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Panthers achieve success on the road
Ensuring the Panthers reputation of a “touring and
rugby” team was the priority as they set off from Bangkok Airport on
Friday afternoon. An emotional farewell at the airport doors saw Dickie
Holt’s first public show of affection as he said goodbye to his beloved
pick-up. Laden with enthusiasm and a few G&T’s, the team donned their
pink jackets, picked up the club mascot, the Pink Panther, and headed east
to the Philippines for what proved to be a very successful weekend. The
annual Manila 10’s rugby tournament attracts teams from Europe, Australia
and across Asia. It takes place over two days, giving both spectators and
players plenty of time to enjoy the sport and hospitality.
Pink,
and proud of it.
Ready
to take on the Manila 10’s.
The Panthers reflected the international theme of the
tournament by welcoming to their ranks Eric “Le Frog” and the Rogues of
Guam and Tsunami.
Friday night was a ‘relatively quiet’ night finishing
around 3 a.m. after a stumbling tour of the cultural highlights of Makati
City. A relatively late start on the Saturday gave the Panthers a chance to
sober up enough to find the ground and their boots in time for kick off.
Unfortunately, despite an inspirational team talk, they couldn’t quite
remember why they where there!
60 seconds of rugby and 12-nil down was not the start the
Panthers wanted. Old Wellingtonians from Berkshire, UK, may have fielded two
Oxford blues but they were not prepared for the resolve of the Panthers. A
try either side of half time by Eric and Pedro gave the Panthers a 14-12
victory against the group’s seeded team.
Up next was the Leighton Larrikins, a team based in
Manila but supported heavily by players from New Zealand and Hong Kong. An
early try by scrum-half, Keith Coljohn, looked to be the winner until an
excellent individual effort by the Larrikins winger in the final seconds
levelled the scores 5-5.
Despite the disappointment of conceding the late try,
confidence in the squad remained high. The last group match saw the Panthers
take on a young, fit and FAST all-Filipino team, the Warriors, but the
experience of the ‘older’ Panther players proved too much for the speed
of youth. Close forward play made the ground and tied in the defence to
allow the Panthers back line their moment of glory. Tries from Wai and Brian
Reid secured the victory leaving the Panthers as well deserved group
winners.
Reaching
for the sky.
Dashing
round the end and headed for the try line.
“I’m
open! Pitch it here!”
This meant two things ... firstly a much harder second
day lay ahead in the Cup competition and secondly and much more importantly
the Panthers had another late start on the Sunday. There was only one thing
to do ... Party!
Free food and beer for three hours supplied by the hosts,
the Nomads Rugby Club was just the start the team needed to make a bid for
the Most Festive Team Award. The rest of the evening must remain a closely
guarded secret but the Pink Panther has plenty of stories to tell! Just ask
him about Heineken Phil embarrassed by the San Miguel drinking girls, Jimmy
Howard’s snoring, or if you want entertainment Jimmy Robinson will give
you a song ... “By the light ...”
A Sunday morning quarterfinal clash against the Manila
Nomads proved a very physical battle. Controlled mauling and support play
among backs and forwards saw Kyle score a well deserved try. His moment of
glory would have arrived earlier but Dickie’s aggression was just too much
for the local referee. Deceptive pace from centre Brian Reid saw him score
the Panthers’ second try and finished the host’s participation in the
tournament.
Saipan Rugby Club, with its players from Samoa, Tonga,
Cook Islands, New Zealand and Fiji, provided the opposition in the
semi-finals. It proved one step too far for the Panthers who battled
courageously but were overpowered buy a very talented team.
Philippines
Immigration Authority had their hands full, but seemed to enjoy the
diversion.
Thailand rugby had the last say on the and off the pitch.
The British Club Bangkok went on to defeat Siapan in the final to win their
second consecutive Manila 10’s title but the real glory went to the
Pattaya Panthers. For the second time in three years, the hard work in the
bars and on the streets of Makati City, bridging the cultural divide and
building on the Panthers reputation, resulted in the capture of “The Most
Festive Team Award”.
The tourists proved once again that although the Panthers
may be renowned in the bars they could also perform on the pitch. Long may
it continue.
