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‘Siam Commercial’ second bank to win Anand Panyarachun Charity Golf Invitational for UNICEF
by Mike Franklin
Gold Sponsor Thai Farmers Bank, winners of last
year’s inaugural Khun Anand Panyarachun Charity Golf Invitational for
UNICEF, fell short of defending the title, this year’s Khun Anand-UNICEF
Cup going to the young team from Siam Commercial Bank, returning the best
score of the day with a net 57.
There was, however, some compensation for the Thai
Farmers Team as they made an emphatic mark on the technical holes by
scooping four of the nine trophies on offer, including three near pins (Supot
taking two), and the long drive. The other near pin went to Mike Beeby of
Procter & Gamble.
 UNICEF
was the true winner on the day, receiving 1.1 million baht raised in the
charity tournament. Khun Anand Panyarachun (left) presents the cheque to
UNICEF Representative Gamini Abeysekera.
In the two other technical categories, a single team
claimed both prizes in each –Isara of Tisco had the two straightest
drives, and the Dow Pacific Team sank both the long putts.
None of the hole-in-one prizes on offer were claimed,
but the sponsor of par three #8, Rayavadee Premier Resort – reputed to
be the premier resort in Thailand – surrendered the prize for
auction at the prize giving which raised B.40,000 after some fierce
two-way bidding.
The buffet and prize giving, emceed by tournament
director Mike Franklin, took place in the splendid Masters Conference
Hall, opened just ten months ago by Anand Panyarachun.
Proceedings ran to schedule, and after the technical
hole trophies had been presented it was time for the lucky draw with over
forty prizes of accommodation and restaurant vouchers, plus merchandise
items from Cathay Pacific Airways, to be won. Star prizes included an
‘all inclusive weekend for four’ at Eastern Star Resort and a one year
membership to Eastern Star. Shenanigans came up with a ‘free carvery
every week for a year’ which, when claimed, was offered for auction and
added another B.4000 to the proceeds of the day for UNICEF. Cathay Pacific
topped the lucky draw list with a ‘new business class’ round trip to
Hong Kong for two.
All of that to give something back to the generous
sponsors of this years’ tournament: Platinum Sponsors: Cathay
Pacific and Procter & Gamble; Gold Sponsors: Thai Farmers Bank
and GE Capital; and Saha Union, a major hole sponsor, in the Silver
Category with Unocal. Each of these major sponsors were presented
with golf facility awards from Eastern Star to acknowledge their level of
support.
In addition, there were fourteen Bronze Sponsors:
American Express, Tesco Lotus, AIG (New Hampshire Insurance), Siam Cement,
Electricity Generating (EGCO), Tisco Finance, Dow Pacific, Petroleum
Authority, Siam Commercial Bank, Seastar Properties, Thai Military Bank,
Bangkok Metropolitan Bank, Bangkok Bank and the Pee Wee Team.
Services were donated by Bartercard, who sponsored the
souvenir brochure, and Bangkok Pattaya Hospital supplying an ambulance
unit to be on station throughout the tournament. In the event, the only
emergency was a solitary headache requiring a couple of Paracetamol.
Bangkok Pattaya Hospital also contributed two Silver Card Chivawattana
Healthcare Memberships for the lucky draw.
Thanks were given to Donald McNeil, Napaporn and
Jirawat at Eastern Star who, with the rest of the staff, had been so
helpful and to Bill Hurd and Tony Stevens for their assistance on the day.
The team scramble format always produces good results,
probably because it is a relaxed and fun way to play competitive team
golf. This years’ Charity Golf Invitational was no exception, and Siam
Commercial Bank with a Net 57 (although not quite as good as Thai Farmers
Bank with Net 55.1 in 2001), was good enough to beat GE Capital (2) into
the Runner-up spot with Net 58.4, and Cathay Pacific (2) as 2 nd
Runner-up with a Net 59.8.
A Pee-Wee Charity Golf Invitational for junior golfers,
aged between 7 and 14 years, had been planned for the day before and for
the proceeds to be added to the sum raised for UNICEF. In the event, it
proved difficult to secure the release of these young golfers from school
on a Friday during term time, even for such a deserving charity as UNICEF.
Nevertheless, some Pee-Wee sponsorship money was raised through private
donations, plus Bronze Sponsorship for a representative Pee-Wee Team to
play along in the main tournament for special trophies donated by the
Horsting-Sookmanus family. The Pee-Wee Team was accompanied by PGA
professional, Glyn Jenkins, supervising the round and giving advice on
Rules and Etiquette. All credit to these 7-11 year olds for completing the
18 holes and returning an excellent 71Gross.
The trophies were presented to the Pee-Wee Team by Khun
Anand with some additional prizes, and a special gift from UNICEF,
presented by Gamini Abeysekera, the representative for UNICEF in Thailand.
