Panthers defeat Bangkok Japanese 24-10

Report by Rob Oldfield Photos by Sue Block

The Pattaya Panthers finished last season lean and mean with a number of notable successes under their belts. Unfortunately, however, they emerged from hibernation this season far more cute & cuddly and with several pints under their now rather enlarged belts. Their sponsors having undergone a transformation from Delaney’s to ShaniaTwain (or something like that) it was at one stage thought appropriate that the team undergo a similar metamorphosis to the Pattaya Pandas to match their new fluffy regime.

Knocking heads for possession of the ball - Rugby at its finest

Indeed one member of the squad was heard to profess “a liking for bamboo”, but enough of Crouchy’s private life. However, the recent defeat by the touring Tamil Tigers saw a much more determined team take the field against the Bangkok Japanese at ISR.

The game saw the return to action of a number of Panthers’ stalwarts - Fijian refugee Bazzer Daniels, who immediately after the match sought political asylum for himself, his wife and several imminent children; Rob Oldfield, who has just served a lengthy four month ban imposed by club supremo Kim Fletcher for repeatedly turning up sober to fixtures and Paul Crouch, who recently lobotomised himself in a bizarre charity stunt.

This fixture was actually arranged to commemorate the first anniversary of the Panthers’ famous 78-0 thrashing of the British Club - who failed to turn up for the match. The Panthers thus decided to celebrate the occasion by inviting someone completely different instead. Just prior to kick-off, inspired by the All Blacks’ haka, the Japanese performed their own haiku:

“We are Japanese - Very short, with hairy knees.”

As expected, the game between these two old rivals proved to be a very bruising, hard fought affair - the only scores of the first half being a penalty to either side. The Celtic half-back pairing of Eieio Quirke and Steve Pop Turner marshalled the game superbly. In particular Turner landed all three second-half conversions, all of which were from difficult angles - thus ensuring that he kept up his interest in Japanese haute couture with the man of the match award. He now only lacks the kimono which he carelessly failed to win in the last encounter between the two teams in Bangkok.

In a hard fought battle, the Pattaya Panthers defeated the Bangkok Japanese 24-10 in local rugby.

There was also long overdue recognition for a returning Panthers kiwi back line player, to remain un-named, but allegedly is the unsung hero. For his awesome battling performance Richo received a sumo nappy which he later wore with pride at Shenanigans.

At half time 12th man Mark Beveridge bought on the drinks and they clearly turned the game in the Panthers’ favour. From the restart the Panthers took control of the game. Captain Adrian Sparrow picked up the ball off the back of a 5 metre scrum and gave his by now traditional pass to winger Rob Oldfield who stepped over the line for the first try of the match - his longest run of the day. The Panthers extended their lead almost immediately, from a quick tap penalty the ball reached Hiro Kubota who wrong footed the remaining cover and the four man overlap outside him to make the score 17-3.

Pattaya gave an excellent all round defensive display to repeatedly thwart the Japanese attacks. At fullback Barry Daniels returned the ball with interest on numerous storming gallops up field. Once again the Panthers tackled hard all day long, in particular Richard Holt and John Glue would not be beaten. Jubilant Frenchmen Thomas Le Bloc and J.C. Gare du Nord celebrated the French victory over the All Blacks with equally inspired performances. Special mention should also go to Malcolm Malcolm who became the first native of Burkino Faso to play for the Panthers. Not to be outdone by his younger twin brother Mick Turner (the uglier of the two) and his fellow enforcer Ralph Tyson threw themselves around with gusto.

Continuing Panthers’ pressure saw them earn a scrum close to the Japanese line and Rich Rangi, a highly effective battering ram throughout the match, barged his way over for the third try. In the closing minutes silver tongued Welshman Gethyn Thomas charmed referee Dave Williams into letting him stay on the pitch with his explanation of a high tackle - “I thought I had him around the body, but it turned out to be his neck”. From the ensuing penalty the Japanese forced their way over for a deserved try to leave the Panthers victorious by 24 points to 10.

