Omar Darwich signed off in style in what was probably his last match for Balamand this season, scoring a field goal, a try and setting up one in yet another all-round display of poise, polish and panache. The stocky utility’s performance crowned a dominating early-season stint by the Razorbacks, who head into the Christmas break with a perfect record having seen off LAU’s oscillating challenge on Saturday afternoon. One of the league’s most dominant players during his time in Lebanon, Darwich (pictured), who now heads back to Australia, controlled the tempo of Balamand’s game but was well supported by a cast of accomplished and capable actors who executed Mohamed Habbous’s game-plan – and played the slippery conditions - to near perfection, as they slowly, but ever so surely, won the tactical battle against a strong Immortals side which was simply outplayed on the day.

LAU’s inability to secure kicks proved their constant undoing. While LAU’s back three was nervous and error-prone, Balamand’s was confident and efficient, winning the mini-tactical battle with LAU’s kickers over the course of the match thanks to their safe collection of kicks and effective counter-attacking play. In contrast, LAU’s failure to deal with kicks frequently resulted in Balamand gaining repeat sets in prime field position, and when they attacked the Razorbacks showed their tusks. Darwich made the first break of the match on 8 minutes, setting off on an arcing run to the right touch-line, leaving LAU captain Mohamed Jamil in his wake before off-loading to the supporting Habbous who sprinted in under the black dot. Balamand then scored a good-looking try to go 12-0 up – once more after LAU had coughed up possession. Lock Wael Tawil and five-eighth Gilbert Haydamous showed good skill, catching and passing close to LAU’s defensive line to work fullback Riad Khoury over at the corner.

Fifteen minutes later the Immortals, still missing their best player, the injured Rudi Hachache, were led downfield by some powerful charges from Freddy Beaini and Lebanon forward Robin Hachache, striking back through Allen Khoury in the 26^th minute. The two sides’ goal-kicking mirrored their tactical kicking, with Balamand able to slot three-of-four conversions while LAU missed all three attempts. With two minutes left in the half Darwich converted another position into points, coolly slotting a drop goal to give his side a 13-4 interval lead. The Liban Espoir stand-off picked up where he had left off in the second period, scoring the crucial, game-breaking try in the 50^th minute, and when Gilbert Haydamous finished off yet another slick handling move just before the hour mark, LAU were done for, although two late tries made the score respectable.