RUGBY – BAHRAIN’S First XV rugby team gave veteran stalwart Rory Drummond a fitting send-off last night with a resounding 50-15 victory over the Dubai Dragons First XV in the 2025-26 West Asia Premiership.
Playing in his final game for the kingdom’s top-tier squad, Drummond skippered the hosts to their third successive league triumph in their maiden appearance this campaign in front of their enthusiastic home fans at Bahrain Rugby Football Club (BRFC) in Saar.
The First XV drove in eight tries and had five conversions in the match to come away with the big result, as Drummond inspired the team one last time before relocating with his family to Hong Kong.
“It’s a very special and emotional day for me,” Drummond told the GDN after being honoured by teammates and supporters on the pitch following their victory. “To captain the team at home – which is always an honour – and to have this as my last game for Bahrain, is so incredible.
“To come out here tonight, put on a show, get the win, and just feel that support and energy from this amazing country and club, is really special.”
Drummond’s presence was felt all throughout last night’s contest, and he made a special mark at the very beginning as well as with the game’s final kick.
The Scotsman carried the ball over the line for Bahrain’s first try after just six minutes of play, and he later capped off a memorable evening by kicking in their final conversion, sealing Bahrain’s 35-point decision.
Drummond highlighted that he feels he is leaving Bahrain’s rugby family in good hands – as shown by yesterday’s stunning victory.
“The team this year is incredible – you saw it tonight, 50 points against a team who will be top three by the end of the season,” said Drummond, who was also celebrating his birthday yesterday. “We played fantastic, the squad is extremely strong – it’s the strongest squad that I’ve ever been a part of in Bahrain and I think arguably the strongest squad ever to be in this country, so big things are coming from this team.
“There are a lot of young boys who have arrived for the first time this year and are here to stay, to grow and to build, so I’m leaving it in a good place. There are plenty of people younger than me who are ready to take it on and take it to the next level.”
Drummond’s opening try yesterday was followed by a Cormac Fox conversion, and then James Newey extended their advantage on the break, with Fox successfully sending in another conversion to make it 14-0. Kelvin Kanenungo then got his name on the scoreboard with the First XV’s third try of the night, and Fox made no mistake with his ensuing effort for a commanding 21-0 advantage.
The Dragons were able to cut the gap to 10-21 by half-time, but after the re-start, Bahrain put the game away with tries from Jack Hocking, Charlie Farmer, Dai Evans, Josh Petro, and Fox – with bonus points from Fox and Drummond adding to their impressive onslaught.
“It was a huge win for the team – a big day and a big weekend for the club,” BRFC rugby director Adam Wallace told the GDN.
“It’s outstanding that we can cap it off with a huge win for the First XV.
“A special mention must go to Rory – one of the most progressive and go-forward aggressive players we have. He’s the captain today so he probably won’t give himself Man of the Match, but he put on that kind of performance out there – played with a lot of heart and made sure everyone knows what it’s about.”
Bahrain’s win last night maintained their undefeated start to the new campaign following two away victories against the First XVs of the Dubai Exiles and Dubai Sharks. They were the runners-up in last season’s West Asia Premiership, but will be looking to go one better this time.
“Last year’s defeat in the final was a big shock to the system – a bitter pill to swallow,” added Wallace. “We know we’ve had to step up and rebuild. We lost 17 players out of the squad last year, and some of them would have loved to go out with that fairytale high at the end; unfortunately, it’s not the way it went, but the boys regrouped this year and we’ve brought in some new talent.
“We’re really starting to bolster our squads now – our Ones and Twos – but the Ones are now going from strength to strength. Three wins out of three to begin the season – we’re not counting anything yet, we know it all comes down to those final couple of games – but we’re building nicely. As long as we can keep this momentum, we should be strong come the end of the season.”
Bahrain’s First XV are back in action on Friday later this week against the Doha First XV away.
Meanwhile, Bahrain’s Second XV were also in action yesterday at BRFC. They lost to UAE Shaheen’s First XV 19-45 in their opening fixture of the 2025-26 UAE Division One.
The Second XV are scheduled to next take to the pitch on October 25 at home against the Al Ain Amblers First XV.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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