An early calculation by tournament chief financial
officer, Donald McNeil indicated that the sum of B.1.1 million had been
raised, to which would be added a further B.47,500 generated through the
two lucky draw auctions and some private donations.
The good news, however, did not stop there as, at a
tournament eve reception hosted by Khun Anand for major sponsors and
friends at his private Eastern Star residence, more than B.100,000 had
been raised through generous (and mostly distinguished) Karaoke singers at
the party. Not least of whom was Khun Anand himself. This certainly
initiated a novel and very effective way of generating extra charitable
donations for UNICEF at a fun evening and an apt prelude to the fun
tournament that was to follow the next day.
The tournament proceedings concluded with some words of
appreciation from Mr Gamini, and finally from Khun Anand, saying that in
his six year involvement with UNICEF, how gratifying it was to see the
increasing level of support from Thai and international corporate
companies for the work that UNICEF does. In 2001 the impressive sum of
B.71 Million had been raised overall from the corporate and private
sectors.
Nual bowls great 245 game in losing cause
Pattaya
Sports Club Friday Bowling League
Cafe Kronborg bowler Nual bowled a great game of 245,
and a 585 series, but even with teammate Kran’s 205 game and 517 series
could only win one point from a strong House of the Golden Coin team.
Captain Mio led her Golden Coin team with a 202 game and 560 series. Otto
chipped in with a 539 series and Porn had a 513-pin count to take three
points.
 200
bowlers this week in the PSC Friday Bowling League were: Tue, Nual, Rich,
Kran, Toy, Mio, Pin and Jeed.
VFW Post 9876 moved up to second place after taking
three points from Cafe Ole. Ooy had a 528 series to lead the VFW team and
Jeed had a 201 game for Cafe Ole.
Shakey Pete’s took over third place in the league by
taking three points from the Winchester Club. Toy was the best bowler in
this match with a 204 game and 548 series.
Tue led the Three Sisters to a four-point sweep over
the slumping Sultans of Swing team. Tue had a 206 game and 576 series;
Rich had a 214 game and 571 series and Pin a 213 game, 514 series. I
don’t think any team could have beaten the Three Sisters on this day.
Udom led the Sultan team with 503 pins knocked down.
League Standings
| Team |
Points |
Points - 1 Feb |
|
House of the Golden Coin
VFW Post 9876
Shakey Pete’s
Winchester Club
Sultans of Swing
Three Sisters
Cafe Ole
Cafe Kronborg |
44 - 32
42 - 34
41 - 35
40.5 - 35.5
39.5 - 38.5
33.5 - 42.5
32.5 - 43.5
31 - 45 |
3 - 1
3 - 1
3 - 1
1 - 3
0 - 4
4 - 0
1 - 3
1 - 3 |
The Lindborgs strike the better ball in record Shenanigans turnout
Bob Lindborg and fast improving Lamud, playing off
respective handicaps of 19 and 23, just chipped ahead with 46 Stableford
points to win the 22nd January Shenanigans Pairs Better Ball competition
at Eastern Star.
Three pairs were just a whisker behind with 45 points,
needing a count-back to confirm Alan Pearce and Bob Moberg as runners-up;
Bob McLachlan and Kawintida in third place, and the Woodruffes, Ray and Im,
coming fourth.
Sixty players teed off from the 1st and 10th tees and
in perfect golfing weather enjoyed the round with no unusual delays due to
stringent ‘course traffic’ regulations having been imposed by Eastern
Star management.
Near pins were justifiably claimed by visitor Claude
Bru, landlord Kim Fletcher, Shenanigans ‘regular’ Emil Itin, and the
ever present Terry Phur. Lamud added to the Lindborg’s winnings by
sinking the long putt on tricky hole six, and Bill Hurd ‘Pan-Am’d the
putt on hole fourteen.
Finally, the 22nd January was a milestone for
Shenanigans Very Friendly Golf Society as the 200th member joined. She was
Sangad Coles from Ban Chang and received a Shenanigans golf shirt to mark
the occasion.
Full details of all the golf are on the notice board
and on the web site at www.shenanigans-pattaya.com
Mio still in the lead
PSC Cafe Kronborg Tuesday Bowling League
Mio’s team beat Jeed’s 4-0 in week 20 of the PSC
Cafe Kronborg Tuesday Bowling League competition to keep their position
atop the league.
 From
left: Songkran rolled a 625 series, Mio a 641, and La a 211 string.
Week 20 was another very competitive afternoon of
bowling. Kran’s team, which is trying to catch Mio, won against Otto’s
team 4-0 to at least keep pace.
The surprise of the day, however, was Nual’s team
beating Udom’s 4-0 in a close match.
The players of the day were Mio and Kran, Mio setting a
new league high series of 641 with strings of 214, 205 & 222. Kran
bowled a 625 series, with strings of 225, 186 & 214. La also had a 211
string and a good series of 582. All showed how good they are, with Mio
being the “in form” player over the last few weeks, with very
consistent good scores.
