Match Report

Speedy wing Jad Gebrael made his long-awaited return from an ankle injury in spectacular style on Saturday’s early kick off, scoring a hat-trick of tries in USJ's comfortable victory against an under-strength Wolves outfit.

Gebrael’s performance may have triggered USJ thoughts of what might have been this season, with last year’s semi-finalists falling way short of the play-offs and struggling against the more seasoned opponents. They even came to within one score of being knocked off by AUST in December, and needed the return of favourite son Ramy Rassi to steer them to a controversial 22-18 win. Wael Harb took over the coaching reins in January but a change of coach failed to herald a change in fortunes with injuries and defensive problems inhibiting their performances. Back-to-back wins, though, have highlighted the points-scoring qualities inherent in the Saints squad.

USJ were up 14-8 at the break but scored four more tries in a commanding second half display as they set their sights on a fifth place finish. Victory against Jounieh in the final round will almost certainly mean they leap-frog the Wolves, who play LAU, and a trio of victories to close out the campaign will be viewed as something to work on for next season.

For the Wolves, the positives of their first season outweigh the negatives. Nemer Saliba carried the team forward against USJ as he has all year yet their oft-travelling squad frustrated the club’s bid for consistency. Saturday saw one of the weakest Wolves teams this season take the field but it was a credit to the players present that they competed.