Doha: Qatar’s impressive run in (ARFU) Asian5Nations Division II rugby tournament came to halt last Friday night, after losing to Malaysia in a spectacular final 31-22 at Al Arabi Stadium.
The two teams had never met before but were equally exciting in both attack and defense. The Malaysians who were more experienced and having had two consecutive failures at Division I promotions were adamant to upset the host nation.
Qatar who went into the match as favorites trailed at first and it was not until the 23rd minute that Paul Beard helped his home side to register their first points courtesy of his inform boot, landing two goals one brilliant drop goal to give his side the lead advantage. This however, was short lived and Qatar went into the break trailing 14-9.
The second half proved to be as fast and furious as the first with Qatar reducing the lead 24-22. Aaron Palmer continued his good form by crossing over for Qatar’s first try and Beard unrelenting with his kicking ability.
With a deficit of two points, it was Malaysia who stormed over in the final minutes to clinch their first ever Division II title. The final score 31-22.
Meanwhile, in the 3rd and 4th place play-off Iran managed to hold off a late revival from Thailand beating them in a thriller 26-23.
Iran dominated the match through their lineouts and scrums. They played with a different flare and took more risky opportunities out wide that paid off. The Iranians appeared to lose focus late in the second half, when they veered away from their game plan allowing a depleted and tired Thailand to narrow the margin.
The Thai team who had earlier encountered visa entry problems for some players had the stadium on the edge of their seats as they marched to a possible come back. In the end it was Iranians power and strength that kept them at bay. The final score 26-23.
The Peninsula
