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, 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 : Subs; 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 : Subs; G. el Rayess, K. Assaf, R. Salibi, I. Skaff
Tries; Michael Salmeh (23), Roy Taouk (58) Goals; Ghassan Dandach 1/2
Referee; Jad Esseily : Touch Judge; Jihad Hamwi, Gaby Haddad : 4th Official; Luc Savadogo
