Jounieh Al-Galacticos overcame a 10-point half time deficit to claim a third Lebanese title on Saturday, defeating Immortals RLFC in the coastal city of Jounieh. Al-Galacticos, who last appeared in the final in 2009, turned in a magnificent second half, with Raymond Sabat playing the ultimate captain’s role with a staggering five-try haul in the final 20 minutes to seal a 50-36 triumph.

“It was a really tough game but an enjoyable journey,” said Jounieh coach Ghassan Dandash. “We were doubted a lot since we had so many rookies on our team; we sustained a lot of injuries, but the semi final [in which they defeated Tripoli Kings 36-22] showed us we stood a chance in the final. Our strategy was simple but efficient. Last week was a real blast with training every day and everyone in the right mind set, and when the game started we just knew what we were doing. It was all a great team effort, all season long since day one.”

A vocal home crowd of approximately 500 roared the gold-and-whites on. Robin Hachache, Immortals coach, said: “I couldn’t see us winning the game in the last 10 minutes as I could see in Jounieh’s eyes that they wanted to win more than us, It was a good game but we gave the game away in the second half.”

 LRLF official Remond Safi added, “I’m pleased to  see the season finish off on a high note considering all the disruptions throughout the season through the country’s instability and bombings. It was a great family atmosphere witnessed by all in attendance. Well done to Jounieh with a great finish to their season, all their hard work throughout it has paid off today.”