Team standings after Jan 29
| |
Won |
Lost |
|
1. Mio
2. Kran
3. Jeed
4. Udom (S)
5. Nual
6. Otto |
50.5
49.5
40
38
34
28 |
29.5
30.5
40
42
46
52 |
O’Meara and Oradee score best in Diana Group Seniors and Ladies January Open at Pattaya Country Club
by Mike Franklin
Michael O’Meara returned an impressive 42 Stableford
points to win the Seniors (50-64) Division, with Oradee Kaesavane turning
in yet another ‘handicap cutting’ score of 41 points to win the Ladies
Division in the Diana Group Seniors and Ladies January Open at Pattaya
Country Club.
Currently playing off a 17 handicap, only recently
having gone up from a career best 16, I wonder how long it will be before
talented Oradee will be snapping at the heels of partner Klaus, himself
playing off a steady 10!
Klaus fired a warning shot by taking the runner-up spot
for the Seniors with a creditable 38 points, beating John Bryan also with
38, on count back.
The ever present Usa Chaiyusit, still glowing from the
win over the ‘Rest of the World’ Team in the Shenanigans Ladies Match,
returned a modest 36 points to be ladies runner-up with Beth Lill just one
point behind in third place.
The Super Seniors came in with a more modest score of
37 points in the person of Ken Lill. Closely followed by Mogens Wester and
Ed Trayling, (‘doing it His Way’), with 36 and 35 points respectively.
The net field finished up at 49 players, with most of
them walking due to the usual golf cart booking fiasco at this venue.
However, the weather was good and the course in pretty good shape to
compensate. That said, it really is so frustrating to book carts in good
faith and turn up on the day and be told ‘carts finished’!
Finally, the technical hole procedures got a bit
complicated with long putts being third shot nearest the pin (well done
Ken and Klaus who took the prizes), and the near pins much better
organized and claimed by Mirja Akkola, Oradee and Beth Lill. Toy Ryser, we
think, qualified for the last one on hole 16.
It all got sorted out back at the Green Bottle, John
Cole and Richard Livingston relaxed over a quiet drink, and the prizes
were duly presented.
The next Diana Group Golf outing is on Thursday 28th
February, teeing off again at the earlier time of 10 a.m. and, depending
on the golf cart situation, at Pattaya Country Club. Sign-up at the Green
Bottle.
Lien trips McKnight for bragging rights
PSC Three Sister’s Golf
On Monday the 28th, Gordon McKnight who just recently
was holding the bag at the bottom of the pile, came charging in on the
front nine with 20 points then made it home with 18 on the back nine. 38
points was enough to win, but alas, poor Gordon got tripped up by old
Jerry Lien who also came in with 38 points. Jerry started slowly with 17
points on the front nine but turned the heat on in the second nine as he
came in with 21 points for a total of 38 and won on count back.
 Jerry
Lien (left) did it again at the 3 Sisters weekly Stableford at Siam C.C.
on Monday 28 January. Mike Howard (right) happily came in last.
All the lessons that Jerry has been taking are finally
paying off as he won the bragging rights for the day.
Caught holding the bag this week was Mike Howard. Mike
has been around for a long time but has just joined the Monday golfers and
we hope to see him again. I’m sure that Mike will be getting out of the
bottom as he returns to golfing regularly. Others were close to stealing
the bag but Mike managed to hold on to it for the week.
After the golfing, the bragging could be heard down at
Caddy Shack Two as the golfers wolfed down ham sandwiches supplied this
week by Tim McMaster. Thanks Tim, they were good. The beer was also cold
and went down good with the snacks. Hope to see you all again next week.
By the way, the Three Sisters group meets at Siam at
0800 normally and form groups as people arrive - no need for prior entry
reservations. If transport is required, be at the Three Sisters by 7:30 in
the morning.
“Pin Eye” shoots the best of the week
IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven
Monday 28th January - Century Ban Chan (Bogey)
1st: Doug Campbell, plus 1
2nd: Brian Cole, all square
3rd: Chuck Carrier, 1 down (cb)
Doug always seems to concentrate a little better every
time his handicap is in danger of moving into double figures, and this
again proved to be the case when a strong contingent from TAGGS took on
the very tough Nick Faldo designed Century Ban Chan and the thousands of
Korean golfers who were also playing the course. Doug was helped in his
quest to better “old man par” by four birdies during a very solid
round. Brian took second, to record his first success out of The Haven,
with Chuck leading a gaggle of contenders at one down. The twos booty was
shared between Paul Coutoumas and Doug Campbell, who had two twos among
his flurry of birdies.
Back at The Haven Richard Livingston, the resident PGA
professional, welcomed new members Roar Berger, Ole Stamnes and Keith
Collins, whilst welcoming back Terry Minnighen.
