Here is the 3rd and final report from the Dubai travellers. This report is submitted by Jamie Fairmaid. The first two reports can be read here: Dubai Day 1 – Dubai Report 2
Thursday 3rd December
The morning started off bright and early for Aaron and I getting up at 5:30am to make sure we had enough time to prepare for the long day ahead. We managed to get to the venue at around 8am to have a look around where all the pitches were and also to see the main pitch and all its glory. It’s hard to believe that the only thing that was holding up most of the stands is scaffolding.
I started my day off with a game at 10am. First up I had International veterans with some quite noticeable figures including Rico Gear who picked up my kiwi accent straight away. His team running away comfortable winners. During this game, I quickly realised how hot it was going to get and how important it was too keep taking in as much water as possible to stay hydrated, As soon as you started running, you were sweating everything out of you.
The next lot of games for myself were, International Open Womans in which I refereed the Georgian national Womans side who comfortably won their game, Gulf Woman’s and then and International Open Men’s to end the day nice and early around 8pm. This gave me a lot time to unwind and relax before the end of day briefing.
During the end of day briefing, we talked about what was going well and what we as a team of referees needed to work on (which wasn’t a lot!!) so that was good. We also found out our teams for the next day in which Aaron was appointed as team captain for the day. We were then back on the bus to the hotel around 11pm for some well needed rest.
Friday 4th December
Another 5:30am wake up call for Aaron and myself and back on the buses to make sure we got to the venue on time. To start the day we had a photo of all the referees together on the main pitch and then one by one, group by group, we all took turns having our photos taken. Aaron went off for an early start to the day while my first game wasn’t until 10:40am so I went back to the tournament tent and managed to relax before my first set of games.
This time around, we had been appointed games more closer to what the selectors felt our skill level were which meant we would be tested more today than on the first day. I started my day off with a Gulf Vets game, then an Gulf Open Men’s Quarter final, International Open Men’s in which I had my first red card of the tournament for referee abuse. I then finished off the day refereeing the International Open Men’s quarter final in which I had the same team who I had refereed in my previous game who I gave the red card to. This time around they not only won, but were on their best behaviour. The coach even came up to me after the match and apologised on behalf of his team as he had felt embarrassed, not only by the previous game performance but behaviour as well.
Once again, another debrief to end another tough day of sevens and back on a bus to the hotel around 11pm, both Aaron and myself at this point were feeling our body and muscles but also excited due to finals being announced tomorrow after the first set of games.
Saturday 5th December
Back at the venue again at 8am, we were allowed to run on more our time as we had no plans for the morning, We all had received our first lot of games for the morning and we were able to plan accordingly. Some of us slept in, some of us, like Aaron and myself had both early games so once again, up nice and early.
I was lucky enough to have an Invitational International Men’s game between Germany and Poland. This game was fast, quick and intense with both teams hitting each other hard. Poland came out winners over Germany. I learnt a lot about communication in this game as most players spoke very little English so making sure I got the message across in not only my signals but minimal communication was very crucial to make sure the game did not boil over.
Once finished, I found out I was lucky enough to be awarded a Cup final, refereeing the Gulf Under 19’s final on the main pitch. After letting my family know of the exciting news I quickly focused on my final game with whistle in hand in Dubai. The final was between the Al – Ali and Dubai Schools who had won the last four tournaments and were looking to make it five. It was a very skillful game of rugby, with both teams wanting to play end to end rugby and just throw the ball around. Al – Ali managing to win the game 21 – 19 with 30 seconds to go and a kick from the side-line. It was a surreal experience refereeing in front of approximately 20,000 people. One I will never forget.
With the day finally coming to a close, we watched out the International Invitational Men’s final and also supported Richard Kelly refereeing the main cup final between Fiji and England. Debrief was done quickly to commence the celebration and awards ceremony to bring the three day tournament to a close.
Bernie, Aaron and myself, left Dubai the next morning on a nice and early flight home after a great refereeing experience. I have learnt a lot over the three days and certainly would highly recommend this trip to any member in the referees association. We met some fantastic people which are now good friends. I would like to thank the Wellington Rugby Referees Association for sending us on this amazing trip and I’m sure we all took away some great lessons.
