QATAR SCHOOLS WIN HISTORIC CLASH IN DRAMATIC FASHION
Qatar English Schools 36 (4) – 34 (28) Lebanon Under 16s
Doha College, Doha, Qatar
A try with virtually the last play from Doha College prop Alex Vidler, on his home ground, saw Qatar English Schools defeat the touring Lebanon Under 16s 36-34, to complete an astonishing comeback.
In the first official representative rugby league clash to be played in the Gulf state, the visitors seemed to be in total control as they built an imperious 28-4 lead, only to be pegged back, re-take it in dramatic fashion before squandering the advantage on the hooter.
In an epic contest, Lebanon – despite being shorn of the Jerjess twins who were called up by the navy just prior to the tour – were totally dominant from the off, thanks mainly to Balamand High School hooker Jad Obeid’s complete control of the ruck and Jamhour loose Joe Zeidan’s powerful ball carrying.
That brought him a first half hat-trick, including a stunning 70-metre gallop down the right side line, almost a carbon copy of the try he scored in October against Saudi Schools Select in Tripoli.
But the visitors lost their rhythm in the second period with the influential Obeid suffering an elbow injury and the hosts, representing four schools and roared on by their ecstatic fans, settling on Lebanon’s left edge defence as their main point of attack.
Skipper Andrew Walters from Al Khor International School put his troops on the comeback trail early in the second period closely followed by Palestinian forward Ahmad Barahmeh’s second touchdown.
When sprightly scrum half James Phillips took a quick tap penalty and sped 60 metres to score, momentum had completely swung.
Vidler went over to level matters at 28-28 with just less than 10 minutes remaining, before Deaclane Madine stepped inside Alex Latouf to race away untouched from midfield.
The tired visitors gained a reprieve when previously faultless Doha College full back Dan Rouseau fumbled the kick off, giving Lebanon an attacking scrum 10 metres out.
Three plays later Obeid, bravely playing on, found the try line with Lycee Achrafieh’s Remy Daccache’s fifth conversion edging Lebanon in front 34-32 with four minutes remaining.
Zeidan turned hero to villain, fumbling on the first tackle directly from the re-start, giving Qatar the position from which to mount the final, decisive attack.
Qatar English Schools - 36
Tries: Ahmad Barahmeh 2, Alex Vidler 2, Andrew Walters, James Phillips, Deaclane Madine
Goals: Dan Parcell 4/6. Madine 0/1
Lebanon Under 16s - 34
Tries: Joe Zeidan 3, Remy Daccache, George Bejjani, Jad Obeid
Goals: Remy Daccache 5/6
Man of the match: Deaclane Madine (Al Khor International School)
