Panties victorious!

by Barry Daniels, scribe and water carrier

Swamped by the recent playing exploits of the Panthers on fields as varied as Manila, Bangkok and ISR, the efforts of the Pattaya Panties Ladies Touch Rugby Team have gone underexposed.

The victorious Pattaya Panties!

After proving their superiority over Bangkok’s Southern Soul Sisters and Corsettes, and splitting a series with the Vientiane Buffalettes they had had few recent playing opportunities and so approached the Linklater’s Bangkok Tournament, hosted by the Corsettes, with feelings of rustiness and some trepidation. The latter feeling resulted from the absence of several experienced quality players - Basher Burke, Pin-up Girl Pennock, Barnstorming Bridget, Scintillating Celine and the free-fall diver Juan Win - unavoidably called to the beaches and mountains of the region.

A loss of equal magnitude was the absence of master tactician Coach Steve, called to Vietnam on a fashion shoot. Over recent weeks some welcome new (younger) recruits had joined the club from the touch nurseries of ISR and ISE, and two of these players - the Ball Twins - were drafted in by Skipper (and Games Mistress) Naomi Rangi to return the squad to full strength.

The Ladies’ competition began at 1 p.m., and after a brisk warm-up Captain Rangi outlined strategy, with water carrier Daniels offering some well-meaning but basically worthless advice.

Meena shows the effort that earned her the Most Valuable Player award.

The inevitable rust run off, the team put together more and more convincing play, lively Leah breaking for the first try against Corsettes II and scores following for Blistering Blocky (2) and the debutants Jenny, Meena and Helen (Mrs Bev), before Leah added her second, and Mrs Bev emphatically concluded a superb sequence of team play - the ball handled by every player - by flying into the corner. A super 8-1 win for the Panties.

The second match against old foes, the Soul Sisters, was a defensive cracker, the Panties leading from an early Lisa Love score, then levelled, Panties again up after Meena’s swift dive and the Sisters finally equalising to end the match deadlocked at 2-2.

Mention must be made of the great effort and organisation of the team, highlighted by the Balls - Helen and Jenny - repeatedly running down the Sisters’ danger woman Emma, and Setsko, who tagged anyone in a yellow shirt.

The third match, versus Corsettes 1, saw the team lethargic but leading 1-0 at half-time, Meena scoring again.

After more ranting by the water carrier, the second half was a try explosion for the Panties, Blocky and Lively crossing, then Naomi and Welsh Wiz Ceri-Sian scoring their first of the tourney - final score 5-1.

The Buffalettes were both keen to defend their proud record against Pattaya and get the victory needed to push them into the final. The Panties needed only a draw, but this outfit just will not play percentage rugby, and though tired they threw everything at Vientiane. An early score by Meena was equalled by the Buffs, before Naomi broke the game open by a marvellous burgle and sprint for the intercept try.

Vientiane again defended wonderfully, but the lessons learned at Tuesday training are clearly being heeded and a slick pick-and-scoop led to Lively breaking and the supporting Rangi registering the score. So the Panties won 3-1, and would play the Soul Sisters in Sunday’s final.

For the Ladies’ final, a tight match was expected between two excellent teams and the sides duly delivered, serving up an enthralling contest to the packed stands. Panties struck early with scoring sensation Meena sliding in for her regulation try, but the pattern of the match was set as the Sisters quickly replied.

Helen, taking time off from her shadowing of Emma, broke and rounded her winger to even the twins’ tally (2-1 Panties) but again the Soulies equalised.

After halftime, the Sisters based their game around the solo skills of Emma, with teammates supporting, while the Panties played a more ‘team’ game. Cream will rise, however, and Naomi, the Panties’ most experienced and skilful player took the game into her hands.

Great passing and running brought two tries for the Captain, but the Soulies responded each time. With only three minutes remaining, the now clockwork ‘scoop-and-pass’ sent Blocky haring away. With Emma in pursuit the higher level that the Panties have now reached as a team was in evidence, Blocky flicking the ball one-handed around the defender to the supporting Rangi - who produced a Maori tongue-flick as she scored (or was it more Hannibalesque?) - a Hat Trick!

