Lanka Lions created history at the Emirates International Dubai Sevens Rugby Championship when they clinched the Gulf Men’s Open title for the third consecutive year.
They topped the pool stages remaining unbeaten with victories over Dragons 24-10, Dubai Sharks 35-5 and Shaheen 32-00. They eased past Doha Rugby Football Club 24-7 in the quarter-finals.
Meeting another Sri Lankan side Dubai Lankans who were packed with national players such as Kevin Dixon, Sachith Silva, Sajith Saranga and Dulaj Perera, the Lanka Lions emerged victorious 19-12.
The star studded Band of Misfits team which comprised many premier league players representing top UAE clubs led 10-0 at half time.
But the Lanka Lions rallied through Kushan Indunil, Keponi Paul and Dilshan Kelaniyangoda to seal a remarkable 26-10 victory over the mighty Band of Misfits to emerge champions for the third year in an epic final.
Lanka Lions was captained by fourth year player Mohamed Abzal who was the playmaker of the side. He had the services of former Trinity 2011 centre/CR&FC and former Lanka lions captain Dilshan Kelaniyangoda who is the only player in Lanka Lions history who has lifted this trophy four times from 2013 onwards.
The team also had former Lanka Lions captain Adil who was a power house in the scrums leading the pack with confidence. Supporting him was former national player/Isipathana/CH & FC player Kushan Indunil who was certainly untouchable.
Vice captain of this side was the pocket rocket and solid in defence Tharindu Malikge. The rest of the side comprised many third year players such as Anojan Balasundaram, a former Trinity player and finisher of the side.
Another third year player was Shazard Deen former Dubai Exiles player who was the utility player of the side. Two first timers to the side were former Kingswood/Airforce player Faris Ali and former Wesley Captain/CR & FC player Dayan Sabar who added muscle to the side. Not forgetting the power runner and fourth year player Sefa Waqa who added spice to the team.
This team was coached for the third year by former Fiji national player Rockini Saimoni and former Trinity/CH rugby player Azarath Deen who have done yeoman services to the club.