Wednesday 30th January - Siam Country Club (Stableford)
1st: Russell Finch, 41 points
2nd: Don Scott, 37 points
3rd: Phil Groves, 36
Pin Eye continued to show the form he has been regaling
the masses with over the last couple of weeks and swept to a convincing
win at Pattaya’s local course, much due no doubt to local knowledge and
the utilization of one of the best caddies in the area. The minor places
were scrapped over by the large following field with Don just shading out
Phil and Barry for second. The twos were shared between Al Rolnik, Patrick
Scullion, Don Scott, Barry Winton and Chuck Carrier.
Before the prize giving Richard welcomed new members
Andy Pedlar, Trevor Edge and Richard Lyne and welcomed back David Spendley.
Friday 1st February - Great Lake Golf Club (Stableford)
Ladies
1st: Lamud Lindborg, 37 points
2nd: Maria Hasila, 35
Gentlemen:
1st: Harry Riley, 38 points
2nd: Terry Minnighen, 34
3rd: Phil Groves, 33
In the ladies section, Lamud continues to play to her
ever-decreasing handicap and did so once more to lead home Maria and a
good entry of lady golfers that brightened up the day for the TAGGS at
Great Lake.
Harry led home the gentleman’s division by a street,
firing a fantastic 39 over the back nine to follow a poor start of three
points on the first four holes. No doubt due to having to start on the
second hole as the first was being used as a film studio by a Korean mob
producing a video to encourage even more people to visit Pattaya next
year. The mind boggles at where it all will stop, presumably when the only
tee off times for locals begin at 5.30 p.m. At least it will not come as a
surprise.
Much to his delight, Dave Spendley cleaned up on his
own in the twos. Richard welcomed back Maria Hasila, Mauno Pollari, Mirja
and Asko Arkkola from Finland, where Asko is the chairman of the Finnish
PGA.
Thrills for the Lill’s at Treasure Hill
IPGCF Pattaya Golf Society at the Bunker
Imagine the pleasure a golf course can give when it is
free of the seasonal hordes of Asian golfers! The Bunker found such a
course at Treasure Hill on Tuesday, 29th January when another group of
thirty-plus Bunker Boys and Girls played their weekly medal competition.
Among the field were Ken and Beth Lill and they were to
show that their recent absence from the Bunker had only whetted their
appetite for a successful return. Ken’s long hitting was the key to his
division one victory on a course where length and accuracy are paramount.
His net 72 was enough to see off the challenge of runner up Per Aschan on
73 with Michael Dige and Mr Loy tying for third on 77.
The girls were playing off the yellow tees and the
division two victor was Beth Lill who scored net 73, pushing Blair Newton
into second with 74 and Ed Trayling into third with 77.
Both Bill Hewitt and the Guru, Mick Jones, secured
birdies to give them a share of the Bunker Super Sawng award. There was a
two also for Terry Phur, but sadly, Terry, you have to be in it to win it!
Treasure Hills also provides ample opportunities for
embarrassment and Sunny Ruthsip’s thirteen on the short par-three sixth,
punctuated with fresh air shots, and his twelve on hole sixteen secured
for him the Bunker Banana Booby.
However, the lasting memory of Treasure Hill is the
peace and tranquillity that can be found on a secluded golf course, where
even a bad day beats a good day at work!
Mr Loy steals the show
The beautiful hillside course at Sriracha was the venue
for a multi-national group of Bunker’s finest when they travelled there
for their weekly Stableford competition on Friday, 1st February. The
course was very dry and the fairways responded with a lot of “run”,
making those farang golfers, with experience on links courses in Europe,
feel quite at home.
In division one the consistent Mr Loy headed the field
with an excellent 39 points narrowly winning on count back from Swedish
golfer Per Aschan with the great Dane, Michael Dige third on level par 36
points.
In division two Wales’ own George Meigh again
triumphed at a course he loves, scoring 38 points, with Englishman Colin
Morgan second on 37 points and Canadian Gordon McKnight winning on count
back from Harald Gruber to finish in third place with 36 points.
American Scott Haynes and John Hughes shared the Bunker
Super Sawng award for recording two’s on their cards. Bill Jones also
had a two but was later reminded that, “to win it, you have to be in
it”.
The Bunker Banana Booby became a banana split when it
was shared by Canadian Indian Frank Barker and the Nordic Kristian
Josteinsson for their low score twenty-threes.
The venue is referred to as Sri Racha International
Golf Club and the Bunker Boys bore witness to that fact on this very
enjoyable day.
Catch up with more multi-national news at http://www.thebunkerboys.com
Havana dig in and escape with victory
German All Stars FC 2 Havana Resort FC 3
Local Pattaya team, Havana Resort FC traveled to
Bangkok to take on the Bangkok based German All Stars and came home with a
victory in week 11 of the MBMG Bangkok Casuals.