Brief elation followed, then two minutes of fraught defending, again heavily featuring the dynamic Balls (Emma quoted, “I thought I was seeing double” - she was!) and then jubilation at the final whistle.

A close but thoroughly deserved success and the Panties were Ladies’ Champions.

A double celebration at the presentation ceremony, captain Naomi collecting the Cup, and Meena named Most Valuable Player by the host Corsettes.

So, it’s official: Pattaya Panties are the premier Ladies Touch team in Thailand, and indeed Indochina. Pleasingly, the success was achieved with a team featuring experienced and new players, with Meena’s, a Thai national, award particularly popular.

Vientiane, the third-placed team, duly invited all of the Thai-based teams to their Indochina Cup, so an ‘overseas’ international tournament looms on May 26th/27th. New players are always keenly welcomed and the team hopes that their success could lead to some sponsorship for the tour. Shenanigans has always been generous, and Triumph are rumoured to be interested, but local sponsors are most keenly sought. Laos, here we come!

Sport Grand Champion cars an International success

The new Sport Grand Champion class turned on some spectacular racing at the Bira Circuit last weekend, with internationals from France and Belgium head to head with the local drivers.

Vutikorn’s winning Sport Grand Champion entry

Vutikorn, the Concept I series winner from last year, showed he has made the upgrade to the quicker cars by winning from Tanawud and Pipi, both from the Singha Beer family. Frenchman Henri Hassad was unlucky not to make the top step of the podium, with his car jamming in 4th gear three laps from home while he was comfortably in the lead after coming from behind. He eventually finished in 4th position.

In other events, the Concept I winners were Attawit, Wichaphong and Gawphong, with American rookie Jeremy Wintersun another unlucky driver, having to pit for a small problem while leading the pack. The Touring Cars saw Thailand Champion Natavud in the Toyota Corolla first across the finish line after another of his polished drives.

Mike’s Shopping Mall to host Futsal Cup

The first “Mike’s Shopping Mall Futsal Cup”, a five-man team football competition, is set to start on May 26. The competition will continue until August 25 with games played every Saturday and Sunday from 1:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. on the 5th floor at Mike’s Shopping Mall.

Futsal, or five-man football, first became popular in Uruguay in the 1930s. It spread to other South American countries and eventually turned into an international sport in 1965, when Uruguay won the first championship. The first world futsal tournament sanctioned by the International Football Federation was played in Holland in 1989. Brazil has won the championship every year up to and including the year 2000.

(from left) Anant Kingsorn, deputy chairman of the Pattaya News Media Club, Surat Mekawarakul, chairman of the Mike’s Shopping Mall board of directors, Mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat, Nopadol Yodsared, producer of the Bang Lamung Cable TV show Sports Today, and Pisai Phanomwan Na Ayuthaya, chairman of the Pattaya Sports and Tourism Sub-committee.

The first futsal competition held in Thailand was at the Bang Kapi (Bangkok) Mall in 1997, and last year Thailand qualified for the world championship futsal games in Guatemala.

This is the first time a futsal tournament will be played in the Pattaya area. Surat Mekawarakul chaired the organizing committee, which included members of the Pattaya business community who are sponsoring the futsal competition, such as Sophon Cable TV, Bang Lamung Cable TV, Pattaya Mail Newspaper and Mike’s Shopping Mall.

The competition is divided into different age groups, starting at the 12-year old level and continuing on up to teams open to the general public.

Teams can register to play from May 1-16. Winning teams will receive trophies in the name of H.E. Sonthaya Khunpluem, Minister of Science, Technology and Environment.

Wednesday quiz league

A bar-owners meeting to discuss the upcoming Wednesday quiz league has been arranged for Saturday May 12th at Palmers Bar, 3.00 p.m. sharp. Also invited to attend are bar-owners who would wish to join the league if vacancies arise.

