‘Always a tough battle’: Harlequins edge Saracens in Abu Dhabi derby

Abu Dhabi Harlequins worked for a 20-13 victory against Abu Dhabi Saracens on Thursday night in West Asia Premiership play.

Abu Dhabi Harlequins (green) and Abu Dhabi Saracens (red) battle during their match on Thursday night. Ravindranath K / The National / October 6, 2016

Abu Dhabi Saracens 13 Abu Dhabi Harlequins 20

SAR: Tries - Penalty; Con - Hamilton; Pens - Hamilton 2

HAR: Tries - Phelan, Stevenson; Cons - Stevenson 2; Pens - Stevenson 2

Man of the match: Luke Stevenson (Harlequins)

ABU DHABI // Luke Stevenson jinked over for a close range score in stoppage time as Abu Dhabi Harlequins retained local bragging rights over capital rivals Saracens at Al Ghazal Golf Club.

Saracens, who have suffered a problematic start to the West Asia Premiership campaign, gave a lie to the early league standings, which has undefeated Harlequins ahead at the top.

A penalty try with 10 minutes to go was fitting reward for a scrum that dominated much of the game, and the boot of Steve Hamilton had tied them at 13-13 with minutes left.

Stevenson provided 15 points in all, though, including the late winner, to bolster the first-half try by George Phelan, the Quins fullback.

“It was tough, and we knew that was going to be the case coming here,” Stevenson said.

“We lost here twice last season, and there is always niggle playing against these boys. It’s strange because Abu Dhabi is a small place and we know each other well off the pitch, but it is always a tough battle on it.

“It is probably the hardest place for us to come, so it is to be expected. The standard of rugby is really good now. People now come here to play rugby, it is not just about work. That makes for a good standard of rugby.”

Both sides will be counting the bruises come morning. Pushing the league’s top side as close as they did was a fine effort from the home team.

Having travelled to Doha six days earlier with 13 of their named starting line-up due to a variety of issues, they were still patched up.

Club captain Mike Pugliese is facing a lengthy spell sideline after injuring medial ligament damage in Qatar. Jaen Botes was also pitchside, as he continues his rehab from a broken hand.

It was a testament to the feats of Mohammed Hassan, the outstanding Emirati forward, that Botes, the UAE No 8, was not unduly telling.

“Mohammed is a superb forward, whether he is playing lock or No 8,” Winston Cowie, the Saracens coach, said.

“He offloads well, he carries well, he defends well. If he keeps up this consistent form, he must be in the running for Emirati player of the season.”

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