As the already depleted Havana squad made their way to
Bangkok’s Ministry of Public Health Stadium, news came in that the
Pattaya Panthers rugby game, originally scheduled for a 4 p.m. kick off
had been rescheduled for 3.00 p.m. This meant that two of Havana’s key
members, Paul Crouch and Hayden Williams, who were going to take part in
both games, had to switch to one game only and chose the rugby. Good news
and bad news followed as goal machine, Jon Parkin, passed his late fitness
test but the old fox, Dale Farrington failed his. However, with the
unexpected arrival of midfield engine, Rob Portugaise, spirits of the team
and travelling supporters were lifted.
In sweltering conditions and on a very near immaculate
pitch, Havana kicked off and for the third game in a row took the game to
the opposition. No sitting back as in early season games and waiting for
the opposition to take the lead.
Within 90 seconds Saengchai scored his first goal for
the club. A cross from the left by Ross Nicholson found its way to
Saengchai, who, after appearing to lose possession but somehow regaining
possession, slotted the ball in from 6 yards.
Havana continued to press and ten minutes later scored
number two. Top scorer Jon Parkin capitalized on good work again by
Saengchai and fired into an empty net. Parkin has now scored 12 goals in 8
games and is the MBMG Casuals top scorer.
Havana still continued to press and after 25 minutes
scored number three. A long throw from Nicholson, flicked on by Parkin,
and center back Adrian Sparrow timed his run perfectly to head past the
overworked German keeper. Then, with Havana still dominating and coming
close to increasing the lead several times, the half time whistle blew.
The second half began the same way as the first.
Portugaise and Bunlee working well in midfield and the German defense were
being severely tested by the passing of Parkin and the unpredictable
skills of Saengchai.
At the back, a rejuvenated Kevin Pullen and solid Mark
Bradshaw were coping admirably with the rare German attacks until the
Germans enjoyed a piece of their normal good fortune and pulled a goal
back. As Sparrow tried to clear his lines he appeared to be fouled.
Expecting to hear the whistle Havana froze, the referee waved play on and
Peter fired into the Havana net.
With ten minutes to go the Germans enjoyed another
slice of luck and pulled back goal number two. Havana keeper Samarth was
adjudged to have fouled Joerg in the penalty area. Quite remarkable as
Samarth is probably the cleanest player in the whole Casuals league and
has not fouled anybody all season. Ten out of ten for Joerg in performing
a Jurgen Klinnsman like dive over Samarth as he bent down to pick the ball
up. Remarkably the referee pointed to the spot, unaware of the new rule
change that players who dive get booked. Joerg picked himself up to score
from the spot.
As full time approached, Sparrow was booked for
bringing down the increasingly theatrical Joerg.
Havana are now second in the league, but have a lot to
do to catch the Warbler who have played 10 and won ten. MVI are third
after a 1-1 draw with UNOCAL, and the British Club remain in last place.
Man of the match - Adrian Sparrow, lead by example.
Correction to the Bangkok Post report on Thursday the
17th January 2002. Bangkok Post reported that Havana had drawn 1-1 with
the British Club. In fact, Havana won 7-0 with top scorer Parkin hitting
4.
Phearless Phread Phinieshes Phirst(y) at Phoenix
PSC Golf From Cafe Kornborg
Monday 28 Jan Sattahip (Stableford)
The Royal Thai Navy’s North & West layouts were
the site for a Stableford competition for 37members, most of whom on the
day could not live up to their personal expectations & handicaps on
what is a very testing track. The players were split into two flights, A
flight 0-19, and B flight 20 & up.
Arthur Hancock took the A flight with 32 points on
count back from 2nd place Andy Pedlar. Willie Mooney was 3rd with 30 pts
whilst 4th was Kevin Ward on 29 pts.
Patric Muggli took the B flight with 39 pts and was the
only person to better his handicap, whilst in second place Rickey Ferguson
was the only other player to shoot his handicap on 36 pts. Third was
Werner Strub on 32 pts beating Dave Richardson into 4th place on count
back.
Near pins: N4 Patric Muggli, N7 Dave Richardson, W3
Andy Pedlar, and W8 Lynn Jenkins.
Long putts: N9 Unni Sigurjonsson and W9 Rickey
Furgerson.
Thursday 31 Jan Phoenix (Stroke)
The monthly mug is the premier monthly competition
hosted by Cafe Kronborg and is the only competition that returns to the
Kronborg for the presentation, as the mug is presented by mine host Bjarne.
One of the perks of winning the mug is that the winner can request all the
players to fill his mug. It came as no surprise that this month’s winner
requested a copy of the start sheet, and hopes to tick off the full list
before he falls over. Of such thoughts are dreams made, just think, 55
players so 54 beers, slurp Fred slurp.
Phoenix Lakes & Ocean nines were to be the test set
for the day, and in contrast to some poor scores in our competitions of
late, forward tees & fine conditions enabled the players to come out
firing with some truly astonishing scores. It must be most frustrating for
Joe Sebastian to shoot a net 66 and not even be in the first 3 scores.