Shakey Pete’s increases first place lead

Fitness Tips: Nutritional notes for diabetics

by David Garred
Club Manager Dusit Resort Sports Club

G’day Readers,

A healthy diet is a good idea for everyone, but for diabetics, eating smart could be a lifesaver.

Appropriate food choices can help prevent or delay side effects associated with diabetes, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, eye problems, oral and dental problems.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a lifelong disease that occurs when the body is unable to convert food into the energy needed for growth and daily activities.

When diabetes starts in childhood (Insulin-Dependent Diabetes), it is due to an inadequate supply of insulin, the hormone that ushers sugar into the cells of the body. Without insulin, the cell membranes keep sugar out. This form of diabetes is also celled Type I or Childhood-Onset Diabetes.

When diabetes begins in adulthood (Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes), it is not due to an inadequate supply of insulin. There is plenty of insulin in the bloodstream, but the cells do not respond readily to it. Sugar cannot easily get into the cells, and it backs up in the bloodstream. This form of diabetes is also called Type II or Adult-Onset Diabetes. This can come about as a result of long term physical and psychological stress, usually work related. This is why we are looking at it in fitness tips this week, knowing how a large proportion of the expats on the Eastern Seaboard and your average business owner or manager work. If you are without regular outlet that includes exercise then you are at a very high risk of contracting this second type of diabetes.

Dieting and Diabetes

The old approach to diabetes was to maintain normal levels of blood glucose (90-126 milligrams per deciliter [mg/d1]) by ridding the diet of refined sugars, such as table sugar, as well as foods that the body converts into sugars, such as grains and fruits. Unfortunately, this approach eliminated a host of essential nutrients and left a diet high in fat and protein.

The new approach focuses more on eating a well-balanced meal, with respect to both food choices and portion sizes. In fact, the recommended diet for diabetics closely parallels that of any individual interested in building health eating habits or losing weight.

Nutritionists outline a healthy array of carbohydrates including whole grain breads and cereals, beans and lentils, fresh fruits and vegetables. High fiber foods are recommended since they help to lower blood-sugar and blood-fat levels. Protein rich lean meats and low-fat dairy products should also be incorporated in the daily meal plan.

While nutritionists and dieticians would most likely encourage all individuals to monitor their consumption of fat, salt, sugar and alcohol, diabetics must pay particular attention to these areas.

Too much fat or cholesterol in a diet can increase an individual’s chances of heart disease or hardening of the arteries. Diabetics are already at a greater risk of developing these diseases, so it is important to limit the amount of fat in their diet. In addition, studies on diabetes indicate that the more fat there is in the diet the more difficult it is for insulin to get into the cell. Minimizing fat intake and reducing body fat help insulin do its job much better. Therefore, experts recommend that individuals suffering from diabetes cut down on red meats, cheese, egg yolks, butter and vegetable oils.

Salt consumption is another area of concern since it may worsen a diabetic’s already elevated blood pressure. Monitoring the use of a salt shaker is simple enough, but salt can be hidden in a number of everyday foods, such as soups, cheeses and salad dressings. Understanding food labels and seeking out low sodium alternatives will help to keep salt intake in check.

Despite popular belief, diabetics can and do eat sugar. Research confirms that even if an individual were to eliminate all desserts, donuts and sweets from their diet, the body would still manufacture glucose from the healthy carbohydrates consumed, and the blood-glucose level would therefore rise. So why eliminate the sweet tooth altogether? Adhering to the motto “All good things in moderation,” sugar consumption should be kept to a reasonable level. However, since diabetes is often linked with obesity, many diabetics may need to pay closer attention to the amount of high sugar / low nutrient calories they consume. The good news is, reputable sources, such as the American Diabetic Association, recently approved artificial sweeteners (saccharin, etc.) as sugar substitutes to keep life sweet without a lot of empty calories and unwanted pounds.

*Note: Pregnant or breast-feeding women should avoid saccharin.

Lastly, diabetics are typically encouraged to avoid alcohol consumption. But if festive occasions arise, as they inevitably do, experts recommend that consumption be restricted to moderate levels (one drink per day for women and two and drinks per day for men). Light beers, dry wines and diet mixers are preferred due to the lower sugar content they contain.

