• Dubai Knights Eagles take on Dubai Tigers, in red, in the West Asia Premiership at Dubai Sports City on Friday. The Tigers won 27-16. All photos by Victor Besa / The National
    Dubai Knights Eagles take on Dubai Tigers, in red, in the West Asia Premiership at Dubai Sports City on Friday. The Tigers won 27-16. All photos by Victor Besa / The National
  • Matthew Jones of the Dubai Tigers chases the ball.
    Matthew Jones of the Dubai Tigers chases the ball.
  • Dubai Knights Eagles take on Dubai Tigers, in red, in the West Asia Premiership at Dubai Sports City on Friday. The Tigers won 27-16.
    Dubai Knights Eagles take on Dubai Tigers, in red, in the West Asia Premiership at Dubai Sports City on Friday. The Tigers won 27-16.
  • Peter Kelly of Dubai Tigers is tackled by a Dubai Knights Eagles player.
    Peter Kelly of Dubai Tigers is tackled by a Dubai Knights Eagles player.
  • Dubai Knights Eagles take on Dubai Tigers, in red, in the West Asia Premiership at Dubai Sports City on Friday. The Tigers won 27-16.
    Dubai Knights Eagles take on Dubai Tigers, in red, in the West Asia Premiership at Dubai Sports City on Friday. The Tigers won 27-16.
  • Dubai Knights Eagles take on Dubai Tigers, in red, in the West Asia Premiership at Dubai Sports City on Friday. The Tigers won 27-16. All photos by Victor Besa / The National
    Dubai Knights Eagles take on Dubai Tigers, in red, in the West Asia Premiership at Dubai Sports City on Friday. The Tigers won 27-16. All photos by Victor Besa / The National
  • Lukhanye Sonbinq of the Dubai Tigers attempts an offload.
    Lukhanye Sonbinq of the Dubai Tigers attempts an offload.
  • Matthew Jones of ther Dubai Tigers powers through Dubai Knights Eagles defence.
    Matthew Jones of ther Dubai Tigers powers through Dubai Knights Eagles defence.
  • Dubai Knights Eagles take on Dubai Tigers, in red, in the West Asia Premiership at Dubai Sports City on Friday. The Tigers won 27-16.
    Dubai Knights Eagles take on Dubai Tigers, in red, in the West Asia Premiership at Dubai Sports City on Friday. The Tigers won 27-16.
  • Shane Narara of the Dubai Knights Eagles passes the ball.
    Shane Narara of the Dubai Knights Eagles passes the ball.
  • Dubai Knights Eagles take on Dubai Tigers, in red, in the West Asia Premiership at Dubai Sports City on Friday. The Tigers won 27-16.
    Dubai Knights Eagles take on Dubai Tigers, in red, in the West Asia Premiership at Dubai Sports City on Friday. The Tigers won 27-16.
  • Dubai Tigers set up another play.
    Dubai Tigers set up another play.
  • Aaron Persico of the Dubai Tigers tries to break free from Dubai Knights Eagles defence.
    Aaron Persico of the Dubai Tigers tries to break free from Dubai Knights Eagles defence.
  • Dubai Knights Eagles take on Dubai Tigers, in red, in the West Asia Premiership at Dubai Sports City on Friday. The Tigers won 27-16.
    Dubai Knights Eagles take on Dubai Tigers, in red, in the West Asia Premiership at Dubai Sports City on Friday. The Tigers won 27-16.

Dubai Tigers get claws into Knights Eagles while Exiles maintain winning start to UAE rugby season


Paul Radley
  • English
  • Arabic

RESULTS

West Asia Premiership

Thursday
Jebel Ali Dragons 13-34 Dubai Exiles

Friday
Dubai Knights Eagles 16-27 Dubai Tigers

Dubai Tigers continue to establish themselves as a competitive force in top-flight rugby in the region, after picking up their second West Asia Premiership win on Friday.

The division’s newcomers scored five tries as they beat Dubai Knights Eagles 27-16 at Dubai Sports City.

Tigers have quickly proved themselves to be a valuable addition to the Premiership, having accepted promotion this season after two years of success in the second-tier Conference.

After losing to champions Bahrain on the opening day, they pushed Abu Dhabi Harlequins in their second assignment, then sent a message of their arrival when they beat Jebel Ali Dragons next time out.

They consolidated that win with a success at the Knight Eagles that moved them to fourth in the seven-team table.

Cameron Larnder scored two tries for the Tigers, with Liam Caldwell and Nenad Grbic also crossing. Jamie Clarke scored the fourth try that gave them a bonus point, before being substituted in the second half after suffering a broken finger.

The previous evening, Dubai Exiles had continued their impressive start to the campaign, as they beat Jebel Ali Dragons 34-13 at the Centre of Excellence.

It meant that, after four matches so far, the Exiles are the only undefeated side in the competition.

RESULTS

West Asia Premiership

Thursday
Jebel Ali Dragons 13-34 Dubai Exiles

Friday
Dubai Knights Eagles 16-27 Dubai Tigers