The flights were A flight 0-18, B flight 19 up, and an
overall winner who wins also the mug. Winner of A flight with a net 63
(round of a lifetime & still effectively second) Ebrahim. 2nd with net
68 Ged Mason, the third beaten on count back on net 68 was originally Ake
Ovengren but he was not present at the presentation, so a quick recheck
placed Johann Reynisson also net 68 beaten on count back into third, and a
new count back for 4th with net 70 saw Olavi Kaariainen beat Derek Brook
& Dave Ward.
B flight saw scores equally as good and it is nice to
see free beer bring out the best in both sexes. Winner of B flight with a
net 65 was Mari Kaariainen, second with a fine net 66 Joe Sebastion, third
with net 68 Matti Siponniaa, and a three way count back for 4th on net 69
saw Dave Richardson (who had voluntarily reduced his handicap prior to the
start by 2 shots as he had been playing well) beat Howie Forrest &
Hiroshi Segala.
So to the winner, and it was a pleasure to present the
mug to this shy, reserved, member of PSC, with a net 63 & beating
Ebrahim on count back, the irrepressible Fred Theobald.
Near pins: L2 Paul Coutoumas, O7 Juhavi Miettinen, O5
Paul Coutoumas and O7 Reg Warner.
Long putts: L9 Jerry Kurtz and O9 Ebrahim.
Pattaya Panthers and Panties head North
Panties win; Panthers lose in a close one
The annual Pattaya Panthers development tour of Issan
set off from various parts of the Eastern Seaboard two Fridays ago. A
large group of male and female tourers were bolstered by a number of
‘virgin’ tourers, including some students from the local schools ISE
and GIS.
After sampling the local fare on Friday evening the
squad was raring to go. The party was boosted by another 12 tourers who
arrived on the Saturday morning to bring the total number of players to
36, including the former Panthers and Panties all-stars Barry and Leah
Daniels, who made the long trip from Phuket with fond memories of last
year.
The day kicked off with our hosts, Khon Kaen University
playing the Vientiane Tigers (a group of students and ex-pats from Laos).
The dust bowl of the field made play difficult for both teams. The
inventiveness of the university side was matched by fearsome tackling by
the Vientiane Tigers who eventually opened the scoring on half time. The
university boys fought back and soon scored in the second half but went
down fighting 7-5.
Enter the fairer members of the species, the Panties,
for a game of touch against the Buffaloes from Vientiane. Vientiane were
looking strong with the addition of some Dulwich teachers and Leah, but
the well-organised Panties are no pushovers. Marshalled by Sue Burke in
the centre of the field the Panties soon opened the scoring. The lead was
not to last as the Buffaloes scored soon before half time. The second half
saw the Panties once again take the lead, only to see the Buffaloes strike
back straight away. The game ended 2-2 with both camps looking forward to
the re-match later in the afternoon.
So to Khon Kaen University v the Panthers, the first
game of the year for the Panthers, who started the day unbeaten under the
captaincy of Steve Turner. The Panthers controlled the early encounters,
but were unable to find the try line. The university team frustrated the
Panthers with some strong defence, and superior rucking in the tight. With
Steve converting himself from fly half to hooker (and winning all his ball
in the scrum) the Panthers soon set themselves up in the university 22
where pressure told. Jones the whistle blew for a penalty, that was kickly
taken by guest scrum half Ali to a crashing Adrian who only had to fall
over the line to score. The KK university team’s resistance was broken
and soon another try followed for tour debutante Jim, lurking around the
fringes of a ruck to score the Panthers second try. A 10 - 0 comfortable
win set up a finale with the Buffaloes.
So to the girls’ second match up. Sue and Karen had
given the girls a tough team talk and it was obvious that the Panties
meant business. From the opening whistle there was only one team who was
going to win. The Panties ran excellent lines with the ball using the
width of the field well and soon Karen went over for the first score. The
Buffaloes rarely made any runs into the Panthers half, and when they did
the Panties excellent defence stifled any attack. In this kind of mood the
Panties look as good as any team in Thailand. It was no surprise when the
Panties went over for the match winning second try.
The Panthers took to the field looking to make it an
unbeaten day for the Eastern Seaboard. They were widely tipped as
favourites against an under strength Buffaloes team. However, it was the
Buffaloes who had the early possession, with the Panthers unable to build
on good field position. Close on half time a breakaway from the strong
running Buffaloes centre left half the Panthers flat footed and the score
7-0.
A shell-shocked Panthers side mounted an assault on the
Buffaloes line with the clock ticking towards half time. Two penalties
came and went with the impressive Hiro failing to go crashing in from 5
metres. The passage of good play was finely halted by Jones the Whistle
who saw two of the props having a minor disagreement about the finer
points of rucking. The result saw the Panthers legend Ralph get 5 minutes
in the sin-bin.
