Briefs: Sunrise shine in ISF Cup

Written by Tracey Shelton

Monday, 23 March 2009

Photo by: MEL SOTH Young footballers from the Sunrise Orphanage lift the ISF PwC Cup Saturday at Phnom Penh’s Old Stadium. PHNOM PENH – 18 teams competed in the finals of the second Indochina Starfish Foundation (ISF) PricewaterhouseCoopers Cup held at Phnom Penh’s Old Stadium

Saturday. After playing 7 group matches during the day, and recording only one loss, the Sunrise Children’s Village U14 team took home the trophy after defeating SOS Orphanage 4–2 in the grand final. ISF sponsor a network of football teams for under privileged Cambodian children throughout Cambodia, providing regular training from FIFA accredited coaches and sports supplies. This year, a girls league was also introduced in the finals with games played last weekend at Old Stadium.

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Preah Khan Reach take third

Written by Dan Riley and Robin Eberhardt

Monday, 23 March 2009

Last year's runners-up Preah Khan Reach rout navy side Phuchoung Neak 3-0 Saturday in the Samdech Hun Sen Cup 2009 third-place playoff Photo by: NICK SELLS Phuchoung Neak are rooted to the spot as they watch a Tum Saray (second left – green shirt) header loop over keeper Thay Sineth (right) and nestle in the top corner for Preah Khan Reach’s second goal Saturday. Beaten semifinalists Preah Khan Reach (PKR) claimed third place in the Samdech Hun Sen Cup with a comfortable 3-0 victory over navy side Phuchoung Neak Saturday at Olympic Stadium. The match kicked off at 3pm - an hour later than advertised - to a subdued audience apparently saving their energy and enthusiasm for the weekend's grand final. Early pressure was inflicted by the navy team, with PKR showing good organisation and discipline in defence. Hok Sochetra - making a surprise start to the game for PKR after coming on late in each of the previous rounds - was presented with a one-on-one with Phuchoung keeper Thay Sineth where he should have done better than poke the ball straight into the keeper's arms. Moments later, the navy keeper was forced to make a double save, the first parrying a stinging strike through a crowd of players by PKR's Kao Kiri that fell at the feet of Hok Sochetra, but once again the veteran striker failed to find space either side of Thay Sineth. In the 14th minute, Hok Sochetra almost redeemed his earlier misses with a free kick from 20 metres that curled agonisingly past the near post. The game was starting to breathe life with the pace quickening, passes connecting and players showing good vision and movement to set up attacks down the wings. PKR were looking the more competent at the back, their Vietnamese-signed Duong Lam Vu playing the sweeper position to perfection. Phuchoung created a smattering of chances. Seng Kosal of the navy side swung in a corner from the left that sliced through a busy box, but no one could find the crucial contact. Crowd favorite Hok Sochetra received vocal support every time he touched the ball, although the biggest cheer of the half came when he comically tripped over himself in the centre circle. Phuchoung were lacking conviction up front, instead opting to keep men back in defence rather than committing to attack. Midfielder Joseph Oyewole remained mostly in his own half with the navy team forwards clearly missing his offensive prowess and incisive through balls. Photo by: NICK SELLS Preah Khan Reach’s veteran striker Hok Sochetra (left) controls the ball on his chest.

Controversy surrounded a blatant professional foul by PKR's Phea Piphub on Phuchoung's Pov Samnang just outside the box that denied the striker a clear route to goal with a colleague completely unmarked to the left. A free kick was awarded but Phea Piphub incredibly escaped punishment.

Just before the interval, Hok Sochetra chested down a ball in the area and cleverly beat his man, only to power his strike over the bar.

Fortunately for goal-hungry fans, the deadlock was broken shortly after the restart. With PKR's Samel Nasa granted a second chance at a cross, the ball was floated invitingly to the back post where Hok Sochetra's second half replacement Khuon Laboravy headed into Tuy Som on the goalline. A brief scramble eventually allowed Khuon Laboravy to knock in from close range and open the scoring.

Phuchoung had no answer for the threat of Samel Nasa, who dominated the right wing for much of the second half, supplying a series of telling crosses into the danger area.

Yet again, a comedy moment caused one of the biggest stirs in the stand when Samel Nasa collided with the linesman.
Around the hour mark, the navy team put the ball in the back of the net from a stunning left-foot volley by Seng Kosal, but the whistle had already blown for a kick to the head of PKR's Sok Rithy by Sunday Silva.

Phuchoung were always looking vulnerable in defence and in the 62nd minute, slack man-marking allowed Tum Saray to direct his unchallenged header into the top corner from a Duong Lam Vu cross to give PKR a two-goal cushion.

With ten minutes to go, shambolic defending by the navy side presented Samel Nasa with acres of space and time to check for an offside flag to latch on to a through ball on the right. Thay Sineth came off his line to push the winger wide to the byline but his pull back was eventually bundled in by Khuon Laboravy to seal the victory for PKR.

