While playing for the Dubai Dingoes, I will be getting some pretty cool opportunities to play against teams from all over the Gulf region. 2 weeks ago, the mighty Dingoes flew to Qatar, a nice 45 minute trip, to Doha, the capital. In our AFL Middle East comp, we have been matched against the Doha Kangaroos. Traveling and playing away games is always a bit harder when you have to fly there, so we were down of several key players.
The airport is one of the most organized and efficient ones I have ever dealt with and is looking good for its World Cup hosting. We drove past the private airport of the Sultan on our way to the ground. We got driven in a crazy taxi driver to the Doha Rugby Club to play.
Even though we had a good warm up, Doha came out hard to start with, looking the stronger team for the first half.
The Dingoes, with injuries and lack of numbers kept holding on and went goal for goal with them for most of the game. With 2 minutes left they kicked a goal that put them in the lead. With 30 seconds left we got the ball out and managed to get the ball down to the forward line to Mr Reliable, Ben Dawson. He had been keeping us in the game all day with his accurate kicking. As the siren went he started lining up his shot for goal. He kicked it through the middle and gave us the victory.
Needless to say celebrations were held at the club until we had to get the flight back home.
A huge thanks to the Doha Kangaroos for an amazing game and great hospitality and thanks to the Dingoes who traveled over and played their heart out.
