Dubai Sevens: Abu Dhabi Harlequins topple Dubai College to claim Gulf Under-19 Girls title

Marysa Crowther said her Abu Dhabi Harlequins side had fulfilled their dream after they beat Dubai College 36-5 in the final of the Gulf Under-19 Girls tournament at the Emirates Dubai Sevens.

The side from the capital scored seven tries to topple the holders in the final on a packed Pitch 1.

“It is really hard to believe,” said Crowther, the Quins captain.

“I still haven’t processed it. I’m so proud of all of us. We really wanted this and I think we really needed it. This was our year.

“Going into it we were thinking they were the strongest team out there, but we just wanted to play our game.

“We are confident in our team and we rely on each other. It is amazing for us. We played really well.”

The British School Al Khubairat pupil first started rugby when she was five. She has been a regular visitor to the Sevens and has always aspired to playing in a final on the main field.

“I had butterflies in my stomach waiting to run out as it is a bit daunting playing in the big stadium,” Crowther said.

“But it was such a great experience having everyone there cheering for you. Whenever there was a pause in play you would notice the roaring. It was such a great atmosphere. There is nothing like it.

“I first came to the Sevens when I was six and I have always looked up to the older girls and women playing.

“It has always been a massive dream of mine to actually get into that stadium and win. To get the chance to perform like this in front of other people is so amazing.”

Aubrey Roberts, the side’s coach, said he nearly threw up given the emotions he was feeling. His daughter, Scarlett, was one of the outstanding players in a dominant team display by the Quins.

A former player and coach for the Quins men’s team, he has been coaching