Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
MORE than 100 rugby players from all over the Gulf will turn back the clock at Bahrain Rugby Football Club (BRFC) in Saar this weekend for one of the most unique and highly-anticipated tournaments around.
Kicking off at 8pm tomorrow, the Bahrain Veterans’ Midnight Tens will continue into the early hours of Friday morning before resuming later that day for the finals and presentations.
The semi-strictly over-35s tournament began life in its current format in 2007 and since then has firmly established itself as one of the most popular events in the club’s calendar.
A total of eight teams are set to take part in this year’s event including Doha Vets, the Lanka Lions, Khobar, Sharjah Wanderers, the Saudi Warriors from Riyadh, the Bahrain Golden Oldies and reigning champions, the Bahrain Vagabonds.
As with most things veteran-related at BRFC, the grandfather of the Bahrain Golden Oldies, Mike Burton, is at the heart of the organisation of the event.
Interestingly though, he will put aside his allegiance to his beloved Golden Oldies this weekend to once again take charge of his invitational side, the Vagabonds.
“Bahrain Golden Oldies are delighted to hold the Midnight Tens once again,” explained Burton, pictured right, who, at 69, has no immediate plans to hang up his own playing boots.
“This year, we have guest players coming from Holland, the UK, Oman and the UAE so it should make for some great entertainment.”
Following on from the live sporting action on Thursday and Friday, the tournament will draw to a close with the customary Gala Charity Dinner on Friday night.
Featuring guest speaker Nader Shaheen and resident DJ Ollie, this is an occasion not to be missed.
Tickets are priced at BD25 per person and will cover the meal, selected beverages and of course, the unique blend of live entertainment, with all profits made on the night going towards Prostate Cancer Research and the Bahrain Disabled Athletes Federation.
“The Bahrain Midnight Tens is the epitome of all that’s great about Vets rugby in the Gulf and we look forward to toasting it once again this weekend,” added Burton.
“Playing this sport, particularly at my age, makes us appreciate the fortunate position we are in and so it feels only right that we use such an occasion to raise some money for those not so fortunate.
“Prostate Cancer Research and the Bahrain Disabled Athletes Federation are two extremely worthy causes and I hope that we can dig deep this weekend and offer up a little help to them.”
A limited number of table places are still available and anyone interested is advised to visit the club reception or contact Floss on administration2@bahrainrfc.com as soon as possible.
Friday’s action will also coincide with the visit of Doha to take on BRFC’s first XV in the latest round of the Gulf Top Six competition.
Both Bahrain and Doha slipped to defeat last week, against Dragons and Abu Dhabi Harlequins respectively, and so will be eager to get back to winning ways.
This will be the first meeting between the two sides since the epic 10-8 victory for Bahrain in the Gulf Conference clash in Saar back in November.
