An eventful graduation for Helal

DUBAI // Khalid Helal, 17, taking his first steps into international rugby, did not take long to cause an impression for the Arabian Gulf on Wednesday night. In the days leading up to the game, the English College pupil confessed to feeling a little over-awed by the "nerve-racking" prospect of mixing it with the big boys.

It did not show. By the end of the game, he was the one doing the intimidating, as he picked up a yellow card for a high tackle, and riled the whole Thailand team in the process. The "body blow" is the method of choice for the Gulf's tacklers when they enter a collision, the aim being to dislodge the ball from the attacking player's grip. But Helal's timing was awry as he attempted a tackle out on the right-hand touchline, resulting in him making contact around the neck of his opposite number.

Marcus Smith, the leader of the Gulf's defensive line was already in the sin-bin for committing a similar offence. Happily, it was the only blemish on an otherwise solid display for the Egypt-born Helal. "I was very impressed by Khalid," said David Clark, the Gulf captain. "It was his first outing and he stuck at it well, despite his yellow card." [e-mail]