Details of the Pattaya Panthers Rugby Club, upcoming
matches, tours and the 4th Annual Pattaya International Rugby 10’s
Tournament, can be found at www.pattayapanthers.com
Pattaya Panthers call for support
The Pattaya Panthers and Panties Rugby Club would like to
invite you, your family and friends to the 4th Annual Pattaya International
10’s Rugby Tournament, to be held over the weekend of the 3rd and 4th May
at the Horseshoe Point Resort and Country Club, Pattaya.
There will be a total of 22 teams competing to become the
men’s or ladies tournament champions, following in the footsteps of the
British Club Bangkok, the Surrey Pirates, and our very own Pattaya Panthers.
The festival of rugby will begin with the opportunity to
meet all the teams returning from the UK and across the South East Asia
region on the Friday night in Shenanigans Pattaya.
Over sixteen hours of rugby action will be spread over
the two days with kick-off on Saturday at 9 a.m. building up to the Finals
on Sunday afternoon. The weekend will conclude with the awards ceremony and
buffet at Horseshoe Point on Sunday evening from 5 p.m.
Brian Reid, Pattaya Panthers Club Captain said, “I hope
you can take this opportunity to support the event and the Panthers Rugby
Club and to enjoy what has proved over the years to be excellent rugby in
fantastic surroundings.”
For more info, check out the web site: www.
pattayapanthers.com
Pattaya Sports Club Thursday Night Darts
Week 19 of the Winter Season 2002/03
No matches on April 17, due to Songkran Festival.
Thursday April 24:
Pleasure Dome hosts Tippy’s
Londoner hosts Bull’s Eye Bar
Rising Sun has a bye week
Meeting at Pleasure Dome on Monday, April
28 at 5 p.m. re. presentation party and schedule for next season.
Mickey Mouse Darts League
Results (Week 14)
Next week’s fixtures
(25 April 03)
Rising Sun vs. The Lobby
Devonshire vs. Cheers
Bullseye vs. Palmers
Smugglers Rest. vs. The Bunker
Pleasure Dome has a bye week
Comments: No matches on Friday, April 18, due to Songkran
Festival
Three Sisters making a move
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
Three Sisters won three points from Shakey Pete’s and
is only one point behind fourth place Domicil. Domicil split their match
with first place House of the Golden Coin at two points each. Suraphan led
Domicil with a 553 series and Mio led House of the Golden Coin with a 201
game and 541 pin count.
200
Bowlers on 4 April: Tue, Morn, La and Mio.
Cafe Kronborg took three points from third place VFW Post
9876 behind good bowling by Nut who had a 201 game and 542 series and
Captain Kran who knocked down 536 pins. Cafe Ole lost four points to Nice
& Sleazy but remained in second place. Jeed led Nice & Sleazy with a
514 series.
Winchester Club took three points from Jack & Tar but it was not
enough to get them out of last place.
Brian Kelly has a good week
IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven
Monday 31st March
Century Ban Chan
Stroke play
1st: Serge Straeten, 69
2nd: Brian Kelly, 71 cb9 36
3rd: Kerry Jonsson, 71 cb9 36.5
4th: Steve Nowell, 71 cb9 37.5
5th: Frank Sinclair, 71 cb9 38
Century Ban Chan, designed by Nick Faldo, is never an
easy course to play a stroke play competition over and once again it proved
to be the case as local French hero Serge Straeten took the honours of the
day by two clear shots from a gaggle of contenders led by Brian Kelly.
Serge was playing under the misapprehension that the
day’s round was counting towards the annual Order of Merit and therefore
put in an extra effort to secure a good counting score.
In the even it was not a counting round but his excellent
play meant that he stood head and shoulders above the rest of the field.
Brian Kelly continued with his fine run of form and took
second place by count back from Kerry Jonsson, Steve Nowell and Frank
Sinclair in 3rd, 4th, and 5th place respectively.
Not surprisingly, there was only one two on the day and
Mike Dabanovich achieved that.
Wednesday 2nd April
Bangpra
Bogey
1st: Trevor Edge, 3 up
2nd: Doug Campbell, 2 up
3rd: Stephen Beard, 1 up cb9 1 up
4th: Mark Gorda, 1 up cb9 all square
5th: Rick Bevington, 1 up cb9 1 down
After a long layoff from this excellent course due to the
tourist season when it was impossible to secure a starting time before 1
p.m., the gentlemen from The Haven enjoyed a pleasant and almost empty
course and with the greens playing a tad slower than usual, the scores
recorded were better than were to be expected.