The second half began with the Panthers having the
majority of the possession, but unable to mount any meaningful attacks.
Some good breaks by Steve, Ubear and Barry amounted to very little and it
took the strong running Hiro to get the Panthers a scrum on the 5 metre
line. Ali fed, Adrian peeled off blind and Hiro received the ball to score
a much deserved try, 7-5 the Buffaloes led. A ferocious finale was set up
with the Panthers taking the game to the Buffaloes who held firm until the
final minutes when Kiwi fly half Ray unleashed a match winning drop kick
that shaved the posts the wrong side. The Laotians breathed a huge sigh of
relief. Their excellent defence had held firm and they won the
competition.
The evening was spent in the usual post rugby way, lots
of beers and celebrations between the teams. The university team supplying
a fine Issan spread for its guests. The Panthers are already looking
forward to the return trip next year and a chance to regain the lost
trophy.
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
It's possible that one of the reasons that so many "farangs" like Thailand is that our local government works the same way as yours. "Don't bother me with facts." In Las Vegas the Nevada State Athletic Commission controls boxing. It therefore is the Government. "The world considers us the best. They all aspire to be like us." No shrinking violets they.
A week ago the Commission decided that Mike Tyson was not physically fit or "probably" wouldn't obey the rules of the commission. Therefore they denied him a license to box "in the state" by a 4-1vote. The action amounted to a legal lynching of the former heavyweight champion.
Mike Tyson is currently (at the time of this writing) not charged with any criminal act yet that didn't seem to bother the Commission. They relied upon news reports, old interviews, poor representation by Tyson's attorneys along with an inarticulate Tyson to make political theatre a reality. Old timers liken it to the "Show Trials" in Russia of the 60's.
This decision, based on emotions, stopped the April 6 fight with Lennox Lewis in Las Vegas. The action probably stopped the fight from being held anywhere in the USA although both California and Texas have not said "NO".
The fight will be held. Regardless of what is said or written the Commission could not take the heat from the press and "outraged citizens" about the events during and after the "press conference" in New York with Lennox Lewis. The Commission ignored the fact that the "malee" was staged, Tyson did not start the fight and his verbal reaction after was the direct result to a discredited reporter yelling "You're a disgrace. You ought to be in a straight jacket. You belong in the monkey house."
The Commission posed, primped and postured. They checked common sense at the door. The vote was not so much against a Mike Tyson that the majority knows nothing about but for their own political purposes. They disgrace the sport, not Mike Tyson.
Tyson during the "inquisition" answered all questions put to him in his usual soft voice. Some answers displayed a humor that went right by the Commission. They take themselves so very serious. When one Commissioner got on the subject of mental health, Tyson interrupted with, "I'm crazy but not that kind of crazy." At another time he said, "I'm not Mother Teresa. I'm not Charles Manson either." The commissioners tried to provoke Tyson with no luck. "Why did you stop taking drugs?" "I never took drugs. I took medicine." "Why did you stop?" "Didn't need them." "I know you've had a difficult life." "Excuse me. But you don't know anything about me."
Lots of fighters from the Kingdom in action of late. The best known Ex-WBC 108-pound champ Saman Sorjaturong (46-4-1, 35 KOs) returned to action and stopped ex-OPBF light fly boss Koki Tanaka (14-4-3, 7 KOs), at 2:38 of round 2. Saman defended his WBC belt 10 times before losing to Korean Yosam Choi. He's been inactive since his failure to win back the title from Choi last January in their rematch in Korea in January of the previous year.
Japanese #7 super-light Feifong Kogure (10-4-1, 5 KOs) scored a one-punch KO of Thai #5 140-pounder Nanam Kietprasanchai (5-6, 2 KOs) 3:06 of the second. Lefty speedster Junji Murakami (6-2, 3 KOs) won in 6 over Charoemchat Kietprasanchai (4-5, 2 KOs).
Former WBC Strawweight champion, now light fly Wandee Chor Chareon (33-3, 8KOs) won a 6 round UD over Filipino Sherwin Alferez. Chareon now wants to challenge WBA 112 lb. king Eric Morel. Problem? Yea, he's not ranked and can't break an egg.
Former WBA bantam contender Saohin Srithai Condo (35-10, 23KOs) stopped Filipino Bernabe Enthatar in 3. WBA #13 and PABA super fly champ Meiji Cp Gym retained his belt for the 9th time with a 12 round draw against North Korean champ Choe-pyong Guk. Unranked Shoji Kimura (13-0, 4 KOs), 123.75, defeated Thai super-bantam champ Wichit Chuwatana (26-10, 9 KOs) by UD in 10.