With fans heading to the car park already, a rare lapse in concentration by Duong Lam Vu gave away possession in his own half to set up Sunday Silva but the Nigerian was unlucky to see his vicious shot sliced into the side netting.

After the game, PKR players stayed on the pitch for a congratulatory talk from coaches and club owners. PKR manager Rith Dikar noted that his team played better in the game than in the semifinal fixture they lost the previous week but came into the fixture with supreme confidence. "We have played [the navy team] four times already, but we never lose," he said.

With the win, PKR received a prize of 20 million riels (US$4,890). The teams now prepare for the Cambodian Premiership season starting after the Khmer New Year.

When asked about his ambitions for the league competition, Rith Dikar said: "This time I dont want [my team] to be number three, I want [us] to be champions."

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Briefs: Housman halted

Written by RICHARD WEIR
Monday, 23 March 2009

American kickboxer Sean Housman (Angkor Boxing Club) suffered his first defeat Saturday to more experienced Ministry of Interior fighter Heng Bunloak at CTN TV station. The 62kg bout saw both participants sustain cuts and eight-counts in an energetic opening round with Heng Bunloak taking command in the second with kicks that closed down Housman’s punches. The Cambodian exhibited superiority in the clinch with powerful knees to the body that inflicted a further three eight-counts, leaving the referee no choice but to declare him the winner by stoppage halfway through the round due to the three-knockdown rule.

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Hok Sochetra speaks out about the beautiful game in cambodia

Written by Dan Riley and Robin Eberhardt

Monday, 23 March 2009

Photo by: NICK SELLS Hok Sochetra claims that funding is desperately needed to help develop football in Cambodia. Hok Sochetra is one of Cambodia's most celebrated footballers. A national team player from 1995 to 2003, he has plied his trade for numerous clubs and has more recently turned his attention to coaching and youth training. His coaching career reads like a who's who of Cambodian teams with stints at Hello United and Phnom Penh FC (which later became Phnom Penh Empire and now Phnom Penh Crown) to name just a few.

In 2007, he began working for Samart Communications, which attempted to utilise his celebrity status to help promote its mobile phone networks. Despite having to quit the national team to concentrate on working for the private company, he also coached its football team based in Kratie province. However, a change in structure of the company inspired him to return to domestic competition and he teamed up with Post Tel Club for half a season last year as a coach before joining Preah Khan Reach as a player/coach.

"There are a lot of young players in this team," he said. "I give ideas and experience [to them]."
Hok Sochetra remembers his first coach fondly. "Mr Sarouen - the best player before", he said, also mentioning the support of Mr Salakan, now the coach of Ranger FC, and Joachim Frickert from Germany, who coached the national squad.

When asked about his favourite moment in his long and illustrious career, Hok Sochetra replied: "I won the best player in Southeast Asia in 1997 - the Golden Ball from Sanyo. At that time, I was playing in a World Cup qualifier. I scored the goal that got a 1-1 draw against Indonesia."

It was a game that helped push Cambodian football into the public spotlight.

The 35-year-old was also instrumental in helping Preah Khan Reach obtain third placing in this year's Samdech Hun Sen Cup. However, his deft touch, powerful and accurate striking, and ability to brush off defenders couldnt hide his lack of speed and stamina compared with the new breed of young players.

Hok Sochetra said he was "not sure" if Saturday's game would be his last competitive top-flight game. "I will try to keep playing," he said.

When asked about the future of football in Cambodia, Hok Sochetra lamented the severe lack of funding for development. "We dont have a national football academy," he said. "So many players are too old already - around 20 - before joining a football team. They dont play from a very young age and learn step by step. Sometimes the coaches have to look at players [in street games] and ask them to join a club."

The veteran footballer struggled in his own career to balance playing football with earning enough money for his family. "Cambodians cannot live on their [playing] salaries alone. It's not enough," he said, adding: "If the government improve [their contribution] to football, the players can live [by only playing football]. The best players only receive a salary of US$100 or $200 per month."

Hok Sochetra recognised that the good physical condition of many of the younger players but noted a lack of a good footballing brain. "They can pass, they can shoot, but they dont know how to [lose] the defender to create space to have a chance at goal. They don't know how to [outsmart] the goalkeeper," he said.

Of promising young national players such as Khim Borey and Kouch Sokumpheak, Hok Sochetra said: "They have skill and power already but need a good coach to show them how to use their heads to play [more intelligent] football. If we play football without our brains, we just run, run, run. It's not enough for football."