In short, diabetics should not fel overly restricted in their diet. What’s healthy for a diabetic closely parallels that which is recommended for anyone who wants to eat well-balanced, sensible meals. A hearty variety of fruits, vegetables, lean meats and fish, along with a limited amount of fat, salt, sugar and alcohol, is the key to nutritional success and healthy living.

Exercise &Diabetes

Another key component in managing diabetes is exercise. Exercise usually lowers blood sugar levels in the body and help the body use its food supply better. In addition, exercise may help insulin work better. If an individual is overweight, exercise can help shed extra pounds. Exercise also improves the flow of blood though the small blood vessels and increases the heart’s pumping power.

Training Tips for Diabetics

Before starting any exercise program, check with your doctor. Your activity must be planned to fit in with your meal plan and with the action times and amounts of your insulin.

Check your blood sugar level before you start exercising. If you are low (under 70 mg/dl), you will need a snack to avoid having low blood sugar while you exercise. As a rule, a high-carbohydrate snack, such as a glass of fruit juice or half a plain bagel, is good before or during mild to moderate exercise (walking, biking, or golf). For heavier exercise (aerobics, running, squash, rugby or handball), you may need to eat a little more, such as half of a tuna fish sandwich and a cup of low-fat soymilk.

If you feel faint, sweaty, dizzy or confused you may be suffering from an insulin reaction. An insulin reaction can occur while you exercise or as long as 12 hours after you have completed your workout.

If you feel an insulin reaction coming on while exercising, stop immediately.

Treat an insulin reaction as soon as you feel it. Don’t wait, it could become worse.

Bring snacks, such as raisins or lifesavers, whenever you exercise. They will raise your blood sugar levels sufficiently if needed.

If you play a team sport such as rugby, baseball or basketball, let a teammate know you have diabetes and teach them how to help you if needed.

If you like running or cycling, do them with a friend or family member. If you can’t find anyone to go with you, let someone know where you are going and when you will be back.

Carpe’ Diem

Moe and the Snowman achieve personal bests

IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven

Monday 30th April - Phoenix G.C. (Medal)

1st: Moe Deverdenne, 65

2nd: Harald Cranz, 67

3rd: Oradee Kaesavane, 68

4th: Klaus Schackt, 69

Moe Deverdenne shot his best round in Thailand to win the TAGGS medal competition at Phoenix Country Club on Monday, April 30. His net 7 under par 65 off his 16 handicap confirms his potential after a disastrous Funhill Cup.

Harald Cranz continues to improve, this week taking second place with a net 5 under par 67.

Oradee Kaesavane, who has arguably the best looking swing in town, is also improving, this week finishing 3rd with a 4 under par 68.

TAGGS welcomes back Matt Millar.

Wednesday 2nd May - Khao Kheow (Stableford)

1st: Malcolm Clare, 43 pts

2nd: Harald Cranz, 41

3rd: Matt Millar, 40

4th: Larry Ball, 31, cb9 21

5th: Klaus Schackt, 12, cb9 19

Malcolm Clare became the second TAGGS player of the week to shot his best round in Thailand, finishing with 43 Stableford points en route to winning at Khao Kheow on May 2. The “Snowman” perhaps no more, Malcolm can look forward to his new 24 handicap, much to the relief of the rest of the regulars out of the Haven.

Harald Cranz, who finished 2nd with 41 points, is also moving down towards his rightful handicap.

After just returning to play, Matt Miller managed a podium finish, placing 3rd with 40 points.

Friday 4th May - Pattaya Country Club (Stroke)

1st: Malcolm Clare, 70

2nd: Mike Dabanovich, 73

3rd: Larry Ball, 73

TAGGS were originally scheduled to play at Eastern Star, but on arrival there found teeming rain and thunder. Not to be thwarted, they moved on, looking for a course that was playable, eventually arriving at Pattaya C.C. where Malcolm picked up his second trophy of the week before his handicap moves at the weekend.

