MENA CHAMPIONSHIP

On an unseasonably sizzling October Sunday, the British Asian team and the Cedars kicked off the first of their two game series at the Tripoli Olympic Stadium. The British Asian team stunned the Cedars with a try to Shauib Jarved, in only the second minute of play. However, the Cedars hit back and were leading by two after; Abdual Bekdache converted his own try in the fifth minute. The rest of the half unfolded with some huge hits and exciting running plays from both sides but with the British Asian team feeling the heat and unable to match the rapid playing style of the Cedars they found themselves down 18 to 4 by half time with Rudy Hachache grabbing a brace and Wael Hard notching up the other.

The break did the visitors the world of good because they repeated their effort in the opening stanza with Ikram Butt scoring a try in the first five minute. Nevertheless, as in the first half the Cedars were able to repeal the opposition attack. When hooker, Peter Rahal scrambled over from dummy-half and Rudy Hachache grabbed his hat trick, the game was all but over. Yet, the Lebanese side was left a man down when fullback Abdual Bekdache, was sent off, when he had a brain snap and kicked a player that was on the ground. Although, a man up the referee whistling the end of the game was a welcome sound to the British Asian team as they battled to keep in touch with the rapid ending Cedars.

Cedars coach Latham Tawhai, “Personally I thought for the majority of the game the boys performed exceptionally well. We scored some very good tries and put in some great hits in defence. There were one or two disappointing aspects of our game which we will need to get on top of before Wednesday because I know the BARA will be determined to tie things up.”

Tournament Director Remond Safi, “I am very pleased with the standard of both teams in the opening game. The teams are similar and very evenly matched with the Cedars superior fitness the big difference. The day went off with no incidents and it was satisfying to see a nice size crowd supporting their local boys.”

[The second match was cancelled after disciplinary problems involving BARA players and their hotel].

BARA
O. Alrawi, R. Mughal, I. Nasir, S. Javed, B. Crby, A. Hamid, A. Hussain, Syed, Ali, C. Boot, S. Murtza, J. Singh, K. Sando, I. Butt, O. Yusaf, Z. Ahmed, H. Mahmood, N. Hussan

LEBANON
A.Bekdache, W.Harb, Ru. Hachache, B. Saridare, R. Khoury, I. Ballout, J. Hachem, M. Finan, G. Aroyan, R. Finan; Y. El Helou, N. Saliba, Ro. Hachache. S. Mansur, R. Akel, P. Rahal, M. Tawil