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Muscat Rugby Football Club (MRFC) made it two straight wins in the Gulf Conference by defeating Dubai Wasps 45-26 in Al Khuwayr last week.
MRFC got quickly into its stride and was ahead inside five minutes thanks to a try under the posts from Johan De Lange. The try was converted – also by De Lange – to give Muscat a comfortable early lead. The home team continued to press on and was awarded a penalty that was converted by De Lange.
A momentary lapse in concentration allowed the Wasps to strike back with a converted try. However, MRFC responded with two converted tries from Paul McLaren and Raphael Delhaye to give the team a 24-7 lead at home time.
The Muscat forwards continued to control the game after the break, with the defence keeping Dubai at bay. Shortly after halftime De Lange further extended the lead with another penalty.
Dubai once again replied and scored another converted try to bring the score to 27-14. Muscat then earned a bonus point by scoring its fourth try. Hard work from the home side’s forward pack allowed Dan Moloney to cross the line. De Lange converted the try.
Two further tries from Dubai Wasps narrowed the gap, but Muscat’s strength in depth showed as it responded with two more tries from Paul McLaren and Brett Van Harmaelen. De Lange was successful with both conversions and kept his 100 per cent kicking record for the day intact.
With two bonus point wins, MRFC is now top of the Gulf Conference. It will look to continue its winning streak with its first away game of the season against Kuwait on November 17.