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Hats off to Crown semifinal show

Written by Dan Riley and Robin Eberhardt

Monday, 16 March 2009

Phnom Penh Crown are well-set to defend their Samdech Hun Sen Cup title in two weeks after breezing through Saturday's semifinal against Preah Khan Reach with 4-0 thrashing. Photo by: NICK SELLS Phnom Penh Crown's Jean Roger Lappe Lappe (second right) celebrates his hattrick in the semifinals against Preah Khan Reach while team manager Makara (left) embraces his captain Chhol Sothearith. PHNOM Penh Crown showed exactly why they are the current domestic Cup and Premier League champions with a resounding 4-0 semifinal victory Saturday over last year's finalists Preah Khan Reach (PKR) at Olympic Stadium. At the beginning, the game was a tight affair with Crown looking slighty more dangerous, penetrating the PKR defence and forcing the keeper into action. Crown were linking smartly in midfield with clever one-twos, although their attacks fell apart too easily in the final third. The first goal-scoring opportunity came Crown's way when they were awarded a penalty after an innocuous cross was handled clumsily in the area by PKR's Sok Raksmey. Crown's national team star Chan Rithy stepped up confidently to take the spotkick but PKR keeper Ouk Mich - Cambodia's second choice goalkeeper - dived well to his right to parry away the strike before jumping up quickly to make a double save from a follow-up effort. Crown continued to push hard for an opener. Phoung Narong whipped in a terrific cross to find Srey Veasna unmarked, but his header was too weak to worry Ouk Mich. PKR started to attack on the counter. Mao Van Du Nhat and Lay Raksmey knocked tidy passes to each other to enter the box, but the final shot was lashed wide. PKR's defence was suffering momentary lapses of concentration. A hospital header back to the keeper by PKR's Soun Thoun was chased down by the lurking Crown striker Jean Roger Lappe Lappe, but the flick off his boot could not be steered on target. In the 32nd minute, a long ball into the area was met by Lappe Lappe, who used his height advantage to deflect a header into the bottom right corner and open the scoring. PKR struggled to get the run of the ball despite showing good ambition in breaking from the back but had no definite answer to the Crown offensive threat. Crown knocked some picturesque long balls to men in space on the flanks but were often guilty of trying to squeeze through gaps in the back line that proved too tight to pass. In the second half, Crown quickly stamped their authority on the tie. Four minutes after the restart saw woeful PKR defending allow Srey Veasna to dance through to the 6-yard box and lay off to a questionably offside Lappe Lappe to convert the simplest of tap ins and double his day's tally. Crown's Mpoko Oscar Koua was ruling the midfield, stealing possessions and steaming up the pitch to make telling through balls to the strikers. Another exciting move saw Crown's Srey Veasna display sublime touch to knock it around PKR defender Phea Pipub but his shot crept just wide of the right post. In the 57th minute, Lappe Lappe completed his heroic hatrick after receiving a pass from Chan Chhaya and elbowing his way past two hapless defenders to smash through Ouk Mich's arms. The Cameroon striker ran to the sideline to perform a bizarre celebratory dance-come-victory salute with teammates. PKR looked shellshocked but were lifted by the emergence from the bench of local legend Hok Sochetra in the 60th minute. The veteran striker has scored as a substitute in both of the previous rounds and came on with Vietnamese midfielder Duong Lam Vu, who was so devasting from set pieces in the previous game but sadly lacking for the majority of this tie. Crown midfielder Koua was still thrilling fans late on. A waltzing run from inside his own half had him beating nearly half the team but unfortunatly he ran out of steam in the area and poked his shot wide. PKR had flashes of brilliance, notably when Samel Nasa's curling sliced shot from distance ricocheted off the underside of the bar. In the closing moments, Crown sealed the win with Chan Rithy showing his superior fitness to skip down the left wing and stay clear of chasing defenders before unselfishly squaring to substitute teammate Tunji Akeep to knock past the wrong-footed keeper. When match referee Duong Sochit - who had adjudicated superbly during the game - blew for full time, the crowd applauded a classy display from the defending champions. Crown team manager Makara was content after the game with his team's "smooth" performance. Photo by: NICK SELLS Preah Khan Reach's Hok Sochetra tussles with PP Crown defender Lor Pichseila Saturday. "We practise hard every day at 1pm," he said. "We know their big playmaker number 6 [Nguon Chansothea] so we played a pressing [formation] and didn't let them play the same way they usually do." "But we respect that, even though they were losing by four goals, they still tried to play well," added Makara. The Crown manager also noted the fact that his team have yet to concede a goal in the competition. "I hope our keeper [Peng Bunchhay] will get the best goalkeeper [award]," said Makara, which would grant him 1 million riels (US$243) as a cash prize. "We are confident we can defend our championship because we know what to do to win," he said.

