edge during first-half added time to head into the break in front.
Adding to their troubles, Bahrain’s Henry Paul was given his marching orders after being shown his second yellow card of the match.
After the re-start, the Exiles built on their momentum and were first to strike, stretching the gap to 25-17 just six minutes in.
But Bahrain then came alive and roared back in style. Eksteen had a try at the posts following a brilliant trick play, and Drain was on target once more to make it 24-25.
Drain later converted a penalty kick with just 10 minutes left to give Bahrain back the lead at 27-25, and they never looked back from there. Phillips added his try off an Exiles error with under five minutes remaining to give Bahrain a 32-25 cushion, and then Farmer completed his brace with less than a minute to go to virtually seal the victory. Drain masterfully converted his kicks on both occasions to make it 41-25.
Bahrain were rolling at this point, but the Exiles were able to add to their score during second-half injury time to peg the final result.
Wallace expressed his delight with how Bahrain’s First XV fought back in the contest after giving up their early lead.
“The boys came out firing, which was fantastic to see, but I think with the couple of early scores, maybe we took our foot off the gas and allowed them back into the game,” Wallace said. “And with the red card just before half-time, we knew our backs were against the wall.
“One of the best things about this team and the unit we’ve got here is that when they’re backs are against the wall, everyone bands together. Everyone fights for each other, and you saw that in our second-half performance.
“To come away with not only winning the second half, but in the fashion that we did – with a man down for 40 minutes – is just phenomenal, so I’m really proud of the boys today.
“When we had our conversation at half-time about being a man down, everyone knew how hard of a challenge this was going to be, especially as they started to get that dominance.
“Incredibly proud of the boys because when they get together and band together like that, defence, attack, the structure, the composure, the control of the game just all came together in the last 40 minutes, and very happy to be taking the win from the Exiles, who are a very strong side.”
The Bahrain First XV are back in action on Saturday this upcoming weekend when they take on the Dubai Hurricanes First XV as they look to keep up their winning ways.
“We knew it was going to be a real big challenge here today but we try to never get ahead of ourselves, in terms of an undefeated season or winning back-to-back games,” Wallace explained. “It ultimately comes down to play-offs, and what we’re aiming for now is a top-two position so we get a home semi-final at home here in Bahrain.”
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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