Sunday November 5 2006 Tolka Park, Dublin Kick off 12:00pm noon
IRELAND	18 18	LEBANON

The final qualifier of 2006 saw honours shared in the battle of the unbeaten sides in Group Two, with everything still to play for in the return rounds next autumn.

 A try three minutes into injury time by Salford’s Stuart Littler, who hauled himself over through the slightest of gaps near the posts, salvaged a point for the hosts after Lebanon looked set to cause a shock having led 10-0 at the interval.

 Ireland coach Andy Kelly was a man of mixed emotions at the final whistle of a pulsating, end-to-end clash that thrilled the animated Tolka Park fans.

 “I’m disappointed and relieved” he said. “We looked like we would get nothing but one final heroic effort saved us.”

 “I’ve been involved with Ireland since the 2000 World Cup and the camaraderie and the camp doesn’t change, there is a real passion and spirit in the jersey and we always enjoy it.”

 “The competition so far has been a massive benefit to rugby league, the great thing about both the games we have played is that they have been truly competitive.”

 “We had targeted four points from these opening rounds but we will settle for three and we are still hoping to take our place in the finals.”

 In a tense first period, possession and territory was equally shared in a fierce but refreshingly open clash; the difference being that the Cedars took their chances on offer.

 In the 13^th minute, centre Daniel Chiha collected his own chip over with aplomb, the bounce beating David Dodd, to cross out wide; Chris Salem missing the conversion.

 With the visitors’ confidence increasing, they extended their lead just after the half hour with an excellent, flowing move from half way.

 The ball passed through numerous hands as the home defence was stretched, John Koborsi taking a clever inside ball to split the drifting cover to score near enough to the posts for Salem to make it 10-0.

 Whatever Kelly said at half time to rally his troops, it worked as they crossed for two tries in six minutes straight after the interval.

 Ireland’s best, full back Scott Grix linked well to find the line, Chris Bridge converting and three minutes later Ryan Tandy bustled over, Bridge’s conversion giving the men from the Emerald Isle the lead.

 With outstanding prop Charles Farah driving the Lebanaese forward, they forced themselves back into the contest somewhat against the run of play, Salem intercepting near his own line and racing 80 metres for a sensational score converted by Samer El Masri.

 He kicked a penalty soon after on the hour to give the visitors a six point lead but with time running out, Littler rescued the Irish hopes when he launched his 6’3” frame for glory and Bridge landed the equalizing conversion.

 Lebanon official George Elias was thrilled by his side’s exploits, “It was very, very tough but extremely exciting” he commented. “It’s a great result for us in a game that could have gone either way but the passion of the Lebanese pulled us through despite having such a young squad.”

 “The hospitality we have received here and in London last week has been excellent and we would like to thank everybody who has gone out of their way to look after us.”