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Naga Corp sink navy's Phuchoung Neak to reach final

Written by Dan Riley and Robin Eberhardt

Monday, 16 March 2009 , phnom pehn post

After nailbiting quarterfinal victory over 2007 Cup champions Ranger FC, Naga Corp recorded simple 2-0 semifinal win over Phuchoung Neak. Photo by: NICK SELLS Naga Corp's Oum Chavrak (front right) celebrates with teammates Chhim Sambo (left) and Mohamadou Ousmanou after opening scoring Saturday in the Samdech Hun Sen Cup semifinal against Phuchoung Neak. Naga Corp eased into their second Cup final in three years after edging out navy team Phuchoung Neak 2-0 in Saturday's second semifinal at Olympic Stadium. Naga Corp took the early advantage in the 11th minute when Phou Sopy floated a cross over the heads of the navy defence to find Oum Chavrak in front of the sticks for an easy knock in. The navy team were struggling to contain the rampant Naga advances. Phuchoung's Soth Sotheary was rightfully booked for cynically flooring Naga's Mohamadou Ousmanou just outside the box after a leggy run through the middle.

Navy launched their own attacks, attempting to expose gaps in the Naga backline. A decent half chance was carved out by Seng Kosen on the left, but his volley was aimed straight at the keeper.

And then a highlight for Star Sport's Nokia Football Crazy. You've heard of the bicycle kick, the banana kick and even the scorpion kick. Fans at the stadium however witnessed perhaps the world's first ever cockroach kick.

With Naga's Cheuk Sokhom rolling around on his back, the ball just a few yards out, legs flailing in the air, the loose ball was somehow flicked off his studs to nestle in the bottom right hand corner - a candidate for freakiest goal of the year and certainly in the category of outrageously lucky.

Undeterred, Phuchoung pushed deep into Naga territory, but stoic defending thwarted their advances.

Naga's pressing for a third saw Sun Sovanaridh gather the ball just outside the area before looking up to see the keeper marginally off his line as he then knocked a delightful chip on top of the bar.

With the interval looming, nice work on Phuchoung's left from Heng Sokly and Seng Kosen set up a chance between the posts for Sunday Silva, but the Nigerian striker could only scoop his effort over the bar.

Naga looked the fresher of the teams at the start of the second half. A cunning first-time cross from Neang Chenla flew straight through the defence but couldn't find a Naga shirt.

Phuchoung struck back with Sunday Silva on the right setting up Tith Dina, whose shot took a slight deflection that could have proved fatal if Naga keeper Choam Veasna hadn't stretched well to palm over the bar.

The navy team's Heng Sokly then broke through the back to catch a glimpse of goal but Naga defender Phou Sopy magnificently slid across to make the crucial block.

The crowd were subdued with the last few minutes somewhat anticlimatic, the Naga box flooded with bodies to deflect the handful of Phuchoung goal attempts.

And so the game ended at 2-0, with the smiling Naga Corp manager Michael Thachnan admitting the victory was "pretty easy".

"Our strategy was to score in the first half, which we did," said Thachnan. "In the second half we let it go a little bit due to some injuries ... and players on yellow cards."

"Our players really stuck to the system amd played the we set out to," he said.

The manager agreed that the second goal was lucky. "But we'll take it anytime!" He laughed.

Naga Corp progress through to the final to be played 2pm at Olympic stadium on March 28.

On facing defending champions Phnom Penh Crown in the final, Thachnan said: "[Phnom Penh Crown] looked very good, but we beat [them] before. There's no reason why we can't do it again."

Phuchoung will be back in action Saturday at 2pm at Olympic Stadium in the 3rd-place playoff against Preah Khan Reach with a 20 million riels (US$4861) cash prize for the winners.

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Cambodian national rugby squad selected

Written by Ray Leos

Friday, 13 March 2009

Photo by: JOE GARRISON The Cambodian national rugby team - "The Koupreys" - line up for a team photo March 1 with head coach Peter Maley (back left). TEAM SELECTION Chro Kim Seang - Prop Uk Dara - Hooker Koeut Sovanraksmey - Prop Ralph McMillan* - Lock Robert Baker* - Lock Vong Vannak - Flanker Ut Vuthy - Flanker Chey Sophal - No. 8 Pich Ratana - Half Back Chan Samedi - Fly Half Sam Chanphearom - Wing Francois Bleriot* - Center Vannak Vireak - Center Bros Sophorn - Wing Nheb Rotha - Fullback Hang Sophea Noreak - Prop Choeng Veasna - Lock Koy David - Utility Back Phorn Bophan - Half Back Nong Sovanrado - Lock Lach Sopheara - Utility Back Lim Pun Pov - Utility Kham Saroeun - Center Tea Sunarith - Utility * indicates expatriate players Head Coach: Peter Maley Assistant: Andrew Newman THE Cambodian Federation of Rugby announced Thursday its final selection of players for the 2009 Cambodian National Men's Rugby Team, the "Koupreys", for the upcoming HSBC Asian 5 Nations Regional Tournament, which will be held March 21-28 in Savannakhet, Laos.

The week's competition, sanctioned by the International Rugby Board (IRB) - the world governing body of rugby union football - and the Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU), will feature test matches between national teams from Cambodia, Brunei and Laos.

