Sunday October 8 2006 Western Weekender Stadium, Sydney
LEBANON 'A'	36 10	MALTA

Lebanon 'A' looked to send off the World Cup-bound Cedars in the best possible style on Sunday, with an impressive all round performance against Malta to take out the inaugural Phoenician Cup, presented by Fosters Australia, at Western Weekender Stadium in Sydney.

The Lebanese side, playing to decide the final few touring berths ahead of Lebanon's two European qualifiers, against Russia and Ireland, were too strong for a well-drilled Knights outfit. After Malta opened the scoring through a penalty conversion early in the match Lebanon 'A' crossed twice before half time to head into the sheds leading 10-2.

Halfbacks Anthony Farah, a veteran of three Mediterranean Cups, and Bulldogs rising star Jai Ayoub, controlled proceedings for Lebanon 'A', with Ayoub bagging a brace of tries and four goals for a 16-point personal haul.

Danny Chiha matched Ayoub's try effort, with Fred Khouiss and Adam Sarkis rounding off the scoring.

Wests Magpies' Tyson Muscat scored a try on debut for Malta before Parramatta Eels' Simon Micallef also grabbed a consolation try.

Lebanese Rugby League official George Elias said "it is teams such as Malta that push us to play at the level we do".

The match attracted several senior level athletes including NRL stars Hazem El Masri (Bulldogs), Robbie Farah (Tigers), both of whom have represented Lebanon before.

Marie Micallef- Malta Stock Photography -(www.maltastockphotography.com)