Doha: The Qatar 2016 Rugby Sevens kicked off last weekend with a big bang in Doha.

Spectators from all walks of life got the chance to celebrate the rugby championship at Aspire’s warm-up track and mix with players and officials.

The event was heralded as a huge success with several officials dignitaries and ministers in attendance including the Minister of Energy and Industry H E Dr Mohammed bin Salah Al Sada who opened up proceedings by passing the first ball of the championship.

On the field it was the Camels rugby team that made light duty of their opponents in the opening match as they sought to stamp their claim to the championship very early in the season. The first of the men’s division saw the Camels top side annihilate DRFC Hurricanes 50-0.

The Hurricanes outfit looked sluggish at best however this could be put down to their lack of warm up and pre game preparation. At times they played great supporting roles busting the Camels defense but they just could not get into second gear. The Camels on the other hand were in cruise control looking fresh sharp and effective. They toyed with their opponents as if they were playing touch rugby rather than contact. Camels pace man and goal kicker Aaron McClelland later said: “We are aiming to be crowned champions but I suspect it will not be easy. The DRFC will be hard to beat next time round and the Lions as always will give us a tough challenge”.

With the help of the Fijian connection the Camels romped in a massive six tries - three to Fijian back Orisi Sareki. The win keeps the Camels undefeated so far on Qatar soil.

In second seniors match the Camels 2 over powered CNAQ by scoring three quick tries to lead 15 – 7.

Camels 2 then found themselves on the receiving end when North Atlantic crossed over to narrow the score 15 -12. CNAQ were defiant in their attack however the Camels second team lead by a fired up captain Talal Mujalli counteracted their play by producing a great defensive performance to deny the college boys a late revival. The Camels 2 winning 24-12. Captain Mujalli with all confidence said: “Camels 2 have no intention of relinquishing their hard off season efforts. Sure we have some work to do but we will be at the finals. I think we have what it take to be champions”.

In final match of the evening Doha Lions kick started their campaign in good and steady fashion by downing the Blue falcons 20–0. Club president

Earlier the under 14’s school boys Dukhan Tigers and the Blue Falcons provided a great thriller that had all on the edge of their seats. In a see-sawing match that saw the lead change three times Dukhan finally managed to out muscle the fast and energetic French Boys from Lycee Bonaparte to seal their victory 15-12.

After the match Qatar Rugby boss Yousef Al Kuwari said “Tonight was a fantastic night of rugby. This is only the start. I am very happy to see the level of the games and where we stand.” When asked about the schools boys matches Al Kuwari said “We are set to engage with over as many teams and players as possible and want to encourage everyone to get involved in celebrating the biggest year in Qatar rugby history. We especially want support our youth and we are finalizing a program that would be injected into schools around the country very soon.”

The Peninsula