The Dubai Knights Eagles have landed with victory over Tigers

When Dom Williams ran in a mazy try to set the seal on a 37-22 for Dubai Knights Eagles against Dubai Tigers on Friday, neutral observers might have thought his side had just won the cup final.

It was fair that the side from Dubai Sports City should celebrate. This had been a long time coming.

The win at Dubai College was their first of the season, and thus their first since the creation of the new entity when DSC Eagles merged with Arabian Knights last summer.

For those who had been part of the Eagles half of the venture, victory was particularly sweet.

It was the first for them since the start of the 2017-2018 season, when they first entered competitive rugby.

It was not enough to haul them off the bottom of the West Asia Premiership, but it was gratefully received nonetheless.

At the other end of the table, Dubai Hurricanes all but ensured the cross-border final will be contested by Bahrain and Dubai Exiles, as they beat Abu Dhabi Harlequins 19-17 at Zayed Sports City.

With just one match in the West Asia competition to play, third-placed Quins are now unable to overhaul Exiles in second place, with the top two placed sides to meet in the final.

Hurricanes are nine points behind in fourth, so mathematically still have a chance, but it seems improbable.

The away win also means Hurricanes need just a point from their remaining games to overtake Harlequins and earn a final against the Exiles in the UAE Premiership.