West Asia Premiership: Dubai Tigers extend fine start with win over Abu Dhabi Harlequins

Tigers scored seven tries in 46-15 win, stretching their unbeaten start to the campaign to three matches

Dubai Tigers players after the game against Abu Dhabi Harlequins at Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi. All photos: Ruel Pableo for The National

Emosi Ratuvecanaua of Dubai Tigers runs with the ball.

Siri Laladidi of Abu Dhabi Harlequins tries to fend off tackles.

Siri Laladidi of Abu Dhabi Harlequins gets tackled by Dubai Tigers players.

Esekaia Dranibota of Abu Dhabi Harlequins catches the ball from a line-out.

Abu Dhabi Harlequins and Dubai Tigers players compete during the match.

Gary Andrews of Abu Dhabi Harlequins attempts to pass the ball.

Sean Stevens of Abu Dhabi Harlequins with the ball.

Andrew Semple of Abu Dhabi Harlequins gets tackled by Dubai Tigers players.

Emosi Ratuvecanaua of Dubai Tigers runs with the ball.

Emosi Ratuvecanaua of Dubai Tigers passes the ball.

Siri Laladidi of Abu Dhabi Harlequins protects the ball while getting tackled by Dubai Tigers players.

Dubai Tigers players after winning the game against the Abu Dhabi Harlequins.

Dubai Tigers celebrate their win over Abu Dhabi Harlequins.

Dubai Tigers reinforced their West Asia Premiership title credentials by beating Abu Dhabi Harlequins at Zayed Sports City on Saturday night.

Top-tier rugby’s youngest club have now defeated the two finalists from last season’s competition in their past two outings.

Having shocked Dubai Exiles at the Sevens two weeks earlier, the Tigers took the scalp of the defending UAE Premiership champions in the capital.

The Tigers scored seven tries as they beat Harlequins 46-15, stretching their unbeaten start to the campaign to three matches.

Bahrain maintained their formidable return to competition with a 34-10 win at home against Jebel Ali Dragons.

Travel restrictions related to Covid meant Bahrain were precluded from competition for two and a half years before the start of this season.

The side from Saar have barely missed a beat on their comeback, though. The win over the Dragons was their third of the season. They sit one point behind Tigers in second in the table.