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A team of sporting veterans from Bahrain proved there is still life in the old dog yet as they huffed and puffed their way to glory, using every ounce of experience to bring back silverware from one of the world’s most prestigious rugby tournaments.
The Bahrain Golden Oldies, made up of middle-aged expat businessmen, powered their way to glory by winning the coveted Gulf Veterans Bowl at the Dubai Rugby Sevens last weekend.
Players in veteran teams have to be aged 35 or above, although Bahrain’s team was comprised of 40-plus-somethings. Matches were seven minutes per half and the teams played with 10 players per side to make up for a decline in fitness.
Bahrain Rugby Football Club chairman Mike Cunningham said: “It’s been a considerable number of years since Bahrain won anything. The veterans made the final two years ago but lost by a single try. We regrouped with a stronger squad this year, with 15 players raring to go and backed by huge support from Bahrain as always.”
All teams started off in a pool, with the winners progressing to the knockout stage. Runners-up advanced to the plate competition whilst third place teams qualifed for the bowl.
On Thursday morning, Bahrain played Muscat Vets and won 12-5, before being hammered by reigning four-time champions Dubai Hurricanes 46-0.
On Friday, Bahrain narrowly lost to Barrelhouse, a rugby academy in Dubai, 12-10 but that was enough for a third place finish and a spot in the bowl competition.
The knockout stage went swimmingly for the Bahrain boys, winning their quarter final against Al Khobar 17-5, before emerging victorious 17-0 in the semi-final against the Dubai Sharks.
This was a particularly sweet victory for Bahrain considering the Sharks featured a number of ex-Bahrain players who have since moved to the emirate.
In the final, Bahrain produced their most clinical performance yet against Ras al-Khaimah, scoring three tries in the first half to secure a 19-0 victory and a glorious win. Ultimately, Bahrain’s top try scorers were Chanaka Ranaweera with five, and Iffy Isphahani with four.
Cunningham explained: “It’s the first time that the Golden Oldies won anything, so it’s fantastic for us. We play regularly against teams like the British Navy, but have little tournament experience.
“In preparation, we had weeks of training sessions to practice the skills vital for tens. We owe great thanks to the efforts and frustrations of team coach Jim Rowark, should be applauded as he did a fantastic job. No matter what he told us we did the opposite, so he has the patience of a saint!”