The 24-man Kouprey roster features 13 members from last year's squad, and also includes 3 expatriate players who are eligible under the IRB's 3-year residency requirement.

Australian Peter Maley, who last year served as the Koupreys' backs coach, takes the head coaching reins this year. He will be assisted by New Zealander Andrew Newman.

Maley is cautiously optimistic about his team's chances in the upcoming competition in Laos.

"We've got the makings of a pretty fair side, with a strong and mobile front five, quick and aggressive loose forwards, and a back line with a good mixture of experience and youth," said Maley.

"But we've got a lot of new guys this year, and they're all going to have to step up for us to do well."

Eight players on this year's Kouprey roster will be making their international debut in Laos, and the new Kouprey coach believes the youngsters gained valuable experience playing in the Cambodia Rugby Premiership this year.

"Competing in the [Premiership] with older and more experienced players has really raised these guys' game," added Maley. "That's why they were selected."

The PSE Garudas, currently the top club in the Premiership, lead the way with 12 players selected, followed by the Sisowath Knights with 7, Stade Khmer with 3, and Siem Reap with 2.

The Koupreys will depart Phnom Penh on March 25 and will play their opening match of the tournament against Brunei at 8:30pm that evening. They face hosts Laos on Saturday, March 28 at 8pm. All games will be played at Savannakhet National Stadium.

Brunei meets Laos in the tournament opener on March 21.

The Koupreys will attempt to rebound from their woeful showing in last year's regional competition in Jakarta, where they fell to Laos 30-0, and Indonesia, 55-3.

Brunei, relegated this year from the Division III level of the Asian 5 Nations, replaces Indonesia in this year's regional in Laos.

The Indonesians have been promoted to the Division III competition in Manila on July 1-4, where they will join Guam, Iran, and the Philippines.

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Short Story: Countries combine for charity golf

Written by Chun Sophal
Thursday, 12 March 2009

Two hundred Cambodian, Vietnamese and Laotian golfers will participate in the first Friendship Charity Golf Tournament on March 28 at Long Thanh Golf Resort, Vietnam. Cham Prasidh, chairman of the Cambodian Organising Committee for the tournament, said the event will raise funds for the Mutual Foundation, which offers free eyecare and heart operations to homeless people, orphans and victims of natural disasters, as well as providing education scholarships for impoverished students. The chairman called for charitable members of the public to sponsor and support the tournament, with March 15 the deadline for registration. Prime ministers and high-ranking officials of the three countries will also participate in the tournament along with approximately 50 to 70 professional and amateur golfers from each country. Cham Prasidh noted that similar golf tournaments in Vietnam each generated up to US$8 million in 2008 and $6 million in 2007. "We expect to raise more money than these tournaments by allowing golfers from all three countries," he said. Thong Khon, vice chairman of the organising committee, said that players will compete over 36 holes - one round on the hill course and one on the lake course.

The winner's will receive 18 damlung of gold ($18,900), which is to be auctioned to the public. The winning bid will be transferred to the Mutual Foundation, which will distribute it to the three countries, said Thong Khon. Cham Prasidh said that the prime ministers of Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos will decide on the share of the fund. "This year [the Friendship tournament] is held in Vietnam, and if it is successful we want to hold it in Cambodia next year," he said.

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In Brief: Hun Sen Cup semifinals

Written by Dan Riley
Friday, 13 March 2009

PHNOM PENH - Preah Khan Reach football club will seek to avenge their defeat in last year's Samdech Hun Sen Cup final at the hands of Phnom Penh Crown. He teams meet in Saturday's semifinal at 2pm at Olympic Stadium. The day's other semifinal sees navy team Phuchoung Neak battle off against 2007 runners-up Naga Corp at 4.15pm. Entrance to the main stand is free and games are broadcast live on TVK.

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Short Story: Countries combine for charity golf

Written by Chun Sophal

Thursday, 12 March 2009

Two hundred Cambodian, Vietnamese and Laotian golfers will participate in the first Friendship Charity Golf Tournament on March 28 at Long Thanh Golf Resort, Vietnam. Cham Prasidh, chairman of the Cambodian Organising Committee for the tournament, said the event will raise funds for the Mutual Foundation, which offers free eyecare and heart operations to homeless people, orphans and victims of natural disasters, as well as providing education scholarships for

impoverished students. The chairman called for charitable members of the public to sponsor and support the tournament, with March 15 the deadline for registration. Prime ministers and high-ranking officials of the three countries will also participate in the tournament along with approximately 50 to 70 professional and amateur golfers from each country. Cham Prasidh noted that similar golf tournaments in Vietnam each generated up to US$8 million in 2008 and $6 million in 2007. "We expect to raise more money than these tournaments by allowing golfers from all three countries," he said. Thong Khon, vice chairman of the organising committee, said that players will compete over 36 holes - one round on the hill course and one on the lake course.