Pattaya Panties hammer Corsettes

Girls Touch Rugby - in an astonishing turnabout the Pattaya Panties absolutely hammered their opposition travelling from Bangkok, the Corsettes - the all time nemesis of the Panties touch football team.

Pattaya Panties touch rugby team upset the Bangkok Corsettes

Prior to last weekend the Panties had never been in the lead against the Corsettes let alone won a match.

What the Panties did to turnabout in such dramatic fashion, well you would have to come and watch them play to see it for yourself, but one word springs to mind “champagne”.

Bare in mind in touch football a try is worth 1 point and the final score of this particular schooling was 15-2.

Go the Panties!

PSC Softball

by “Sriracha John” Epley

The World Series may be over (and isn’t it a shame Boston didn’t win?), but the spirit of the game lives on in Pattaya. Every Sunday, the Pattaya Sports Club (PSC) is the sponsor of open games of softball at a ball field located at the Bang Kair School (Pattaya School #7). The general public is eagerly invited to participate as players or even just as spectators to this exciting (and often humorous) game.

The regular players who attend reflect diverse backgrounds, a variety of ages, and come from all over the surrounding area. The common thread that binds them is the shear enjoyment they derive from this ultimate American pastime. Several players, such as those from Australia and the UK, have never played the game before, but nonetheless have taken a keen fondness for it. What they lack in experience is more than compensated for by their unbridled enthusiasm. Players of all levels of ability and experience participate, as the main goal is to simply have great fun. Loads of drink and food are easily obtainable at the ball field.

Showtime for Sunday is at 1:30 p.m. and the softball commences at 2:00 p.m. Usually two games are played. The field at Bang Kair School is located on the left side of Sukhumvit Highway heading south, past the Greenway Driving Range and just beyond the Caltex gas station. So come out to the ol’ ballpark and have a wonderful time playing or even just watching a great game.

Jakobsen wins Laser District Regatta 2000

by Richard van den Heuvel

Consistent wind at an ideal strength for Lasers brought this year’s Laser District Regatta, sailed in the waters off the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, to a successful conclusion. Over the Loy Krathong weekend six races were completed of which one result was discarded. This was in stark contrast to last year’s regatta, when due to lack of wind only three races could be sailed.

Neil Semple in action, RVYC Laser District Regatta

A total of 14 Laser sailors participated. On Saturday the wind presented herself in good force just before the start at 11 a.m. Race officer Richard set a good course that could be maintained for the afternoon races.

On Sunday the wind was present a lot earlier and two races were sailed in the morning. In the afternoon the wind shifted some 30 degrees, requiring the course to be moved around. Strong waves and wind provided for some capsizes but that is no problem for Laser sailors!

Morten Jakobsen came away with first place, followed by Shin Suenaga in second place and Neil Semple third.

No team sweeps four but league leaders lose

Fitness Tips: General Tips

Screening test for eating disorders

If you suspect a friend has an eating disorder, but you are not certain, here’s a simple screening questionnaire your can use to find out. British researchers have demonstrated that a score of at least two positives from this five question screening test has a very high level of reliability for identifying people at risk of eating disorders.

1. Do you make yourself sick because you feel uncomfortably full?
2. Do you worry you have lost control over how much you eat?
3. Have you recently lost more than 6.4 kilograms in a three-month period?
4. Do you believe yourself to be fat when others say you are too thin?
5. Would you say that food dominates your life?

When asking these questions keep in mind that the help you might offer, even if you have the person’s best interests in mind, may not be wanted. Any two ‘yes’ responses and it is time to recommend counselling with a professional.

Weight training is good for your heart?

We’ve long known that cardiovascular exercise benefits heart health and now evidence is emerging that weight training has a similar effect. The American Heart Association recently issued a scientific advisory declaring that weight training improves cardiovascular health and is ‘strongly recommended for cardiovascular disease-prevention programs’. The report even suggests weight training for people who have had a heart attack, although it does give the warning that it is not suitable for people who have suffered major heart damage, have congestive heart failure, unstable angina or very high blood pressure (above 160/100).

