The match is expected to attract a huge Sri Lankan crowd and will be attended by QRF President Yousef Al Kuwari and the SL Ambassador to Qatar - ASP Liyanage.

Match 2: Doha First VX's vs Navy Rugby SC

Date: Friday 19 October
Venue: Doha Rugby Football Centre

Kick off: 5.00pm

Doha Rugby Club is in an unfamiliar position this week preparing for the next friendly on the back of a narrow loss two weeks ago. The last match against Sri Lanka's Colombo team proved to be the first occasion on which Doha has been beaten in 2018 and they’ll be looking to turn things around this Friday night at the Doha Rugby Football Centre when they take on the Navy Rugby Club. After dominating much of the play and scoreboard Doha failed to hold onto their slight lead with newly appointed XV’s Coach, Regan Sue, pinpointing lack of discipline and ball possession as factors behind the loss.
“We dominated but we actually didn’t. We had a lot of trouble with the lineouts that put us under a lot of pressure. We spent most of the game in defense” Sue said. “There are no excuses for bad discipline and the ref called it as he saw it. We have addressed the issue and we will see on the weekend how well the players adjust to the process”.
The NZ born to coach, emphasized for his side to beat the Navy they should not bother themselves with last season’s ranking. “We need to focus on the process of catching, passing, carrying the ball and clearing the rucks well,” he said.
Acting Doha team captain, Paddy Mills, was more optimistic declaring its early days yet. “It was our first game and this week we are really keen to get back out there and avenge the defeat. We are a proud club, we don’t like losing on our home turf.”
Commenting about the huge Sri Lankan crowd barracking for the visiting side Mills said, “It’s a different experience for us, but we are happy to have 700 people down here watching rugby it thrills us with excitement and helps us raise our game.”
Coach Sue also praised the Sri Lankan community for their support and attendance, “It’s good to see them here, and they brought a lot of energy to the game. They lifted us and the profile of the game it was awesome”.
“Whether they cheer for us or not, it’s not important we are happy having them here enjoying our style of rugby and themselves”. Doha is Qatar's premier team winning more local finals than any other club and prior to the blockade was ranked amongst the best in the GCC. Qatar has lost three players including Captain Elliot Johnston from the starting lineup, however, will be boosted by a number of returning players. For further information, please visit http://www.doharfc.com

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