Trevor Edge, after watching his handicap rise week after
week, at last reached the comfort zone of 24 and started to play freely to
record his best round for some weeks.
In the event he only just stayed ahead of Doug Campbell
who also has reached the comfort zone and is now expecting to reap the
rewards, although this time he missed out by a stroke.
“The Doc” led home the rest of the prize-winners by
virtue of a count back over Mark Gorda his fellow Canadian Rick Bevington.
Although the par threes at Bangpra are not usually too
easy, it was still surprising that no one managed to get a two and the pot
was therefore carried forward to the next competition.
Friday 4th March
Green Valley
Stableford
1st Division
1st: Brian Kelly, 40 points
2nd: Arthur Hancock, 37 cb9 18
3rd: Serge Straeten, 37 cb9 17
2nd Division
1st: Frank Sinclair, 38
2nd: Malcolm Clare, 36
3rd: Bob Lindborg, 35 cb9 20
4th: Trevor Edge, 35 cb9 14
A large field of contenders necessitated the formation of
two divisions at the popular Green Valley venue, which was yet another
course that was too busy with tourists to avail the regulars with any tee
times prior to midday.
Brian Kelly again showed good form to easily take the
first division by three shots from Arthur Hancock with Serge Straeten just
losing out in the count back for second place.
Frank Sinclair, after placing almost every time that he
played, at last secured his first win at The Haven by two clear shots.
Malcolm Clare, having begun to recover from Lawyer
Bill’s prophecies of doom, took second place ahead of the chasing Bob
Lindborg and Trevor Edge.
The blow up of the day had to be Tatsumi Noguchi who
compiled 24 points on the outward nine and only needed another 14 for second
place, but managed a meagre 10 points to finish nowhere.
Back at The Haven Richard Livingston, the resident PGA
Professional welcomed new member Peter Saktor and welcomed back Tatsumi
Noguchi, Trevor Schirmer and Al Rolnik.
The twos, including the previous carry over, were shared
between Dave Stockman, Igor Saktor and Trevor Schirmer.
What a scramble at Green Valley!
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the Bunker
The Bunker’s popular monthly two day event was held at
the magnificent Green Valley Golf & Country Club on Thursday and Friday,
10th and 11th April. This time the format was a three-ball scramble and nine
teams were entered.
At the end of the first day it became clear that a tight
finish would be inevitable as the fancied team of Bob Lindborg, Lamud
Chaidara and Usa Chaiyosit headed Roy Mitchell, Wilf Latham and Remy Guy and
the minnows, John Preddy, Len Jones and Brian Maddox, with only 0.4 of a
point separating them.
The second day is always tougher than the first with the
mental pressure mounting as mistakes are made. Harry Riley, Saranya and
Ciano Glavina were making moves up the table and Ciano’s celebration after
sinking a birdie putt on the ninth was recorded as a sonic boom at nearby
Utapao airbase!
Also lurking ominously were the previous month’s
winners, Terry Phur, Mikael Andersson and John King. Their precision golf
saw them top the lists at the end of the competition with a two-day total of
124.6, twenty under par.
Only 0.2 of a shot back were the aforementioned Harry,
Saranya and Ciano whilst the so called “no-hopers” in the shape of John
Preddy, Len Jones and Brian Maddox kept their heads and showed what can be
done with absolute concentration and commitment to finish third on 127.6.
It was a pleasure to play in this month’s competition
and already plans are being made for May’s extravaganza.
Diana Group Golf
Seniors & Ladies April Open
The next tournament, exclusively for Seniors (50-64),
Super Seniors (65+) & Ladies (any age) will be held at Pattaya Country
Club on Thursday April 24.
Program
* Booked tee-off times from 10 a.m.
* Format: Stableford (handicap qualifying)
* Transport leaves Diana Inn, 9 a.m. (B.100 return fare)
* Prize presentation at Pattaya Country Club
* Trophy and prize for best score in each division
* Prize for runner-up in each division
* Technical hole prizes for near pins & long putts
* Sign-up at:
* The Green Bottle or
* Diana Group Driving Range
All Seniors, Super Seniors and Ladies welcome
The Sharp Edge
IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven
Monday 7th April
Century Chonburi
Bogey
1st: Trevor Edge, 5 up
2nd: Steve Nowell, 2 up
3rd: Ashley Archibald, 1 up
4th: Stephen Beard, all square
The holiday meant a slightly longer trek than normal to
the nether reaches of the 331, but the trip was worth the effort as the
course was found to be in excellent condition and almost deserted, which
enabled the four balls to complete their rounds in under four and a half
hours.
