Abu Dhabi Harlequins must now play a waiting game in Nissan Cup

Abu Dhabi Harlequins will have to wait until next Friday night to find out if they will even have an opportunity to defend their Nissan Rugby League Cup title after being shocked by Al Ain Amblers. The home side made light of their lack of experience in the 13-man code by beating the cup holders 42-40 at the Palm Sports Resort in the Garden City.

The fixture was scheduled to be the last of the three-round league competition, with the top two sides due to meet in the final in Al Ain in two weeks.

However, the finalists are still yet to be confirmed, as Dubai Sharks were forced to postpone their match against Xodus Wasps – who are also in contention for a place in the finals – due to availability problems.

Both Al Ain and Abu Dhabi have won two games each. Amblers, though, have confirmed a place in their home final after they racked up triple figures in their win over the Sharks a week previously, meaning that their points differential far exceeds that of Harlequins.

Wasps, who beat Al Ain in Dubai on the opening day of the season, will have to notch a similarly hefty tally against the rookie Sharks side next weekend if they are to beat Harlequins to the second berth in the final.

pradley@thenational.ae