Manoora forwards control this maul during the game against the Dubai Exiles Rugby Club, with PTE Forth (headgear) and ABMT Spooner leading the way.

The HMAS Manoora Piglets Rugby Union Team, coached by CPOET Glen 'Pig' Morrissey and captained by CPOPT Steve Downey, kept its undefeated rugby record intact while on operational duties in the past 12 months.

Following victories in Manila and Vietnam prior to Op Relex in 2001, Manoora was hosted by the current Middle East champions, the Dubai Exiles Rugby Club, with Manoora victorious by 15-8.

Played in 98 per cent humidity and in front of a very supportive and vocal ship's company, the result was Dubai's first ever defeat against a visiting ship from any country and its first at home this season.

The Piglets displayed an enthusiastic up-tempo approach that had the locals on the back foot early.

Rusty ball handling and ruck skills and a hefty penalty count early in the game saw a lot of hard earned possession turned over to the Exiles which had the Piglets behind 0-3 at the break.

Continued pressure after the interval from PTE Forth, ABMT Goodacre and ABCIS Boxer again gave possession to Manoora's backs, and eventually a great solo running effort by ABAT Megahey from 35 metres out and a second try 10 mintues later put the Piglets ahead.

SGT 'Tank' Towne showed great vision and blistering pace after intercepting a ball, only to be cut down just short of the line, denying Manoora further points.

The gap was further increased late in the game, when CPOPT Downey guided a 52m penalty between the posts to stretch the lead to seven points.

Crunching tackles and backs-to-the-wall defence from ABMT Carey, ABSN Gardiner and ABMT Cox saw the locals only cross the line once, keeping the Piglets ahead at the full-time whistle.

By CPOPT Stephen Downey