The National Heart Foundation in Australia has yet to make a similar declaration, but it will not be far off, says Heart Foundation spokesman and cardiologist Dr David Hare. “There is evidence that weight lifting has benefits for cardiovascular health for people with underlying health problems, provided it is conducted in a carefully supervised environment. There may also be some benefits for people with more serious heart problems and research is currently being conducted in this area.”

St John’s Wort Warning

St John’s Wort has been found to have adverse reactions with several prescription medications, prompting calls for warnings to be printed on all St John’s Wort products. Three reports in a recent edition of the Lancet Journal outline these interactions:

One study showed that St John’s Wort decreased the blood levels of a drug used to treat HIV infections.

The second report described rejections of two heart transplants because the supplement decreased levels of the medicine used to suppress the immune system,

The third was a summary of seven cases of people taking the blood thinner, warfarin.

It appears that St John’s Wort activates an enzyme in the liver that metabolises (breaks down for use in the body) many drugs, which in turn, decreases their blood levels. The fear is that St John’s Wort may have adverse reactions with any number of prescription drugs, including oral contraceptives.

Although the clinical evidence concerning oral contraceptives is less strong, the US Food and Drug Administration thought it important enough to issue a letter to health care providers warning about combining St John’s Wort with other medications, including the oral contraceptive ‘the pill’.

The Swedish government has gone one step further, introducing mandatory labelling on all St John’s Wort products, warning not to take the product with prescription medications.

Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is also expected to recommend labelling changes, and has recently released an alert to health professionals and a call for any adverse reactions to be reported. They have also released an information sheet for health professionals, available on the TGA website: www.health.gov.au

Carpe’ Diem

Pattaya Panthers Rugby Club Loi Krathong Golf Day 2000

The first Panthers golf day was a huge success. Forty-eight players of mixed ability took to the fairways of Rayong Green Valley for a “best ball” format golf tournament on a fine Saturday morning. After a slightly delayed start - where did you get to Kim Fletcher? - the first whoops of delight were heard across the fairways as Pantie Ceri Davies landed a tee shot on the green at the short par 3 fourth.

Other yawps and cheers were heard soon after and with increasing frequency as the day went on as Mooseshagger and the Happy Gilmores proceeded to systematically take their carts to every single foursome in the field in the interests of finishing the crate of tequila. Fortunately, Bingo (Mooseshagger) and Bongo’s (Snakebeater) golf carts were sponsored by Michelin so there were no “lack of traction” related accidents, thank you for that Lawrence.

After six long hours in the sun, much beer consumed and some golf played, the winners of the Shenanigans sponsored first prize were Richard Holt and Gethin Thomas with a net score of 67. Much questioning of their handicaps followed... Gentlemen, your cards are marked for the next outing. Bandits.

The Panties (the ladies rugby section) were well represented with the Panties team manager Karen Pennock and partner Jeremy Coles taking the runners up award kindly donated by the Dusit Resort Pattaya. Panties team captain Naomi Rangi picked up the ladies longest drive award donated by Michelin.

Winners of the Mike McLaren most golf prize were Paul Crouch and Dean West with the embarrassingly high score of 112. Mike has kindly donated a golf lesson so we will be expecting some improvement at the next golf day from these two.

Mark Betteridge had already caused the organising team much grief and following his outburst during the prize ceremonies was awarded biggest tantrum of the day - please keep your toys in the pram Mark.

Many thanks to our hosts, Rayong Green Valley and our sponsors Shenanigans and Thainox, together with those who gave prizes - Dusit Resort Pattaya, Royal Garden, TQ, Michelin and Mike McLaren. A massive thank you to all who took part, especially those of you supporting the Pattaya Panthers Rugby Club for the first time. We are certain many new friendships have been made and we look forward to your continued support both on the sidelines of the rugby pitch and at future social events.

Finally, a big thank you to Chris Kays and the rest of his organising team without whom the best day out we have had in a long time would not been possible. A sterling effort by all to pull it together.

What’s your best golf tournament? The next one and that will be soon.

Three Sisters Golf goes on the road

On Monday, three golfers vied for the bragging rights at Siam Country Club. Brian O’Gorman, John Gibson and Herb Ishinaga all shot 40 Stableford points with John Moore close behind with 39. On count back, Brian squeaked by Herb to win the bragging rights with John Gibson coming in third.