The winner's will receive 18 damlung of gold ($18,900), which is to be auctioned to the public. The winning bid will be transferred to the Mutual Foundation, which will distribute it to the three countries, said Thong Khon. Cham Prasidh said that the prime ministers of Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos will decide on the share of the fund. "This year [the Friendship tournament] is held in Vietnam, and if it is successful we want to hold it in Cambodia next year," he said.

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Stade Khmer turn tables on Knights

Written by RAY LEOS

Tuesday, 10 March 2009

Dramatic last-minute try completes 21-14 comeback win for Stade Khmer Sunday CENTRE Koeun Sangsa's 40-metre dash for a try at the final whistle gave Stade Khmer a thrilling 21-14 victory over Phnom Penh rival Sisowath Knights in a Cambodia Rugby Premiership match Sunday afternoon at the Phnom Penh Old Stadium. Stade Khmer took possession in the closing seconds after fielding a Sisowath kick, and on third-phase ball, Koeng Sangsa took a quick pass off a ruck and eluded three would-be Sisowath tacklers on his way to the line.

"It was a bloody shame to lose like that," remarked Sisowath coach Brian Thomas. "The lads worked hard all day, and we pretty much controlled the ball the entire match. But they [Stade Khmer] made the most of their opportunities, and I'm afraid we didn't."

Sisowath jumped out to an early lead with flyhalf Tyler Jellison taking a pass off a five-metre scrum before diving in for the try in the 12th minute. Number 8 Sam West's successful conversion kick made it 7-0, the score remaining the same until halftime.

Stade Khmer answered back in the second period with two quick tries to take a 14-7 lead. Centre Mathias Peralta scored from 15 metres off a lineout in the 45th minute, while lock Soza Ny picked up a loose ball five minutes later, sprinting in untouched from 30 metres out. Winger Kong Vandy made good on both conversion kicks.

But the Knights were far from finished as they repeatedly moved down the field, continually keeping the ball alive as they charged at the Stade Khmer defence.

Good defence keeps it close
The Stade Khmer defence bent but didn't break as it rebuffed repeated Sisowath efforts to cross the try line.
Sisowath finally touched down in the 58th minute, fullback Dave Friedberg taking a ball off a maul 10 metres out that he ran in for a try.

West successfully converted to tie the score at 14-14.
The final 20 minutes saw some hard tackling on both sides, with neither team able to gain much of an offensive advantage until the dying moments when a Sisowath kick led to Koeng Sangsa's game-winning try.

Afterwards, Stade Khmer flyhalf Francois Bleriot praised his team's resilience.

"We never gave up, and we ran hard and tackled hard," said Bleriot. "It was a tough, hard match, which is good experience for our Khmer players."

With the win, Stade Khmer improve their record in the Cambodian Rugby Premiership to three wins and two losses while the Sisowath Knights fall to two wins and four losses.

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Blair roars to Motocross gold

Written by Mark Roy

Monday, 09 March 2009

Saturday’s Total International Motocross Championship 2009 saw both New Zealand riders take top two podium places in Expert Class grand final Photo by: MARK ROY Two-time championship winner James Robinson (right) launches a desperate bid to regain the lead from fellow New Zealander Larry Blair Saturday during the Expert Class final at Preak Leap motorcross track. Final Race Results Total International Motocross Championship 2009 Class A: Motocross Experts 1st – Larry Blair (New Zealand) 2nd – James Robinson (New Zealand) 3rd – Nuttakit Bootprawat (Thailand) 4th – Pierre-Yves Catry (France/Cambodia) 5th – Siam Tiencharoenphol (Thailand) LOCAL and international riders put in some gritty performances in sweltering heat at the Total International Motocross Championship 2009 on Saturday. The huge crowd that turned out at the Preak Leap motocross track six kilometres outside of Phnom Penh were rewarded with a freestyle motocross display, a day of trail bike and motocross action, and the sight of ten Cambodians challenging each other in a mountain bike race. The main highlight of the day was undoubtedly the nail-biting conclusion to the ten-lap Experts class final. Having comprehensively won his first heat, defending champion James Robinson got down to business with a clean start, leading fellow New Zealander Larry Blair at the first turn. Spectators cheered as time and again the two riders became airbourne almost side-by-side, as Blair brought pressure to bear on defending champion Robinson. The 25-year-old was barely holding his lead, and had a third consecutive championship in his sights, when a spray of dirt from Blair's rear tyre filled his visor after a tight corner in the sixth lap. Blair raced ahead, glancing over his shoulder as Robinson rode desperately to try to close the ever-widening gap. Ultimately Blair held on to his nerve, the 29-year-old roaring through to take the chequered flag. After the race, Blair expressed his surprise at the result. "I had a crash in the first race and had to come back through, so I wasn't really sure how fast James was going," he said. "I just sat behind him and figured he would get tired. He hasn't been racing much in the past six months." Blair said he had planned to pass Robinson about halfway through the race without running him off the track. "It's hard to do it politely on this track, it's very tight and you can only really make a passing move in the corners," he said. "You have to be pretty aggressive, a little physical, to make your pass." The motocross expert noted that coping with the heat had been a battle. Photo by: MARK ROY James Robinson performs freestyle tricks Satruday during the warm-up show. "It was really hot out there, which made it hard to breathe," Blair said. A competitor in the novice race, Alti Magnusson, agreed. "I'm from Iceland, so at first it was a bit cloudy. But in the last race it was really hot," Magnusson said. Event organiser Pierre-Yves Catry, who placed fourth, said in future they would try to run the event in a cooler month, such as January. "This land is flooded in wet season, so we can only build a track at the end of December," said Catry. However, Blair had nothing but praise for the event organisers. Having competed in numerous events in SE Asia, the race winner said the Cambodian event was the best organised by far. "The sponsors have really turned it on. They threw in lots of money and Pierre is great. He's really the driving force behind the event," Blair said. Robinson, who lives in Malaysia, said the motocross scene in Cambodia is building every year. "This is my third year of racing here and every year it is getting bigger and better," he said.