Dabber at last made an appearance on the podium after an extended series of personal massages, which seem to have loosened up his swing.

Larry Ball filled the 3rd position, improving once again.

Dene Mundy sloshes his way to victory

PSC Three Sister’s Golf

On a miserable day, the 30th of April, golfers from the Three Sisters hacked their way around a rain soaked golf course at Siam Country Club. The rain was not heavy but it was constant. It drizzled from start to finish to make it a miserable day for most.

We finally found out why Dene Mundy has not finished too good in fair weather - he was the only mudder in the group and ran away from the field with 41 Stableford points.

The next closest to Dene was Bob Moberg with a dismal 33 points. Needless to say the rest of us were not any closer.

Dene Mundy won the bragging rights hands down with no serious challengers; the rest of us can only wonder what happened to our games. We were going to disqualify Dene’s card on grounds that it was unreadable due to being soaked but finally figured that a man that was in charge of Price Waterhouse accountants knew how to count.

Paul Kraft and Darry Koster tried using the bridges over the hazards to improve their scores but it didn’t help. As a matter of fact, it was Paul’s turn to hold up the pack with 23 points.

Camel Charity Classic Golf Tournament

On May 26, Camel Pub and Restaurant, Ban Chang will host a fund raising golf tournament, with the proceeds to go to the Ban Chang School’s Christmas Fund.

The tournament will be played at Century Golf Club, Ban Chang using a four person scramble format. Players can tee off between 10:00 a.m. and noon. Cost is 500 baht per person and the players pay their own green fees and caddy fees.

Camel Pub and Restaurant will host a pig roast with trimmings during the prize giving presentation starting at 6:00 p.m. Trophies and prizes will be awarded to members of the winning teams, and there will be several lucky draw prizes.

Pattaya players can sign up by e-mail to: [email protected] or see a member of the P.S.C. golf committee.

Sign up your team or as an individual; come take part in a day of fun golf with the benefits helping the school kids in Ban Chang.

“Infamy. Infamy. They’ve all got it in for me!” says JP

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society from the Bunker

Tuesday, 1st May, will go down in the annals of the Bunker history. The golf at Century, Ban Chang was good but the memories of the day will linger longer. The format for the day was Stableford and the rains came and made the course very difficult for most of the field.

In division one Norman Brookes, with 36 points, trailed behind local hero, Paul “Houdini” Butler, who fired a startling 38 points.

Division two had David Johnson on 38 points coming second to the ever improving Jon “Woodless” Wood with a magnificent 41 points. Surely handicap amputation looms for him.

Nearest-the-pin awards went to Woody, John Preddy and two to Sunny.

The famed Bunker Banana Booby was awarded to our transport manager, John Preddy, for whom the day will live in infamy. An inauspicious start to the day saw him involved in a spot of local difficulty with a hotel laundry which, in turn, prompted him to flee the scene, only to arrive at the Bunker without his woods and his favourite irons. Travelling to Ban Chang he left his sports bag at the Bunker and proceeded to play the worst game of his life, including scoring seven successive sevens! He then misplaced his keys and was unable to return to the scene of his previous altercation. What a day! The final irony - his caddy for the day was number 13.

For more on this, and other news, join the Bunker Boys online at http://www.thebunkerboys.com

The Bunker 4 Man Scramble

The Bunker, in association with the International Pattaya Golf Club (I.P.G.C.), will be presenting the venue’s first “major”, The Bunker 4 Man Scramble on Friday 25th May 2001 at Green Valley Golf & Country Club. Please note the change in venue.)

The format will be 4 person teams, with a 105 total handicap allowance. Maximum handicap for both men and ladies is 28.

The entry fee of 1000 baht per player includes trophies for winning, 2nd & 3rd place teams, 4 near pins, long drives in 1st, 2nd, 3rd & ladies divisions, green fee, caddy fee, buffet and prize-giving at the Bunker at 6 p.m. Sign up by entry form available from The Bunker, The Haven, Lewiinski’s, Shenanigans, Scandic Hotel, and the Diana Driving Range.

