BAHRAIN Rugby Football Club’s (RFC) first XV’s latest recruits made an impressive statement of intent over the weekend as the club played host to a ‘Probables versus Possibles’ fixture ahead of the start of West Asia Rugby Championship on Friday.
It wasn’t quite the challenge head coach Louie Tonkin had initially intended to put his troops through – after fierce rivals Doha backed out at the eleventh hour citing an apparent lack of playing resources available to travel – but the ‘Probables’ XV, with the help of a couple of Bahrain’s Golden Oldies, certainly put it up to their more-fancied opponents and ensured a worthwhile exercise for all involved.
The Possibles’ defence in the first half was one of the highlights of an entertaining game but with heat and injuries taking their toll, the Probables pulled clear in the second period.
Pleasingly for the on-looking Tonkin and the healthy home crowd, among the standout performers were some of those marking their first appearance in the Bahrain shirt.
After helping Melbourne Unicorns to their 18th Victorian Premiership title in Australia, front-rowers Lindsey Gibson and Davis Tui picked up where they left off by adding welcome ballast to a dominant scrum effort, while also making their mark in open play.
Second-row Aidan Laxton, formerly of Llannelli and Camarthen Quins in the Welsh Premiership meanwhile, got through a mountain of work and was involved in setting up a couple of tries.
Two that did get themselves on the scoresheet were outside backs Bentley Halpin and Greg Heath, who only arrived in Bahrain last week, having joined from Tonkin’s old Cardiff University side.
One-time Wales Sevens international Justin James, and ex-Doha number eight Tommy Booth were once again to the fore, having impressed against Dubai Sharks earlier this month.
All of the new recruits – including back-row Lawrence Reynolds, who missed Friday’s challenge game through injury – are expected to be included in the Bahrain squad for this weekend’s home game against Jebel Ali Dragons.