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Quarterfinals settled at 11 metres

Written by DAN RILEY AND ROBIN EBERHARDT

Monday, 09 March 2009

Saturday's completion of Samdech Hun Sen Cup quarterfinal stage saw both ties determined by dramatic penalty shootouts, with Phuchoung Neak and Naga Corp kicking through to semifinals Photo by: NICK SELLS National Defence Ministry’s Sin Dalin (right) sees his spotkick saved by Phuchoung keeper Thay Sineth during the penalty shootout in their quarterfinal Samdech Hun Sen Cup match at Olympic Stadium. Defence were ultimately eliminated as Phuchoung booked their place in the semifinals. Cup drama was never more apparent than on Saturday at the Olympic Stadium when both quarterfinal fixtures went to penalties with local favourites National Defense Ministry and Ranger FC making shock exits from the Samdech Hun Sen Cup. The day's first match was a military clash between army team National Defence Ministry (MND) and navy side Phuchoung Neak, with the seafaring eleven winning the war of attrition 5-3 on penalties. Phuchoung had the lion's share of possession in the opening minutes with fluid passing and movement in midfield. MND were pushed back by wave after wave of attack and the defensive line was eventually breached in the 15th minute with Phuchoung's African striker Sunday Silva sailing through a couple of slide tackles to cooly toe poke past MND keeper Samrith Seyha.

MND's response was to lay siege to the navy with concerted efforts penetrating deep into their half. Phuchoung stood their ground well, soaking up the army attacks.

A nasty head injury in the centre circle to Phuchoung's Joseph Oyewole forced him to receive pitchside treatment, returning minutes later bandaged up to look like a Nigerian John McEnroe, the crowd applauding his fighting spirit.

MND's Nov Soksela was effervescent on the wing, nipping past defenders with speed and skill but failing to find teammates for crucial finishing touches in the area, the navy defence remaining watertight til the end of the half.

The second period saw both teams vying to take control. MND substitute Sin Dalin saw his free header float into the keepers arms, whose upfield hoof bounced kindly for Silva who directed his shot straight down the barrel of the MND goalie.

MND suffered a blow in the 50th minute, losing their firepower on the right flank with the inspirational Nov Soksela limping off injured.

Phuchoung seemed too content to sit on their slender advantage with MND keeping up their offensive campaign.
You could see an equaliser coming and just past the hour mark, MND's Phak Rady swung in an inviting cross for Sin Dalin to meet with a diving header that crept under the keeper.

The army team tried to capitalise on its late momentum - a somewhat scuffed shot from close range by Phak Rady was cleared off the line by Phuchoung's Kav Niso - but as the seconds died out, desperate swipes at goal couldn't find the winner. MND's Phuong Soksana got closer to the corner flag than the goalposts with his attempt and neither team showed the class or compossure to avoid the time extension.

The crowd appreciated the tension, banging drums and chanting encouragement, but the players were clearly fatigued from playing 120 minutes in nearing 100-degree heat.

Phuchoung's first-half hero Silva could have had a hattrick of winners in the latter moments. With two golden opportunities already wasted, a move found him with acres of space in front of goal, but his left foot volley was easy for keeper to deflect.

And so the game reached the dreaded penalty shootout. Phuchoung's Kav Niso stepped up to take the first, recoiling in horror as his shot flew wide of the left post.

MND keeper Samrith Seyha jumped up to take his team's first kick, making use of his fresher legs to strike a solid shot past the navy team's keeper.

After Pov Ratha had brought the sides level, MND's Sin Dalin cancelled out his second-half heroics, hitting his kick straight for the pint-sized Thay Sineth to parry away.