Entry forms with entry fee should be given to Roy Mitchell at The Bunker. Registration at Green Valley from 8.30 - 9.30 a.m. on the day. The first tee time will be at 10 a.m.

R&A and USGA Rules will apply, plus the Competition Local Rules. Handicaps will be accepted from IPGC, PSC, Bangkok Golf Groups affiliated with the USGA or R&A, or any official USGA or R&A handicap. All non-IPGC golfers will be required to show proof of current handicap with entry or at registration.

Please note: Book golf carts direct with Phoenix.

For more info, please visit http://www.thebunkerboys.com

PH3 Run 895

Boy George and myself decided we best put the paper down on Sunday then we could call at the rifle range for weapons inspection, cleaning and polishing if needed. It looked a little dark and cloudy when we started laying paper, then the heavens opened, but we carried on laying the paper out of bags that were by now swimming with a kind of soggy mess, it wasn’t possible to spray paint the checks etc., in the rain, so after we finished the trail and the rain had finally stopped it was back to the checks and spray them. Then for weapon inspection.

The day of the run rained down all day till about two hours before the run so I decided I needed to get out there early, 2:30 to be precise. I went round the run and repainted a couple of the checks and laid paper where it had been washed out. The end of the run where the run went across a large field had to be re laid again because this was the day the farmer decided to plough the whole area.

With the weather so bad I thought there won’t be too many hashers show up today, but 68 braved the conditions and got the proceedings under way. Grand Master for the day F and F blessed the new shoes. Hares on-in usual format, run started at 5:05 p.m. A longer than average false trail caught out a few (a Boy George speciality). A few tyre tracks were spotted on the run, but I would have thought this normal when you’re on dirt tracks that the farmers use, plus the hares when bad weather had threatened to spoil the run after it had been laid.

The FRB’s started arriving after 45 mins, the highlight of which was Tampax going arse over on the run in to the beer truck. A Breadfruit reported that Baby’s Arm was last seen heading away from paper, even after fruitless calls of come back were thrown at him. He finally arrived back in a Thai man’s car just before the circle started.

F & F called the circle and got the raffle underway. Hares then iced and left for the bad R.A. to deal with. Sir Airhead then iced the hares, run given ok. Then we had our friend Sakai from the Malang hash, Indonesia where they have 1000 hashers every week. Sakai was seen most of the day selling hash articles with his wife Caf้. They donated a rather nice hash track suit to the raffle which was won by Dr. Pinky, how does this man sleep nights?

Sir Airhead then iced the Okinawa connection, then it was the turn of the yak yak Belgians for some ice. Tampax was iced along with the invisible man for hash crash, also another member of the evil family was named at this time, Evil Golden Dear. There was another hash crash: Twiggy! But no revealing details were forthcoming. Sir Airhead had to hold back a little as Boy George gave him an offer he nearly couldn’t refuse whilst he cleaned the ice. Time for the hares song, a little ditty about being a hetro in Pattaya.

Visitors and virgins etc., dealt with and then the circle handed over to Chicken F for some more religion. Prince of Spin was iced and his rain mac was given a water test, it passed ok. T4 was iced for having a baboon type arse after sitting in the saddle too long. Ahge Hansen was iced along with his black eyes, apparently he don’t like paying for his meals. Sir Airhead was iced for missing a birthday he wished to attend, his driver was acting GM so tough one buddy. Time for the hash hymn now then it was back on the bus and off to TQ2. I presume it was the usual good hot dogs, etc. I didn’t make it, I needed to get out of those soggy trainers I had been wearing for two days. Many thanks Steve, see you on the ice.

On On C Face

Updated every Friday
Copyright 2001  Pattaya Mail Publishing Co.Ltd.
370/7-8 Pattaya Second Road, Pattaya City, Chonburi 20260, Thailand 
Tel.66-38 411 240-1, 413 240-1, Fax:66-38 427 596; e-mail: [email protected]

Updated by Chinnaporn Sungwanlek, assisted by Boonsiri Suansuk.
E-Mail: [email protected]