DUBAI // The prospect of a club from outside the UAE carrying off the top prize in Gulf rugby for the first time in 13 years moved a step closer after Bahrain claimed a 15-13 triumph over Abu Dhabi Harlequins at the weekend.
Bahrain remain the most successful club in the history of the Arabian Gulf Premiership, despite not having won the competition since 1997. However, a 14th title now looks almost certain after they defeated their closest rivals Quins, the defending champion.
The Harlequins had 20 players unavailable for the trip to Manama, including the key trio of Patrick Hegarty, Simon Osborne and Dave Stolzenburg, the club captain.
As a barometer of the club's frustrations, Stolzenburg was unable to travel as he was without his passport because of the process involved in changing jobs.
"We hope to have a stronger team next time we travel, that's for sure," said Richard Harris, the Abu Dhabi chairman whose side will also compete for the Gulf Cup against the same opposition.
"It is still mathematically possible that we could win the league. If Dubai Exiles can beat them, then it is game on again. Realistically, they should win the league, but at least it is still in our hands that we can stop them winning the double."
Given their problems, the travelling side did well to get so close to a Bahrain team whose form has been outstanding this season.
They even scored the first try, through Tony Matthews, the full-back, only for the hosts to establish control through tries from Ollie Hunt and Matt Cross.
Jeff Nicholson did cross late on to give the visitors a chance of a share of the points, but Murray Strang's conversion attempt drifted wide.
Harlequins will get their first chance to avenge the defeat when they hosts Bahrain in a fortnight's time, at Al Ghazal.
pradley@thenational.ae
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RESULTS
Tottenham 1
Jan Vertonghen 13'
Norwich 1
Josip Drmic 78'
2-3 on penalties
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NINE WINLESS GAMES
Arsenal 2-2 Crystal Palace (Oct 27, PL)
Liverpool 5-5 Arsenal (Oct 30, EFL)
Arsenal 1-1 Wolves (Nov 02, PL)
Vitoria Guimaraes 1-1 Arsenal (Nov 6, Europa)
Leicester 2-0 Arsenal (Nov 9, PL)
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COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
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Richard Jewell
Director: Clint Eastwood
Stars: Paul Walter Hauser, Sam Rockwell, Brandon Stanley
Two-and-a-half out of five stars
Panipat
Director Ashutosh Gowariker
Produced Ashutosh Gowariker, Rohit Shelatkar, Reliance Entertainment
Cast Arjun Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Kriti Sanon, Mohnish Behl, Padmini Kolhapure, Zeenat Aman
Rating 3 /5 stars
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
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Brief scores:
Juventus 3
Dybala 6', Bonucci 17', Ronaldo 63'
Frosinone 0
Test
Director: S Sashikanth
Cast: Nayanthara, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine, R Madhavan
Star rating: 2/5
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
David Haye record
Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4
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