Blue Phoenix winners of the Qatar Rugby XV Domestic League title pose for a picture in Doha on Friday night. Bottom: Action from the final match between Blue Phoenix and DRFC.
Blue Phoenix scripted a stunning 30-27 victory over DRFC 2nd’s at the Doha Football Stadium on Friday to win the Qatar Rugby XV Domestic League title.
The win signals a new era in Qatar Rugby development in particular for the French boys who three years back were idling at the bottom on the competition table.
The win exemplifies an outstanding attitude filled with much sacrifice, determination and pain. The willingness and determination of the Phoenix did not alter all season as they led the competition table from the outset and on Friday it was that same sacrifice and grit that helped them counteract a late charge by DRFC.
The DRFC played exceptional rugby at times displaying tier 1 rugby ability and skills. The game as the score indicates was never out of reach. Each time the DRFC lads threatened a comeback the Phoenix would neutralize their strategy.
However, in the true spirit of the game DRFC with a never say die attitude entertained the crowd in spectacular fashion and managed to narrow the score to three points in the dying stages. As the minutes ticked away so did the victory and in the end it was French boys who would make history by winning their first domestic rugby XV’s cup.
“Of course we are very proud to have won the league this year, but I can feel that rugby is developing in Qatar and it is a great thing,” said Rony Georges of the winning team
“On behalf of our club, I would like to thank warmly the President and the General Secretary of the QRF, for helping the development of Qatar.”
Georges said it was a delightful experience to play Doha Rugby Football Club (DRFC) in the final.
“Obviously, the DRFC is the center of the rugby in Qatar, and it is always a pleasure for us to play, and enjoy great camaraderie with all of you guys!
“I would like to congratulate the DRFC 2 team for their game, playing against you has always been tough, and winning against you has always been our main objective, you made us better, so thank you for that! Hope to have other great games as this one,” he added.