Trevor Edge started the week, as he was to finish it, in
high style, recording his best return since the commencement of his series
of lessons with Richard and easily ran out the winner by 3 clear shots.
Steve Nowell took his second podium position in seven
days with Ashley Archibald and “The Doc” in close attendance.
There were no twos on the day, so the pot was carried
forward to Khao Kheow on Wednesday.
Prior to the prize giving Richard Livingston, the
resident PGA Professional, welcomed new member Michael Brutsch from
Switzerland.
Wednesday 9th April
Khao Kheow
Stableford
1st: Pete Murray, 39
2nd: Jimmy Little, 37
3rd: Yazuo Suzuki, 36 cb9 18
4th: Graham Johnson, 36 cb9 16
5th: Brian Kelly, 35 cb9 18, cb6 15
6th: Igor Saktor, 35 cb9 18, cb6 11
Playing from the yellow tees was no problem for the long
hitting “Shaky Pete”, as he swept to victory over the rest of the field
by two shots. He attributed his success to his “steady putting” (sic)
and not having the pressure of playing with his long time partner Richard,
who is on holiday in Costa Rica.
Jimmee Little made a welcome return to form to snatch
second place from the chasing pack led by the “Old Samurai” Yazuo and
international snooker star Graham.
Brian Kelly, who was playing his last game before his
annual pilgrimage to Alderney, and Igor Saktor rounded out the prizewinners.
The twos, including the carry over, were shared between
Rick Bevington, Al Rolnik, Graham Johnson and “Lawyer Bill” who had two,
which matched his watchword, “one is never enough”.
Friday 11th April
Siam Country Club
Monthly Medal
1st Division 0-15
1st: Stephen Beard, 67
2nd: Yazuo Suzuki, 68
3rd: Bill Kirkpatrick, 71
2nd Division 16 plus
1st: Trevor Edge, 66
2nd: Rick Bevington, 67 cb9 33, cb6 20.4
3rd: Serge Straeten, 67 cb9 33, cb6 20.7
Following the loss of Phoenix, the traditional home of
the Monthly Medal, due to excessive price increases, this month’s medal
was held over the oldest course in the area. Some may say the greens are too
slow and the fairway surround too difficult, but the course always plays the
same for everyone on the day. Indeed the greens were slower than most other
courses around, but the scores showed that with application and ability a
good score was possible.
“The Doc” completed a good week’s golf, appearing
on the podium each time that he played, shooting his best score for a while
to hold off the “Old Samurai” Yazuo by a shot with “Lawyer Bill”
under par, in close attendance. Yazuo and Bill were both playing their last
games in The Land of Smiles for a while before returning to their respective
homes, the former to polish his Harley Davidson’s and the latter to
continue his studies in medicine following his successful diagnostics in the
diabetes field.
In the second division, Trevor Edge went one better than
his previous win of the week much to the surprise of both Rick Bevington and
Serge Straeten who both must have thought that they had done enough to win.
To make up for his disappointment in not winning another
Monthly Medal, Serge “The French’s Mustard Man” Straeten shot the only
two of the day to scoop the pool, which was a considerable achievement on a
Monthly Medal day.
Back at The Haven there were many farewells to those
residents and visitors alike who are decamping to other countries and areas
of Thailand to escape the notorious Pattaya Songkran Festival, which will
see the city deserted by all but those related to ducks.
Final scramble for Shenanigans 2003 Funhill Cup
Mike Franklin
This year’s Shenanigans Funhill Cup is an 11.30 a.m.
shotgun start playing the South and East nines at Plutaluang Navy Golf
Course, with the field limited to 120 players. At time of going to press
there are a few places left, so sign-up at Shenanigans.
The pairs scramble format guarantees an enjoyable day of
golf, as does the Bloody Mary and a slice of Chef Sunny’s Brunch Pie to
start you off, a Heineken on the course and, back at Shenanigans, the
renowned Shenanigans Carvery, presentation of trophies & prizes and the
lucky draw.
