Reigning Lebanese champions, Lebanese American University (LAU), were winners of the inaugural CZRLA international 9s Tournament. LAU were simply outstanding as they produced scintillating rugby league throughout the day, culminating a final series in which not a point was scored against them.

After having been undefeated in the preliminary rounds, LAU comprehensively defeated home side Pardubice Jets, in the first semi-final before going on to produce an even more inspired display in the final with a 38-0 victory over a tiring Belgrade Select side, who had defeated American University of Beirut in the day’s second semi-final.

" I was surprised to see LAU go all the way, especially  leaving behind in Beirut  seven key players and bringing out a young side,“ said LAU coach Remond Safi. “It was a great experience for all participating in the event whether they were internationals or locals, they  would have experienced a new level. I'm proud of the LAU boys as when they needed to step up and fill in some missing players shoes they did it with confidence and led the rookies on and off the field. We look forward to returning to defend the title next year."

Three Czech domestic clubs – Pardubice, Beroun & Vrchlabi competed gamely against the three international teams but were unable to record a win against them, Pardubice coming closest with a narrow 8-6 loss in the final preliminary match of the day.

Overall though, the tournament showcased some magnificent 9-aside rugby league, which was greatly appreciated by the vocal fans in attendance.

Serbian general manager Jovan Vujosevic accompanied the Belgrade side: “Serbian Rugby League is very pleased with the results of our young selection [which] was made ​​up of eleven players from three second division clubs. Unfortunately, an injury to captain Zekic and few other players inhibited the Serbian team to achieve a better result in the tournament finale. At the end Serbian Rugby League is very proud of the result of this squad and the dedication of all players."

Pardubice’s commendable performance rounded off a god week for the club, which announced Shock Energy Products as its sleeve sponsor. Shock’s Czech Republic Financial Director, Marek Richtarik, whose first contact with the sport came through his participation in the Pardubice Jets weekly summer touch rugby league matches, said “I played touch rugby last summer with many of the Jets team and their management and I was really impressed with what a fantastic cardio workout touch was. I play lots of sports myself, but full-contact Rugby League must be incredibly demanding. I am happy to help with the growth of the sport in this country and I am sure that many other Czech people will become just as enthusiastic about it.”

CZECH 9s RESULTS

LAU 12-4 Pardubice

Belgrade 10-0 Vrchlabi

AUB 24-4 Beroun

Beroun 0-24 LAU

Pardubice 14-4 Vrchlabi

AUB 6-10 Belgrade

LAU 12-0 Vrchlabi

Beroun 0-20 Pardubice

Vrchlabi 0-4 AUB

Beroun 0-28 Belgrade

Pardubice 4-18 AUB

Belgrade 0-30 LAU

Vrchlabi 10-10 Beroun

LAU 16-12 AUB

Belgrade 8-6 Pardubice

Final Positions after group:

1. LAU 2. Belgrade 3. AUB 4. Pardubice 5. Vrchlabi 6. Beroun

SEMI 1 - Belgrade 24-14 AUB; SEMI 2 - LAU 32-0 Pardubice

FINAL - LAU 38-0 Belgrade