Although Brian started the day terribly, he picked up his feet after the third hole and made use of his handicap to beat the field. As the dry season has arrived, the scoring has taken a nosedive - so will the handicaps.

Joining our Monday group were first timers Rosco Leabourn and Stefan Hogge. A funny incident happened with Rosco. It seems that Jimmy Little was standing in line with his putt - after putting, Rosco swatted at his ball and it jumped in the air hitting Jimmy in the ooooohhh! They said that Jimmy was talking in a high pitched voice for a while. (I believe a little exaggeration but I didn’t talk to Jimmy.)

On Tuesday, 8 of the Three Sisters golfers made their way to Soi Dau Golf Course and stayed overnight. Two rounds of golf were played with Jim Montgomery and Doug Powell coming away with the best scores. I believe that Jerry Lien and Herb Ishinaga saw the most of the golf course, and water, with Fong a very close third. The best part of the trip was the companionship, fun drinking and bragging after the golf was done. As usual, we all had a good time and hope that more golfers will join us in the future.

PH3 Run 872

It’s a glorious Monday afternoon, and so off to the Scandi Bar for the 4 p.m. sign up. On boarding the bus I was rather disappointed to find that hardly any cracks had shown up for the run. I was even more disappointed when I discovered why. Oh no! It’s an F Nose run, and the cracks having a lot more sense than some people give them credit for, obviously didn’t fancy a pointless one hour bus ride into the wilderness.

In fairness it turned out to be only 45 minutes and worth it as it was actually a very scenic location. And so, after the baptism of the new shoes, it was down the hill and off on the run... for some. For others it was up the hill into the shade of a beautiful Pagoda for a cold Heineken.

The runners were out for about an hour and the consensus of opinion was (astonishingly) good run. Then it was down to business. First off, Dr. Pinky and the raffle. The usual selection of top-notch prizes and one unusual prize: a key? More about this later. Then returners called in: Spaghetti & Mrs Head, Needle Dick, Compost Heap, to name but a few.

Next up: The “bad” R.A. Sir Airhead who promptly iced the hare. Several very good reasons for this punishment: no cracks, no “good” R.A.; who gives a damn about the view? Well apparently Needle Dick, and he said so, foolish boy. Ice Needle Dick. This dynamic duo was followed by the hash s@#s; Tx, F Nose and the hash trash, Rusty Bullet Hole, who lost his trash necklace by nobly squealing on Obewan.

C Face and Dr Pinky were next for the cold botty treatment. They should be renamed Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing for their proficiency in hill climbing, if not in map reading. Oh, by the way, late sign-uppers be warned, Dr. Pinky now has ice-power! Next in, Spunk Bubble and his tribe of Pygmy’s. One of whom was christened Hot Rot Fai. Then came F Nose yet again. Only this time for doing something right! Well kind of. He was awarded a 10-hared runs, just a pity that 9 of them stank.

Charlie Manson and Sir Airhead. What have these two men got in common? No, apart from that? They share a birthday. Happy birthday boys. And another birthday the next day, Twiggy. Happy birthday to you sweetheart.

Next there was some real fun. A secret whip in the ineradicable form of Jazzer and his unholy choir, Messer’s Dr Pinky, C Face, T4, S Stayin’ and Katoy AM. Difficult to accurately describe their performance, you had to be there.

F Nose back in (yawn) with his best friend Needle Dick, iced and handed over to the pink team, Sharon Tate and Twiggy. Now the pink team aka the Spanish Inquisition had engineered some kind of diabolical contraption, a sort of cross between a rat trap and a bird cage, which they shackled to the legs of F Nose, hence the key. You remember the key? Well Glasshopper had won the blessed thing in the raffle and he now had F Nose at his mercy. So what does he do? Why, of course he throws the key into the nearest lake. Thus leaving F Nose, well, you know... Unless of course there was another key. And there was, and guess who had it. F Nose’s old mate Compost Heap. You see, there is a God.