The entry fee of 1500 baht also includes green &
caddy fee, the Funhill Cup 2003 shirt, a sleeve of Shenanigans Dunlop
Advance Ti balls, and an extended Happy Hour to 8.30 p.m. Dunlop Maxfli will
also be doing something special at the South course, Par 3 fourth hole.
Entry forms with full details are available on the golf
notice board and behind the bar at Shenanigans. Alternatively, contact Mike
Franklin direct for more information on 01 861 8036, or e-mail to [email protected]
Don’t miss the fun on Funhill Day, Friday April 25th.
Why not join us too, for the pairs scramble warm-up on
Tuesday April 22nd playing South & East at Plutaluang. This is one of
Shenanigans Very Friendly Golf Society’s fortnightly Tuesday outings,
postponed for a week due to Songkran. Then a week later on Tuesday 29th
April we go to Pattaya Country Club for a Pairs Combined Stableford.
Sign-up for all of these at Shenanigans.
P.S.C. Golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Monday April 7
Noble Place
(Stroke)
Normally at this time of the year the numbers playing
declines dramatically, so it was very pleasing that 36 golfers decided to
take the long trip out to Noble Place. Noble Place has had a lot of work
carried out on the course in the last few months so with a fine layout this
is getting to be a good venue for the ‘proper golfer’.
Ebrahim
Barry
Kerr
Peter
Van Derwork
With the Admiral taking his annual sojourn to his
‘Charm School’ in the States, it was Ireland’s own Mick O’Connor who
took the helm and ensured the day went smoothly.
The day was very hot and sticky and the scores were a
mixed bag. Taking the A flight was Serge Straeten with net 72 ahead of a
count back for second with net 73 which was won by Troy Misiac with Tatsumi
Nogoihi third.
In the B flight the best score of the day by far, a net
66, won the day for Peter Van Derwork. Peter Salker was second with net 73
and Mick O’Connor was third for the fifth competition on the trot, with a
net 75.
One ‘new’ for the day: we had one player who scored
over 200 gross. Certainly a first, can anyone go to 300?
Near pins: #A6 Peter Salker, #C3 Troy Misiac, and #C6
Troy Misiac.
Long putts: #A9 Mick O’Connor and C9 Stephen Cooper
Reade.
Thursday April 10
Siam C.C.
(Stableford)
Siam is always worth a visit and with the match vs. 3
Sisters postponed it was decided to go ahead and have a Stableford
competition amongst the players.
Siam is recovering from the winter and major surgery on
the greens and the 18th fairway, and is still a bit sick but in the recovery
ward; maybe this is the reason why when the scores started to come in they
were not as high as I had expected, also maybe due to the humid heat.
In the A flight, 0 to 19, we had a good old battle with
Ebrahim coming back to form and winning with a fine 40 points. In second
place and back in the fold from the cold of Europe, was Philippe Berra with
39 points whilst in third was Koji Yamada with 37 points in his last game
before his return home. Now you see me, and now you don’t, or life in
Pattaya.
In the B flight we had a runaway winner when Barry Kerr came in with 41
points. I knew Barry was onto a winner the moment I walked into the changing
room and saw him coming out of the showers, I knew a photo was in hand.
Second with 36 points was Big Pete Galle, and third was Ian Woo.
P.S.C. Golf from Bobby Joes 60’s Bar
Friday April 11
Century Bang Chang
(Stableford)
Yep, back to Bang Chang again. The players from Bobby’s
Bar seem to like it, maybe it’s because of the quality of the course,
maybe it’s because of the value, maybe it’s because Bang Chang and its
bars are close, but certainly not for the quality of its changing rooms
where a cold shower is a certainty.
Bobby
and Derek fiddle the results.
Bobby
presents to Prasan (L) and Andrew(R).
So it was that after one of Bobby’s free breakfasts we
loaded up and made the trip to Bang Chang to be met by a practically empty
golf course, and a hot humid day. The course as usual was a good test of
golf and after a pleasant round as we sat outside and enjoyed the view with
some liquid refreshments, we noticed the scores were not very good except
for our winner for the day, Andrew Long, who had a fine day.
