Baldwin grabs a hat-trick

The MCL table after Week 21

Baldwin Ngwa, the Phnom Penh Crown striker on loan to Asia Europe helped his team to a comprehensive 5-2 victory over National Police with the Cameroonian grabbing a hat-trick in the weekend's Metfone C-League matches. Ngwa netted twice in a first-half flurry of AEU goals with George Kelechi and Mohammed Hamza getting in on the act, while Police replied through Reijin Tani and Nuon Borey. Ngwa competed his three-goal haul after the break. Both defences were absent without leave when Boeung Ket and BBU met on Sunday. The Rubbermen bounced to a 10-5 victory that left observers speechless but amused, as the Kompong Cham outfit confirmed second place in the league table, their second year in succession as the bridesmaids. The goalscorers also went unnoticed by any of the media though its believed Keo Sokpheng and Momoh Sumaila each got a brace. NagaCorp held onto third place for the time being, despite Svay Rieng's fortunate win over champions Phnom Penh Crown. Naga's goals, in a 2-1 win over Western Uni, came through Choun Chum and Jang In Yong. As for Svay Rieng, they triumphed 3-2 over the new champs courtesy of a mistake by Crown keeper Yok Ary that handed the winner in a close 3-2 game to Samoeun Pidor with 12 minutes to go. Seuy Visal headed an own goal to give Crown the lead but James Adekunle levelled with a hotly disputed goal. In the second-half, Dzarma Bata, the league's top scorer, netted early on before Kouch Sokumpheak equalised. Keeper Sar Sophea made a match-winning save from Khim Borey in stoppage time. TriAsia has Suong Virak to thank for both goals in a 2-0 win over the Army, while Albirex Niigata registered only their second win of the campaign, beating fellow relegated side Kirivong 2-1. Tatsuta Kazuki scored both goals in a game Albirex dominated. In the previous midweek tie, Naga were held 2-2 by Svay Rieng, after leading 2-nil with 7 minutes to go. Barry Lelouma got both Naga goals before Dzarma Bata and Samoeun Pidor made it all-square at the final whistle.