Jebel Ali Dragons have renewed belief that they can repeat last year's haul of three major trophies after it was confirmed this week that there will be an end-of-season grand final.
The showpiece to decide the top side in West Asia, which is to be played between the sides who finish first and second in the Gulf Top Six, will be played on April 4.
The competition’s organisers confirmed the date this week after the recent confusion over whether it would take place.
It had been scheduled since the start of the season, but had been thrown into doubt as the dates and venue for the Asian Five Nations international campaign are still not decided.
The UAE and Qatar – from where five of the Gulf Top Six clubs are drawn – are both yet to find out where and when they will be playing their respective divisional tournaments.
However, the domestic season will definitely culminate in a final at the home of the league leaders, which is almost certain to be Abu Dhabi Harlequins.
The Dragons, who won a treble last season, are battling today with their guests Bahrain, as well as Doha and Dubai Hurricanes, for the second final berth.
“We started the year with the goal to retain all our trophies and it came as a shock to us that there may not be a final in this league,” said Taif Al Delamie, the Dragons captain.
“We have been chasing Abu Dhabi since losing to them on the opening day of the season and, having lost to them on Friday, it put it out of reach for us.
“So we are delighted at the news there is going to be a final as that has always been the case in this competition in the past. Hopefully, we can make that final.”
Ross Mills, the Dragons’ coach, said the uncertainty over the season’s end was part of the reason for the rise in intensity in the match against Harlequins last weekend.
“You saw what it meant to both teams because, I think, we were each treating it as the Gulf Top Six final as we were convinced there wasn’t going to be one,” Mills said.
“It is about rebuilding, preparing for the next match against Bahrain, beating them and taking each game as it comes.”
pradley@thenational.ae
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