All was not good for Thai fighters. Yuji Yamaguchi (4-0, 3 KOs), 143.5, blasted out Thai #3 super-light Wath Voh Vuthinanth, at 2:07 of the opening canto (canto's like a round only less letters). Daisuke Ozawa (12-2, 8 KOs), 130, outscored Thai #4 super-bantam Weerachai Chuwatana over 8.
Final score: Thai 2-Philipines 0, Thailand 1-North Korea 0 and Japan 2-Thailand Nil. How you like them apples?
Cinderella queen for a day
by Howie Reed
Cinderella became a Queen. It was prophetic that when it came time for the introductions at Super Bowl XXXVI, the New England Patriots chose to have the entire team presented rather than the either offense or defense. In the end it was a team ranked only 24th in the NFL for defensive that stopped the number one NFL offense. The "Greatest Show on Turf" got mowed down to bring the first Super Bowl win to New England. Maybe it was the "third times the charm" syndrome. Twice New England had come to N'Awlins for the Super Bowl only to come up empty. Maybe it was being 14 point underdogs that catapulted the Patriots, like the Patriot missiles of Desert Storm did to the Scuds, to a 20-17 victory over the St. Louis Rams in the biggest upset since Super Bowl's III and IV. Joe Willie Namath lead the Jets over the Colts in III and Lenny Dawson helped the Chiefs upend the Vikings 23-7 in IV. Don't mention the other two games to Patriot fans. This was the one. One thing is sure, had a screenwriter come up with the story of the 2001 New England Patriots it would have been rejected out of hand as pure fantasy.
The Patriots offensive plan was to take time off the board. They did this for four quarters. When was the last time that a winning Super Bowl Quarterback had 145 yards passing? No turnovers. The Pat's wasted time and waited. It worked to a "T". The first 17 Patriot points came off of turnovers. A 47 yards pass interception by Ty Law for 7, a fumble recovery and run (Terrell Buckley) which the offense took 35 yards to make it 14-3 and then a 37 yards FG off a pass interception by Otis Smith. The best offense the Pats had was their defense which held the Rams out of the Red Zone until just over 10 minutes left in the game.
In this improbable year the dramatic finish almost wasn't. With 4th and goal Rams QB Kurt Warner fumbled on the one. The ball was picked up by Tebucky Jones and toted for what would have been a 24-3 lead except that Patriots LB Willie McGinest was holding Marshall Faulk. Not really a holding; it was a tackle. For long suffering Pat fans, the memory of Bill Buckner against the Mets in the World Series had to flash through their minds. With first and goal, the Warner scored on the second play. 17-10. With 1:51 left the Rams drove 55 yards on five plays in 21 seconds to tie the game.
Everyone in the world, including commentator John Madden, was sure the Pats would run the clock out to play for OT. There was a buck 21 left, but offensive coordinator Charlie Weis had a different idea. The Pats on their own 18. All year "experts" had guessed wrong about the Pats. "They'll blitz against the Rams like they did in their first meeting. 35 times that day in a 24-17 loss." On Super Sunday, America's biggest unofficial holiday, the Pats only blitzed a handful of times. They used 4, 5, 6 and 7 defensive backs to continually confuse a Ram offense that would have had to improve to sputter. This despite gaining 427 yards.
The "D" was a throw back to the old Dallas "Rubber Band D". "Bend but don't break while hitting like hell." The experts were wrong again.
From the 18 it took 9 plays and 53 yards to arrive at the Ram's 36 with 7 ticks left. In a familiar playoff scenario Adam Vinatieri was given the chance to win a game. His two field goals in the snow against Oakland had the Raiders walking the plank. From 48 yards, as time expired, the kick was tried and true. For the first time the New England Patriots were World Champions.
Born as the Boston Patriots in the old American Football League, it was their first title of any kind. It was the first title in Boston since Larry Bird wore short pants while putting the ball in the peach basket on the parquet floor of the old Garden (Celts 1986).
Improbable would not even begin to describe what this team did over the last 9 weeks of the season. The coach, Bill Belichick, turned down the job with the Jets to come to New England. Owner Robert Kraft gave up a number one draft choice for the coach. "A number one draft choice for a coach?" QB Drew Bledsoe went down to be replaced by a second year rookie Tom Brady. Pats best receiver (Terry Glenn) was suspended for the year. The running attack featured someone named Smith.
Offensive lineman Joe Andruzzi has three brothers who are New York Fireman. One was on the 23rd floor of the World Trade Center on September 11. He escaped. This was a team of destiny. They used no phony slogans like "We are Family" or "You Gotta Believe". They were and are.
As the ball sailed through the uprights towards a prominently displayed Hooters sign; with red, white and blue confetti being blown towards the Superdom roof as 72,000 plus fans went loony, a lone New England player was on his back in the end zone. He lay there moving his arms and legs like a child in the snow making Angels. That is sheer unadulterated joy.
Only three newspapers gave the Patriots a chance. The Boston Glode, the Miami Herald and the Pattaya Mail. How you like them apples?
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