Anyway... after a pathetic hares song and a rousing hash hymn, it was back to the Classroom for a sumptuous feast and more beer. And after much deliberation, confabulation and soul searching, I whimped out and gave F Nose the key to the handcuffs... But only because I had promised Twiggy.

On-On Compost Heap

The Square Ring

by Howie Reed

It’s December 3, 1999. Ratnapol “Dutch Boy Gym” Vorapin (34-3-1 25 KO’s) is fighting Ricardo Lopez (48-0-1 35 KO’s and 16 title defenses) for the IBF Jr. Flyweight title. Everything comes to a stop in the Kingdom after the National Anthem. From Bangkok to Chang Mai to Pattaya to Phuket. All eyes are glued to the TV set beaming the fight back live from Las Vegas USA. But it isn’t 1999. Instead it’s December 3, 2000. The two great champions, both inactive for some time, are fighting on the undercard of what may be the fight of the year.

They no longer demand or command marquee billing. Rather than the main course they become the appetizer for Felix Trinidad (39-0 30 KO’s) - Fernando Vargas (20-0 17KO’s). On the line will be Trinidad’s WBA and Vargas’s IBF junior middleweight titles. The main event will determine the next big name in boxing.

Trinidad has struggled with recognition for a number of reasons. Most due to the management of Don King. While Tito has been successful in the ring (38-0) he has been unable to carry that popularity outside. He took a giant step when he beat Oscar De La Hoya and another against David Reid. Although in retrospect the Reid fight was less than it seemed. The resident of Puerto Rico made the same mistake that many Latin fighters make. He has a little bit of lazy in him. He never learned to speak English so his marketing value is less than nil.

Vargas on the other hand came out of the 1996 Olympics with all the credentials but unfortunately he also carried the “macho gang” mentality of many young Mexican’s from California. This limited his marketing appeal and thus his public exposure. He’s still young and if he gets by his court trouble the sky’s the limit.

But first Vargas must get by Felix Trinidad. No one’s been able to accomplish that yet. Many thought De La Hoya would, but fighting stupid and cautious won’t get the job done. Vargas has never been accused of either. The big question for Vargas is can he take the pressure of a really big fight? For Trinidad he’s got to concentrate on the business at hand as he’s done 38 other times. Vargas’s inexperience (20 fights) shouldn’t be a factor as he’s as mature a fighter as there is today. If Vargas handles the pressure he could very well hand the first “L” on the Trinidad record.

Ricardo Lopez and Dutch Boy Gym could very well steal the show. Both have a great ability. The question here is how much does either fighter care? Is it just a payday? They’ve got one common opponent. Vorapin lost his title on points to Wil Grigsby. Lopez beat Grigsby for the title. The fight probably means more to Vorapin as he can vault himself back into the boxing life. Lopez seemed burned out his last fight. Not enough? How about Christy “AA” Martin? Good Sunday Morning Pattaya.

Windsurfing World Championships this week

The best windsurfers in the world, from 40 countries, will be in Pattaya this week, from December 2 through 9 for the Red Bull Formula Windsurfing World Championship to find out who will be the next World Champion. 200 men and women will be on the water and the competition will be fierce.

The competitors will arrive on December 2 and racing off Jomtien Beach will follow over the next seven days with the crowning of the Champion on December 9. The International Board Sailing Association (IBSA) selected Pattaya because it has all the qualities needed for successful World Championships. The local tourist infrastructure is excellent, local organizers have been running large events for years and the local windsurfing conditions are superb. Pattaya has plenty of natural beauty and warm water but it is the wind that really counts - during the Northeast Monsoon the area is blessed with steady winds perfect for such a high class event. Wind speeds up to 20 knots are expected and this will send competitors flying over the water at speeds over 30 knots (56 kph). The action will be fast and furious.

The event is all about speed. Competitors aim to cross the start line at pace just as the “start flag” is raised. From there the competitors must travel round the course as fast as possible turning at the buoys. With 80 competitors in each race it will be a real spectacle. The champion will need to time his starts to perfection, maintain good board speed on the straight lines and turn corners (gybe) at incredible pace - on each of the racing days. Windsurfing is a sport that can be enjoyed at any level and these sailors will make it look easy - but the skills they exhibit take hours of training and considerable talent. It is a joy to watch.

