Rhinos win Angkor Tens without conceding a single point

Rhinos RFC, a touring side from Hong Kong, captured top honours, while three Cambodian-based clubs won runner-up trophies in the ANZ Royal Bank Angkor 10s Rugby Tournament on Saturday at the Phnom Penh Olympic Stadium. 

James Lowrey of ANZ Royal Bank awards the Cup to Rhinos RFC captain Ollie Jones

In a hard fought defensive struggle, the Rhinos defeated the Bangkok Southerners, 7-0 to win the ANZ Royal Bank Cup.  Meanwhile, in the Bowl, Les Piliers d’Angkor, an all-Cambodian side and last year’s tournament champions, outlasted fellow Cambodian rivals Stade Khmer, 12-5.  The Phnom Penh-based Sisowath Knights captured the Shield trophy, pummelling the Phnom Penh Renegades, 32-0. 

Cup final action between Rhinos RFC (stripes) and Southerners (green)

Rhinos captain Oliver Jones was all smiles at the end of the day as he praised his team’s efforts in the tournament.  “We played the first match at 8am, which was hard for us, but our boys never let up all day,” he said.  “It was an excellent tournament, and we were glad to be part of it.” 

Late 2nd half action in the Bowl final

In the morning pool round competition, the Rhinos blanked Les Piliers d’Angkor 10-0, and drubbed Singapore’s Bedok Kings, 29-0, to top seed in their pool.  They then outlasted the Saigon Geckos, 7-0 in the semi finals to earn their spot in the Cup final later in the afternoon. 

Although none of the Cambodian teams advanced to the Cup final, Cambodian Federation of Rugby Vice President Philippe Monnin was still pleased by the performance of the local sides. 

“The tournament (field) was stronger this year, so our players got valuable experience playing against these foreign teams,” said Monnin.  “We had over 50 local players participate, compared with 40 last year.” 

Sisowath Knights (grey) harried by Phnom Penh Renegades (green) in the Shield final

At the Angkor 10s awards banquet at the Himawari Hotel on Saturday night, Stade Khmer winger Bun Thon was honoured as the tournament’s most valuable player.  It marked the second consecutive year that a Cambodian player has received the award, which is determined by a vote of the tournament’s referees. 

“I am very happy to be recognized for this (award),” said Bun Thon.  “It was very difficult playing against these big foreign players today, but I learned a lot and I hope it will help me become a better rugby player.”

Stade Khmer (white) and Les Piliers d'Angkor (grey) contest the Bowl final

Angkor 10s Tournament Co-Chair Peter Maley was pleased with the results of the weekend,  

“We had our largest and strongest field ever,” said Maley.   “And we had our largest ever spectator turnout at the stadium as well.   We always consider our tournament first and foremost a social thing, but we also end up having some pretty good rugby being played.   This year was no exception.” 

Big tackle by Saigon Geckos (red) on Bangkok Bangers (white) in the Plate final

Other trophy winners included the Saigon Geckos, who captured the Plate trophy by blanking the Bangkok Bangers, 29-0; and the French Asia Barbarians who won the Spoon by defeating the Dubai Exiles, 17-10. 

Winners of the Veterans competition, Old Bangkok Bangers

In the Angkor Old Boys Veterans competition held the day before, the Bangkok Bangers captured Cup honours. 

Text courtesy: Ray Leos

Images courtesy: Joe Garrison and Robert Brewer

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