RUGBY – BAHRAIN’S First XV romped past defending champions the Dubai Hurricanes First XV 50-7 last night in a one-sided clash in the 2025-26 Men’s West Asia Premiership.
The kingdom’s representatives were dominant from kick-off at Bahrain Rugby Club (BRC) in Saar, driving in seven tries – led by a brace from Charlie Farmer – while also posting six conversions and a penalty, all of which were kicked in by the in-form Cormac Fox.
Bahrain held the visitors scoreless for the entire first half and their final winning margin of 43 points was also the biggest gap of the game.
With the result, the First XV claimed their second win this season against the Hurricanes as they continued to avenge their stunning and heart-breaking defeat at the hands of the Emiratis in last season’s Men’s West Asia Premiership final.
The Bahraini side also maintained their pristine record so far this campaign, securing their ninth win in as many fixtures to stay atop the seven-team table. The Hurricanes suffered their fourth defeat to go with five wins to date.
Joining Farmer yesterday in contributing tries for Bahrain were James Newey, Sesona Macala, Romeo Eksteen, debutant Ethan MacDonald, and Jack Hocking.
Fox put on a sensational performance as he almost went perfect with his kick attempts.
The home team enjoyed a dream start to the match, scoring right after kick-off with a Newey try. Fox then converted for the early 7-0 advantage.
Macala maintained their strong start with their second try in the 10th minute and Fox was successful once again with his ensuing nudge to extend their lead to 14-0.
Eksteen got onto the scoreboard for Bahrain and Fox made it three-for-three 18 minutes in. Eksteen then delivered a fine assist to Farmer for his first try of the game, and Fox added the two bonus points to stretch the score to 28-0.
The First XV had a penalty kick from Fox in the 33rd minute to build a commanding 31-0 cushion, which they took with them into the locker room at the break.
After the re-start, a brilliant run by Newey through the Hurricanes defence and a feed to Farmer for his second try made it 36-0, while Fox continued with his successful conversions.
MacDonald then made his mark in his first appearance with the team with a try near the hour-mark, followed by another Fox kick, for an insurmountable 43-0 lead.
The Hurricanes finally got on the board in the 63rd minute but it mattered little to the outcome, and then Bahrain pegged the final score with seven minutes left on the clock with a Hocking try for the half-century.
Fox was unable to add to that with his conversion attempt, which was his only miss of the day.
Bahrain’s First XV are back in action this coming weekend when they face off with the Dubai Exiles First XV on Saturday at BRC. They will then have two matches remaining in the regular season leading up to the semi-finals, both to be played later this month.
Also this Saturday, Bahrain’s Second XV will be taking to the pitch against the Dubai Exiles Second XV.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))