The Dubai College rugby sevens took place at a sun-soaked DC campus on Saturday – and with 49 teams competing across six age categories it was rugby as far as the eye could see.
The annual competition, which runs in line with the IRB Dubai Rugby Sevens, was once again well attended by teams from across the UAE as well as touring squads from Qatar and Brisbane, Australia.
The day spanned from the first kick of a ball in the under 11’s age group at 8am right through to the last try in the under 16’s final as the sun began to set at 6pm. Much to their credit, spectators, family members and school staff were present in large numbers throughout.
With up to five matches being played at a time it was a busy day for the players, coaches and referees alike – not to mention the organising staff who were tasked with ensuring that each and every result was input correctly in order for the tournament to run smoothly.
There was great rugby played by a number of teams, with slick passing and quick movement a feature across all of the age categories. With hundreds of tries scored and thousands of successful tackles there was much to be positive about for everyone involved.
After their early starts, the under 11’s, 12’s and 13’s competitions came to a close at lunchtime with Dubai English Speaking School picking up the under 11’s cup while Dubai English Speaking College were victorious In the under 12’s and 13’s categories.
The afternoon’s events were dedicated to the older age groups, step forward under 14’s, 15’s and 16’s teams from across Dubai and the surrounding areas. With all sides competing on full sized pitches it meant that fitness and intelligent use of the ball was even more important as Dubai’s November heat continued to beat down.
The event came to a fitting close as the sun set on a fantastic day of Dubai schools rugby, with hosts Dubai College facing touring Australian side Brothers Rugby Club in the under 16's cup final.
Dubai College Headmaster Michael Lambert presented the final awards of the day as the winners from the 14’s, 15’s and 16’s age groups marched proudly forward to collect their trophies – Dubai College winners of the cup at all senior age groups.
Lambert took the time to thank the many members of school staff who had been on hand throughout the day collating scores, working the public-address system, clearing the hundreds of empty bottles of water and making sure the event ran without a hitch.
The whole day was a brilliant advert for schools rugby, with sportsmanship, skill and determination visible across the hundreds of matches played. It was the perfect way to lead in to next week’s IRB competition which will see the world’s best teams compete at the Sevens Stadium next weekend.
Dubai College Rugby Sevens Roll of Honour:
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The Dubai College rugby sevens took place at a sun-soaked DC campus on Saturday – and with 49 teams competing across six age categories it was rugby as far as the eye could see. The annual competition, which runs in line with the IRB Dubai Rugby Sevens, was once again well attended by teams from across the UAE as well as touring squads from Qatar and Brisbane, Australia. The day spanned from the first kick of a ball in the under 11’s age group at 8am right through to the last try in the under 16’s final as the sun began to set at 6pm. Much to their credit, spectators, family members and school staff were present in large numbers throughout. With up to five matches being played at a time it was a busy day for the players, coaches and referees alike – not to mention the organising staff who were tasked with ensuring that each and every result was input correctly in order for the tournament to run smoothly. There was great rugby played by a number of teams, with slick passing and quick movement a feature across all of the age categories. With hundreds of tries scored and thousands of successful tackles there was much to be positive about for everyone involved. After their early starts, the under 11’s, 12’s and 13’s competitions came to a close at lunchtime with Dubai English Speaking School picking up the under 11’s cup while Dubai English Speaking College were victorious In the under 12’s and 13’s categories. The afternoon’s events were dedicated to the older age groups, step forward under 14’s, 15’s and 16’s teams from across Dubai and the surrounding areas. With all sides competing on full sized pitches it meant that fitness and intelligent use of the ball was even more important as Dubai’s November heat continued to beat down. The event came to a fitting close as the sun set on a fantastic day of Dubai schools rugby, with hosts Dubai College facing touring Australian side Brothers Rugby Club in the under 16's cup final. Dubai College Headmaster Michael Lambert presented the final awards of the day as the winners from the 14’s, 15’s and 16’s age groups marched proudly forward to collect their trophies – Dubai College winners of the cup at all senior age groups. Lambert took the time to thank the many members of school staff who had been on hand throughout the day collating scores, working the public-address system, clearing the hundreds of empty bottles of water and making sure the event ran without a hitch. The whole day was a brilliant advert for schools rugby, with sportsmanship, skill and determination visible across the hundreds of matches played. It was the perfect way to lead in to next week’s IRB competition which will see the world’s best teams compete at the Sevens Stadium next weekend.
Dubai College Rugby Sevens Roll of Honour:
Photo credit: Midhun Ragh |
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Photo credit: Midhun Ragh