The action takes place off the Pattaya Park Resort and spectators are welcome to join the festival atmosphere on the beach. The action does not stay on the water and there will be lots of fun and music on the beach. Everyone is invited.

Amongst the 200 competitors, a strong Thai team of six men is expected to do well. The two top Thai stars to watch out for are Phanuthat Ruamsap (whose sail number is THA 44) and Arun Homraruen (THA 9). Phanuthat (Bo) Ruamsap is the son of Bamroong Ruamsap, windsurfing World Champion in the old “wind glider” division in 1973. Bo will be trying hard to “follow in his father’s wake” but it will not be easy - also racing in Pattaya is World Number One Kevin Pritchard (US3) from the USA. Kevin lives and trains in the Hawaiian Islands and he will be pushing hard for victory in Thailand. Kevin will be hard man to beat.

As befits World Championships, the event will be filmed for a worldwide television audience. A dedicated TV show on the event will be broadcast on major networks around the world - including Fox in the US, Australia and New Zealand, STAR in Asia, Sky in the UK, Canal Plus in Europe and Multipole in South America. It will also be broadcast extensively on UBC in Thailand.

The Red Bull Formula Windsurfing World Championship is being managed by the Eastern Windsurfing Club on behalf of the Windsurfing Association of Thailand and sanctioned by the International Board Sailing Association (IBSA). The event is presented by Neil Pryde with Official Supplier Starboard. Official airline is Thai International and official sponsors are Surf Club and Oakley.

That Guy Remy strikes again

Pattaya Golf Society from the Bunker

On Tuesday, November 21, twenty-six golfers from the Bunker went to Sri Racha International Golf Course for their weekly competition. Low handicap players in division one played medal whilst those in division two played Stableford.

In division one Bert “Remy” Guy shot a one-over par 73 to take the honours once again. Remy has recently returned from a tour of Thailand where he played several testing courses and he brought his form to Sri Racha to win.

In second place, just one shot behind on 74, was Icelander Kerry Jonsson, and tied for third, on 75, were Paul Butler, Wilf Latham and Kevin Wilson.

In division two the Stableford competition saw a tie at the top between Danny “Fireman” Green, American Scott Haynes and steady John Preddy, all with 39 points. There was no count back and the three shared the honours. The day was also notable because Chris John actually found the course on time!

Nearest-the-pin prizes went to Viv Lill, Remy, Colin Wilkes and Dicky Barbe.

Results from the medal competition at Pattaya C. C. on November 17: winner Norman Brooks, second John Preddy, third Danny Greer and Chris John. Nearest the pins went to Gordon McKnight, Les Winch, Danny Greer and John Hopkins.

Ron Wabbie wins Kronborg Mug

Aussie Ron Wabbie, with a net 68, won the Kronborg Monthly Mug stroke play competition at Great Lake on Thursday November 23.

Miss USA Chanosit took the A Flight beating Svend Berthelson on count back with a net 70. There was a 4-way count back for the 3rd and 4th places, won by Bill Hewitt (3rd) and Andy Leach (4th) followed by Serge Stratton and Magnus Johansson respectively.

Ed Trayling took the B flight with a net 73. Second, 3rd and 4th were count backs on net 75s with Cecil Williams taking 2nd, Helmut Schmidt 3rd and Toy Theobald 4th.

Near pins: Hole #5 Paul Avery, holes #7, 12 and 16 Rick Evans!

Long putts: No. 9 Philippe Berra and No. 18 Helmut Schmidt.

On Monday November 20, Derek Brook won the A flight Stableford competition at Natural Park Resort with 38 points on a count back from Magnus Johansson. Paul Avery was third with 36 followed by Ebrahim 4th.

Doug Jeffrey took the B flight with 37 points, Werner Strub came 2nd with 36 followed by Herb Swieterman (3rd) and Walter Hernak on 35.

Near pins: A5 Ebrahim, A8 Magnus Johansson, C4 Bill Hewitt and C7 Frank Polizzotto.

Long putts: A9 Doug Jeffrey and C9 Stan Frion.

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