Mediterranean Cup 2004 kicked off on 2 October with France beating Morocco 46-6 and defending champions Lebanon defeating Serbia & Montenegro 64-4

The two games provided some exciting football, with a very important milestone reached in Lebanese rugby league with the Cedars starting line up comprising a majority of local players. Four of the starting forwards were drawn from the local championship. Coach Darren Maroon noted how far the locals have improved in the last year, and they made a good showing on the pitch with Balamand duo Hassan Taha and Gilbert Haydamous scoring.

The first game saw a powerful French side, led by their aggressive forwards Sebastian Martins, the 19-year-old UTC star, and Jacques Pacull, open up a 12-0 lead within 10 minutes. Gun halfback Gregory Mounis was at the centre of France’s best work, setting up four tries and stretching the Moroccan defence. Christophe Callegary, a key member of St Gauden’s championship winning side, scored a hatrick, with stand off Thomas Bosc kicked 6 of 7 conversions before being substituted.

Morocco, beaten 72-0 in the corresponding fixture last year, used an effective and varied tactical kicking game coupled with smart ruck play to turn France around on numerous occasions. Left wing Lahcen El Bouchti was denied twice in the first half before substitute Nabil Bounia scored in the 66th minute to break French hopes of a shutout. Elliass Lamarti converted.

John Risman’s outclassed but plucky Serbs faced a Lebanese team filled with local talent and some Australian based debutants as well. Fullback Toufiq Nicolas made an impressive debut, taking over the kicking duties of one Hazem El Masri, who was occupied preparing to win the NRL grand final in Sydney. LAU Immortals Sami Halabi and Rudy Hachache also played well as a very speedy Lebanese side overwhelmed the Serbians in the first half. Ahmad El Masri, El Magic’s younger brother, in particular looked dangerous whenever he was on the ball and was the pick of the Cedars’ pacey three-quarters as Lebanon opened up an unassailable 40-0 lead.

The Serbians rallied in a much tighter second half, with Dimitris Daich driving over in the 64th minute to open the visitors’ account.