Lebanon and Malta Take Positives

By -

A dominant first half performance saw Lebanon take the next step in preparing for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, as they defeated Malta 24-4 at the New Era Stadium in Cabramatta. They will play in the same group as Australia, England and France come the tournament.
The Cedars led 18-4 at the break, Malta containing the hosts to just a converted try in the second period. Star of the show was Lebanon stand off Abbas Miskie who crossed for a hat-trick of tries and kicked a perfect four goals.
“With limited time together leading into the game, we came together well and everyone performed,” Miskie said. “There’s always an extra bit of drive inside of you when you’re representing your country and the boys definitely showed that passion.
“The tactical side will come with time but it was definitely pleasing to see the comradery shown among the group which I think is one of the main recipes for a successful campaign come the World Cup.”
Stand in coach, LRLF director of performance Tarek Houchar added: “To Malta’s credit they kept coming at us for 80 minutes, I was more impressed with our defence in conceding one try. If we can carry this attitude into the World Cup anything is possible, there’s a good feeling amongst this playing group and we will continue to develop into a country that can earn the respect from other nations.”
Loose forward Andrew Kazzi was also a standout for his side.
For Malta, coach Peter Cassar was impressed with his side’s resilience. “Aside from being out-enthused for the opening 15 minutes, we dug in and weren’t far off for the rest of the game,” he noted. “Maltese people are very proud of their rugby league team. A packed suburban stadium was evidence that this game is a popular fixture, as did an impressive live-stream audience of over thirty thousand viewers.”

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Dickie's Meadow

By -
This week I have been watching, recently departed RFL supremo Richard Lewis, giving interviews in his new role as Wimbledon CEO and have been reflecting on his time in office. There is no doubt that he provided much needed stability when it was very much needed and RFL revenue has increased under him.  Dickie Lewis has presided over the introduction of the licensing process which has resulted in improved facilities and increased professionalism at SL level. He will be remembered for an expansion of the international game throughout the northern hemisphere and I believe this will bear fruit in the future. While the financial situation has improved at the RFL (although in my opinion  it started from a very low base and needs to increase much more) we have witnessed the Crusaders debacle, the Stobart non-sponsorship and now the problems at the Bradford Bulls. London still play in front of very low crowds (3600 v Leeds yesterday) and they along with other clubs are struggling to keep
Read more

My Wife Punches Harder - Top 5 RL Fights

By -
5. Ellery Hanley v Les Boyd Wigan v Warrington in Milwaukee 1987 Unfortunately this incident took place in a showcase match in the USA and was an embarrassment for the RL community. Great fight though! 4.  Mal Maninga v Peter Dutton Brisbane Grand Final 1980 This proves that our "friends in low places" can also mis-behave in prestigious matches and it involves Mal Maninga who has since come close to being made a saint. 3.  Stuart Fielden v Willie Mason Australia v GB  -  Four Nations 2006 This wasn't really a fight but more of a one punch KO. Fielden asked for it, had been asking for it for years but fortunately for him nobody was willing to take him on. Until he met Willie Mason that is and he has never been the same player since. The aura was destroyed. Amazingly, Willie Mason stayed on the pitch despite this and another incident in the same match where he maimed Sean Long. It illustrates how weak and easily intimidated referees are in international
Read more

Drama in Sport

By -
I remember saying to a friend of mine a few years ago that you couldn't beat International RL for drama in sport. I'm deliberately writing this in the middle of the competition and I still think this is true. We could do with some more variety and more unpredictability but for sheer entertainment, International RL is great When, when, when will the English team perform to their true potential. Sam Burgess and Gareth Ellis have been stars in NRL this year and there are plenty more like them. Graham, Roby, Westwood, Tomkins etc are great players in SL if they can just do themselves justice on an international stage. Greg Eastwood has been very ordinary all year in SL but he performed well when it counted. Australian administrators please note. I’ve just said that Greg Eastwood performed when it counted i.e. in an international match. They are the pinnacle of any sport and should be treated as such. Anybody who treats a club (or State of Origin) match as the main event is wrong,
Read more