RUGBY – BAHRAIN’S senior men’s rugby teams had twice the reason to celebrate yesterday, winning both their games in their respective regional competitions in front of their supportive home fans.
The kingdom’s First XV were dominant in a 47-14 rout of the Dubai Exiles First XV in their 2025-26 Men’s West Asia Premiership clash. They were spearheaded by Gregor Smith, who had a sensational hat-trick, while teammate Cormac Fox put on another fine display of his kicking prowess.
Meanwhile, Bahrain’s Second XV were just as imposing in their 49-19 victory against the Dubai Exiles Second XV in 2025-26 UAE Division One action.
Both matches were held at Bahrain Rugby Club in Saar.
The First XV extended their impressive unbeaten run by claiming their league-best 10th triumph despite playing much of their game yesterday up to two men down.
Aside from Smith’s three tries, four other players drove the ball over the line. They included Mackenzie Oliver, Greg Heath, Charlie Farmer, and David Evans, while Fox had seven successful conversions from eight attempts.
Oliver put Bahrain on the board first only five minutes after kick-off. He carried the ball home off a pass from Sesona Macala, and then Fox added the bonus two points. Smith then scored his first try of the afternoon in the 12th minute after being fed by Fox, who then added another nudge for the 14-0 advantage.
Heath had his try just four minutes later with an assist from Andries De Kock, and Fox made no mistake with his ensuing kick for the commanding 21-0 cushion.
The Exiles finally scored their first points of the match with a try in the 19th minute, but Smith charged down their conversion to prevent the visitors from further reducing the deficit.
Smith continued to make an impact defensively with an interception in the 26th minute that led to his second try of the game. Fox added another brilliantly hit conversion kick from distance, putting the hosts up 28-5, which they took with them into the interval.
After the re-start, Bahrain needed only two minutes to stretch their advantage by another five points, with Farmer registering his try off a feed from Ethan MacDonald. Fox then had his only missed conversion of the game when his attempt hit the post.
The Exiles got a try back along with a penalty to make it 14-33, but Evans replied in the 65th minute off a feed by De Kock, and Fox sent his ensuing kick between the posts to make it 40-14.
Smith then hit the nail in the coffin, completing his hat-trick with a try two minutes from full time, and Fox pegged the final score with the two additional points, which was followed directly by the final whistle.
While Bahrain’s First XV stayed perfect on the Men’s West Asia Premiership standings, they handed the Exiles’ First XV their eighth loss to go with only two wins.
The First XV have two games remaining before the semi-finals – first against the Dubai Dragons First XV away on February 21, and then at home against the Doha First XV on February 28.
In the Second XV’s triumph yesterday, they led 28-5 at the half and never wavered the rest of the way.
With the result, they continued their rise on the UAE Division One standings, with their fourth win in five outings. They are expected to return to the pitch with their next game in the coming weeks.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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