Match Report

Balamand put itself in prime position for a semi-final showdown with AUB with a 60-4 victory over bedraggled AUST. The eleven tries-to-one slaughter, coupled with Jounieh’s 22-0 defeat to LAU on Saturday, elevated Balamand to third in the table, two points above the defending champions and, crucially, with a 62-point advantage in the for-and-against column. Balamand plays in form AUB in the last round of the regular season, while Jounieh has a chance to overhaul the points differential with a heavy win against USJ. All of those calculations may be moot should the LRLF take action against Jounieh’s controversial walk off in the LAU match.

Such eventualities are out of Balamand’s control, though, and they will be viewing Friday’s home clash with AUB with some relish, and as a possible semi-final preview. Balamand has run hot and cold lately, registering a comfortable win against the Wolves last round while capitulating horribly against LAU before that. They will be boosted by the dramatic return of the Jerjess twins, Andrew and Jason, who were instrumental in the Razorbacks early season form before signing up for the Lebanese navy.

Jason registered one try against AUST but, like his team-mates, took a back seat to fullback Riad Khoury who set a personal record of 26-points with three tries and seven goals. It was Khoury’s second hat-trick in as many weeks and his scoring potency will be a key for the northerners in post-season.

For AUST, the final whistle must have come as blessed relief in what ultimately will be viewed as a disappointing first season. They started so promisingly before imploding on a wild day in January when their unruly and violent behaviour led to the suspension of nine players - the effective end of their squad as a competitive force.
Under such conditions, it is commendable that they fulfilled all their fixtures.