Canes have largely struggled, winning just three of 12 West Asia Premiership games and three of eight UAE Premiership clashes, but they at least signed off with a trophy at The Sevens.

And, Wernham insists his side will need to carry their end of season form into the next.

“All the boys said it’s a benchmark for us. We need to stay switched on during the off-season and we’re gunning for a higher finish next season,” said Wernham.

“The intention was to build positively from the final three games into next season and we were delighted to make it 2-1 for us over our big rivals, Exiles. We both got one win each in the league so we won the series today. With it being the last game for the season we wanted to finish on a high.”

“We looked like we were in control for most of the game,” added Wernham, who replaced James Ham as head coach at the start of the year.

“We played some really good rugby and scored some nice tries. Andrew Powell was a huge performer as he has been for the majority of the season. New outside centre Elliot Speed was also a huge threat all game at outside centre.”

Defeat compounded a thoroughly wretched season for Exiles – UAE and Gulf champions 12 months ago.

Scrum-half Ed Armitage, who is leaving Dubai this summer, said the result summed up their season.

“They were the better team on the day,” he said.

“It was the story of our season really, we’re so close and look good at times but we made stupid mistakes and that was it. We had a few honest words at the end. Mentally we weren’t in it. Classic Exiles this season. One step forward, two steps back, which is a shame.”

Exiles trailed 13-6 at the break following Mike Gregory’s try for Canes. The two teams then traded blows in the second half with Canes leading 28-25 at one stage.

A chip over the top led to another Canes try and a final try for Exiles with 20 seconds remaining only served as scant consolation for Jacques Benade’s fallen champions.