Irish Share Spoils

Correspondent

Lebanon held a sock 10-0 lead at the half-time interval thanks to touch downs from Daniel Chiha and John Koborsi.

But Ireland did not give up and drew level with tries from Scott Grix and Ryan Tandy in the first six minutes after the restart.

Chris Salem edged the cedars back in front with a long-range effort which seemed to have won the game until Littler’s try made sure that the points would be shared.

Ireland coach andy Kelly wasn;t sure what to make of the performance, saying: "I'm disappointed and relieved. We looked like we would get nothing but one final heroic effort saved us."

"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," he added.

This match was the final qualifier of 2006, leaving the group wide open for the return fixtures this time next year.

Lebanon coach George Elias said: "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."