Quins must now hope for shock Exiles win

Cup Champions 2009. Can Bahrain win the double this time round?

An under strength Abu Dhabi Harlequins were narrowly defeated by Bahrain last weekend and they must now rely on Dubai Exiles to pull off a shock result against the same opposition, for them to have any mathematical possibility of holding on to their Arabian Gulf Premiership title.

All manner of reasons meant that Quins travelled to Manama minus the bulk of their first team squad, but that did not prevent them taking an early lead and almost pulling level at the death. However the late conversion attempt sailed wide and a 15-13 margin was enough for Bahrain to pull fourteen points clear at the top of the table.

The possibility of Exiles doing their Emirates neighbours a huge favour and helping to prevent the Premiership trophy leaving the Gulf for the first time in thirteen years is unlikely, but not impossible. They have of course defeated 2^nd placed Quins and 3^rd placed Dragons in recent weeks. Their form against Bahrain this season; a 20-0 home defeat in an early season Premiership encounter and a 37-10 reversal in the Cup clash in Manama, would suggest that the home side will start the overwhelming favourites

Quins will have early opportunity to avenge Friday’s defeat when they entertain Bahrain in the Cup in a fortnight’s time in what will be sure to be one of the most eagerly anticipated matches of the season.

Arabian Gulf Prosperity Premiership

Image courtesy: AGRFU