After successful conversions from Phuchoung's Heng Sokly and Tuy Sam and MND's Lorn Sotheara, the mounting pressure took its toll again. Om Kumphak did his best Roberto Baggio impression, skying his kick over the bar.

Phuchoung substitute Pov Samnang was given responsibility for the final penalty, the young forward stuttering and stumbling in his run up before sliding the ball under Samrith Seyha.

A jubilant full-team bundle ensued, accompanied by cheers from the crowd.
After the game, Phuchoung's African striker spoke of his mixed emotions:

"I feel realy happy despite missing many opportunities in the second half, especially in extra time."
"We were very lucky to win against one of the strongest teams in the Cambodian league," he added.

When asked why he wasn't amongst the players taking spotkicks, Silva replied: "I decided not to take a penalty. I wasted many chances so the pressure was still on my mind, even though my manager asked me to take one."

MND coach Op Sam An was visibly infuriated by the result. "My team didn't play well today," he grumbled. "They are too proud which leads to carelessness during training. But in the past, this team has done very well.

"However, I will improve and correct the squad to restore our good reputation and win the next competition," he added defiantly.

Old enemies face off once again
The Hun Sen Cup's concluding quarterfinal saw 2007 champions Ranger FC take on beaten 2007 finalists Naga Corp. Naga took sweet revenge over the favoured Ranger team, emerging victorious 6-4 after penalties.

The referee was thrust into action early on, issuing a catalogue of yellow cards for players overzealousness in the tackle.
Ranger's African signing David Adeyinka looked spritely in midfield, attacking with immediacy and guile.

Ranger star forward Kuoch Sokumpheak showed why he plays for the national team, beautifully curling a free kick from 20 metres around the wall that was heading for the top corner before Naga keeper Choam Veasna scrambled over to palm wide.

Just minutes later, Kuoch Sokumpheak connected superbly from an Adeyinka cross with a dazzling half volley on the turn, unfortunately steered too close to the keeper.

Neither team could break the deadlock before the interval, with Naga starting with increased venom in the second half to take the shine off Ranger's domination in the first.

However, it was Ranger who took the initiative with a stunning left foot volley from wide on the right by Ty Bunvichet, smashed through the hands of Choam Veasna.

Naga went in all in pursuit of an equaliser. Substitute Meas Channa on the right set up a handful of telling crosses, a towering header from Chhem Sambo netting the well deserved leveller.

Naga were given a player advantage in the last minute with the game heading towards extra time when a second yellow for a wreckless challenge by Ranger David Adeyinka signified his dismissal. The crowd clapped the African off the pitch in respect of his comendable performance in the game.

In the 108th minute, a scrappy Ranger defence conceeded a corner allowing set peice specialist Meas Channa to supply another expert cross, competently headed home by fellow substitute Neang Chenla.

The game took yet another twist three minutes later when a Chan Veasna corner for Ranger was headed onto the post, the rebound finding Sophal Odom unmarked at the far post to knock in from five metres and draw the sides level once more.

Once again, a penalty shootout was to decide the match. Ranger player Ty Bunvichet's body language made his nerves clear for all to see and he unsurprisingly blasted over the crossbar.

Ranger's Chan Veasna also saw his shot play weakly into Naga keeper Choam Veasna and three converted penalties from Naga's Neang Chenla, Pok Chanthorn and Teap Vattana set up a crucial third Ranger spotkick.

Kuoch Sokumpheak kept a cool head to convert his strike and keep his side in contention.

Meas Channa then made it interesting when his poorly struck effort was saved. But with Naga one up for the final kick, it was left to substitute Chhem Sambo to seal the win. The youngster slotted smartly under the diving keeper and then ran to the corner flag to be mauled by ecstatic colleagues.

Naga Corp manager Michael Thachnan was grinning with delight at the "hard fought" victory against their familiar foes.

Naga had missed two penalties in the first 90 minutes in the previous round against Koh Kong, something that Thachnan knew his oppostion was well aware of.

"Their strategy was to tie, to take the game to the wire," he said. "But we were determined."

Nethertheless, the game progressed to penalties with Naga Corp evidently reaping the rewards.
"For the penalties, I was very confident my players could do it, especially my goalkeeper," Thachnan said.

"I told my youngest player [Chhem Sambo], who is just 19 years old, dont be scared. Just put it in ... and he did."
Naga Corp now face Phuchoung Neak in next week's semifinal at 4:15pm.

"I think the navy team are pretty good," Thachnan said. "But somehow we've been beating them all these years. That gives us a very good chance, but i wouldnt say we're going to beat them, because football can be like that," he chuckled.

Player's wives, girlfriends, friends and family were still hugging and rejoicing on the field when the groundsmen turned off the floodlights.

When asked how his team would celebrate their dramatic win, the manager beamed: "We're going to let everything out!"

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