A hat-trick of tries from veteran back-rower Rudy Hachache saw Immortals from West Beirut retain the LRL title, with a 56-10 win over Jounieh Predators at the Université Libanaise Hadath.
The match was attended by Mark Davidson, First Secretary of the Australian Embassy in Lebanon who gave the trophy to Immortals (pictured, with Jad El Hachem), who led 22-4 at the break and were imperious throughout.
Man-of-the-match was awarded to Jad El Hachem who was a maestro at halfback with his footwork and handling skills, he crossed for Immortals second try in the seventh minute of an impressive start - after winger Imad Chidiac had opened the scoring - and also kicked eight out of ten goals.
Predators impressed their eager fans with some fearless running and managed to score two tries, with one to Michel Salame which brought their supporters to their feet, but it was not enough to stop the men in green securing back-to-back championships.
Australian Ambassador to Lebanon, His Excellency Glen Miles said at the presentation ceremony: “We are so impressed, the standard and quality of play shows that rugby league in Lebanon has come a long, long way, and Lebanon should be very proud that they have made the Rugby League World Cup in 2017.”
IMMORTALS RLFC 56 (22)
J. Morkaar, I. Chidiac, A. Itani, G. Maalouf, J. Haddad, A. Ghazzawi, J. Hachem, F. Beaini, Y. Khoury, M. Finan, R. Finan, Ru. Hachache, Ro. Hachache, H. El Yafi, N. Tawil, G. Zaharia, H. Tawil
Tries: Imad Chidiac (4), Jad Hachem (7), Rudy Hachache (28, 61, 77), Robin Hachache (31), Adam Itani (48), George Zakharia (55), Mounir Finan (64), Jonas Morkaar (71)
Goals: Jad Hachem 8/10
JOUNIEH RLFC 10 (4)
J. Asmar, M. Korkomaz, N. abi Saab, C. Wheibe, M. Salemeh, S. Sokhen, G. Dandach, W. Boustany, R. Taouk, R. Baalklini, N. Sobeh, E. Abou Lattouf, N. Zaide, G. el Rayess, K. Assaf, R. Salibi, I. Skaff
Tries: Michael Salmeh (23), Roy Taouk (58)
Goals: Ghassan Dandach ½
Referee: Jad Esseily
Touch Judge: Jihad Hamwi, Gaby Haddad
4th Official: Luc Savadogo
In the Schools Rugby League Mount Lebanon GMEA Grand Final curtain-raiser, Antonie International School Titans came from behind to beat Saint Joseph School Kornet Chewan Saints 18-14, to remain undefeated for the season.
In a match that was contested to the end, Saints led 14-4 in the second half but the AIS forwards were relentless, capitalising on SJS errors close to their line. With three minutes remaining, Titans forward Jean Tawil powered through for the winning score although the underdog Saints were on the attack when the hooter sounded.
Julien Tawk scored a brace for AIS but man-of-the-match was awarded to SJS try scorer and goal kicker Raphael Nehme, following an impressive display of attack and defence.
Lebanon U18 Coach Nayef Abi-Said was present at the game. “Seeing a final that close and only decided the last minute shows how competitive our next generation of players are and how eager they are to play and fight till the last tackle,” he said. “It only show us the huge responsibility ahead of us to nurture this talent," he added. “I tip my hat to all coaches of the SRL for the work they are doing in training and shaping these gentlemen into respectable athletes.”
AIS 18 (4)
Tries: Julien Tawk (14, 31), Kevin Karam (39), Jean Tawil (56)
Goals: Jad Kadi ¼
SJS 14 (8)
Tries: Raphael Nehme (18), Aram Papazian (24), Elie Allam (31)
Goals: Raphael Nehme 1/3