August 26 2005 Brewery Lane, Bridgend, Wales	WALES PRESIDENTS XIII
Liban Espoir	12 52

Fans from Challenge Cup Finalists, Leeds Rhinos and Hull FC were in the crowd at the Brewery Field on Friday to night to see a Wales Presidents XIII outclass but not disgrace a valiant Lebanon Espoirs (a word that roughly translates as hopefuls or emerging) side.

The visitors fielded none of their big name professionals; this side was picked exclusively from their domestic league in Lebanon that was founded in 2002. The match was the second in Lebanon’s tour of the UK. On Tuesday they lost 26-0 to the England A side but with Welsh Rugby League being stronger than it’s ever been, the emerging Lebanese knew they’d have a tougher task in Bridgend.

Jesse Farthing gave Wales an early lead with a try in the corner on five minutes. David Davies added a second on 20 minutes following a lengthy delay due to an injury to Lebanon’s Hassan Taha.

Another delay followed due an even more serious injury. This time to Lebanon’s Hadi Yashruti who fell awkwardly in a tackle, was unable to be moved and the game was held up by 20 minutes while players and crowd waited for an ambulance.

Following the half-hour gap, a refreshed Welsh side were keen to add to their scoreline but Adam Dawe’s 70-metre run was stopped just centimetres from the line by Gilbert Haydamous.

But Valley Cougars’ Carl Thomas stormed through moments later to increase Wales’ lead. Chris Williams broke through the defence six minutes later to add to the scoreline. Matt Jackson converted both tries to give Wales a 20-0 half-time lead.

Wales increased their lead after just five minutes of the second half after Scott O’Kelly forced his way over on the fifth tackle.

Lebanon got on the scoreboard for the first time in their tour after 51 minutes when Tony Semrani fought his way through the Welsh defence to ground under the posts. Wassim Moumneh converted.

But Wales replied straight away with a try from Cougars’ Adrian Owen. Dean Scully converted then ran 60 metres for another Welsh try straight from kick-off.

Lebanon got another try back on 59 minutes after Alan Sultan finished off a good passing move.

But once again, Wales hit back straight away after another excellent Owen run. Williams also added his second five minutes later following a 40-metre run. Matt Jackson added a final try with the best move of the evening to make the final score 52-12.