Abu Dhabi Saracens travelled without 10 regulars and were forced to field just 17 players, including their physio – but head coach Winston Cowie offered no excuses in a 37-7 defeat to Doha.

Key players such as Jaen Botes, Lehan Koekemoer and Garth van Niekirk were all missing due to passport problems while others missed out through injury as Doha ran in six tries to get their season up and running.

Former All Blacks sevens player Luke Masirewa scored four tries, with Adel Al Hendi responding for Sarries.

“No excuses,” said Cowie. “With 17 we still turned up to play and played a very good Doha side. It was hot, it was hard but that’s Gulf rugby. Fair play to Aaron Palmer and the Doha boys, they deserved their win. Our boys put in a courageous shift but it was a long day at the office.”

In the day’s other game, Bahrain rallied from going behind to again finish strong and record a second win of the season, beating Dubai Hurricanes 24-11. Mike Jasko scored the hosts’ only try, with Alan Foster adding two penalties.

Head coach James Ham is seeing things coming together for his side but worries that has become an all too familiar trait.

“There were definitely some good signs but there’s still work to do,” he said. “We feel that it’s close to coming together. The trouble is we’ve been saying that for a while now so a big push is needed.