Abu Dhabi Harlequins put one foot in the Nissan Rugby League Cup final with a tense 24-12 win over Xodus Wasps on Friday night.

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The game had been billed as a dress rehearsal for the Cup final in a few weeks’ time and the rivals showed that there is little between the two teams at Zayed Sport City.

Brian Geraghty led the way for the defending champions with two tries, with William Umu, Matt Sith and Scott Brodie all touching down for Tony Scott’s men.

Dougie Steele added two conversions in an intense battle that was only 10-6 to Quins at the interval. Wasps replied with two tries, one each for Josh Ives and George Cliffe. Ed Armitage then converted both scores.

In the other game, Dubai Sharks were beaten heavily for the second week in a row as Al Ain Amblers threw their hat in the ring for a Cup final berth, Keleto Dyer’s men dishing out a 100-6 hammering to the team making their UAE rugby league debut this season.

Frederick Karl Holdt was a key man for Amblers, kicking seven conversions as well as touching down for a try, but it was Patrick Camaivuna who grabbed the headlines as he helped himself to a handful of scores as he crossed the whitewash five times. There was also a brace for Natuna Kiniviliane and one for Azmat Niazi. 

Amblers led 62-0 at half-time, but Sharks did reply in the second half through captain Dan Crumplin.