Lebanese rugby league’s tenth birthday, celebrated on 10th March 2012, will be remembered as the end of an astonishing winning streak in the sport.

The  dominant force in the country, Immortals, lost their first regular round match since April 2008, going down 29-20 to Redbacks in the Bank of Beirut Championship, breaking a run of 42 consecutive regular season matches without defeat. That string is punctuated by two grand final losses, in 2008 and 2009, but since the opening round of the 2009-10 championship Immortals had won every single game.

The Immortals, named after the Persian Empire’s elite corps following the club’s ability to regenerate in its early days despite repeated injuries, have claimed seven championships.

Despite winning their six opening games this season, they have been run close by both Jounieh and Tripoli before they finally succumbed to Redbacks RLFC, the club created by AUB alumni, with play-maker Shane Farrell the star.

“The man of the match award goes to the entire squad that stepped out there today,” said a jubilant Farrell. “I can’t do anything if our pack is not going forward. The forwards worked hard for us throughout the entire match. We had about five or six players step up with several of them playing a pivotal role in helping us win. It was a huge credit to them and the entire team."

Full back Adib Kahi led the way for Redbacks, who were in front 7-6 at the break, with a hat trick.

Pictured: Immortals RLFC captain Robin Hachache's endeavours were in vain.

BANK OF BEIRUT CHAMPIONSHIP

Redbacks 29 (7)
Redbacks Tries: Paul Khalil, Adib Kahi 3, Shane Farrell, Hani Hassan
Redbacks Goals: Paul Khauli 2/6
Redbacks Drop Goal: Shane Farrell 1/1

Immortals 20 (6)
Tries: Bahige Saridar, Adam Itani, Jean Rmeily, Abed Ghazzawi
Goals: Jean Rmeily 2/3, Abed Ghazzawi 0/1