Back at the ranch we were greeted by one of Bobby Joe’s
specials, spaghetti bolognaise, and very good it was and plentiful, many
seconds and thirds were noted. Then on to the presentations where the number
of shirts in the community was increased considerably.
Presentations over, and full up to the brim, it was time
to sit and reflect on the day, and as we all know golfers talk a better game
than they play, especially after a few beers.
Have a good, if wet, weekend. No golf at Bobby Joes on
Friday 18th of April, and I’ll be playing out of town.
Winner: Andrew Long
Near pins: Better Golfers #5 Derek Brook, #7 Peter Van
Derwork, #13 Prasan Boonsiri, and #15 Jeff Wylie. Not quite as good golfers:
#5 Didn’t Make It, #7 Also Slight Failure, #13 Rod Perrin and #15 Andrew
Long.
Long putts: #9 Derek Brook and #18 Andy Evans.
Lucky draw: Adrian Ayres
John Hillier has “a day” at Monthly Medal
IPGC Golf From Lewiinski’s
Sunday - April 6
Green Valley - White Tees
Monthly Medal
1st Place A Flight - Kevin Taylor - net 69
2nd Place A Flight - Graham Johnson - net 70
3rd Place A Flight - John McHugh - net 70
4th Place A Flight - Muffy Kerr - net 71
1st Place B Flight - John Hillier - net 64 - Monthly
Medal Winner
2nd Place B Flight - Yoonku Oh - net 67
3rd Place B Flight - Mark Grygiel - net 70
4th Place B Flight- Chris Fox - net 72
John Hillier, who hadn’t even placed in any competition
this stay, chose the right time to get it right, as he walked off with the
4th monthly medal of 2003. John’s score was tied the third lowest all time
in this the 35th Monthly Medal Competition. John’s exceptional effort
relegated a fine performance by Yoonku Oh to only second in B Flight, whose
net 67 would have won the medal most any other month. Mark Grygiel and Chris
Fox occupied the third and fourth positions on the podium, respectively.
Kevin Taylor continued his fine play of late by topping A
Flight with a very creditable 69. Kevin had just crept back up to a 10
handicap, but that will change with the next printing of the handicaps.
Graham Johnson had to go to count back to snatch second place in A Flight
from John McHugh. Muffy Kerr rounded out the last place in the upper flight.
Tuesday - April 8
Laem Chabang - A & B - White Tees
Stableford
1st Place A Flight - Klaus Schackt - 40 points
2nd Place A Flight - Mike Allidi - 37 points
3rd Place A Flight - An Kaesavane - 36 points
1st Place B Flight - Paul Photios - 41 points
2nd Place B Flight - Jim Munns - 37 points
3rd Place B Flight - Norm Robinson - 36points
One half of the Aussie Duo, Paul Photios, was man of the
match, and B Flight winner, with a fantastic 41 points. It was Paul’s
first win of his prolonged stay in Pattaya. Jim Munns notched the first of
what was to be three consecutive second places on the week. Stormin’
Norman Robinson filled out B Flight with a level to handicap 36 points. The
formidable duo of Klaus Schackt and An Kaesavane took first and third in A
Flight with Mike Allidi’s 37 points the only thing denying them the top
two rungs in A Flight. Both Klaus and Mike shot gross 77s.
Wednesday - April 9
Natural Park Hill - White Tees
Stableford
1st Place A Flight - Leigh Sienkiewicz -38 points
2nd Place A Flight - Klaus Schackt - 36 points
1st Place B Flight - Brian Maddox - 36 points
2nd Place B Flight - Jim Munns - 33 points
The other half of the Aussie Duo, Leigh Sienkiewicz, was
not about to be outdone by his sidekick Paul Photios. He shot a best on the
day 38 points off his 11 handicap to take first in A Flight. Steady Klaus
Schackt shot his handicap and came second in A Flight. Brian Maddox shot his
handicap as well and in so doing took his inaugural first place in a
Lewiinski’s Golf Club. He was joined on the two-place B Flight podium by
Jim Munns.
Friday - April 11
Natural Park Resort - B & C - White Tees
Stroke/Medal
1st Place A Flight - Joe Mooneyham - net 69
2nd Place A Flight - Bobby Driggs - net 70
3rd Place A Flight - Eddie Blackwell - net 70
1st Place B Flight - Paul Photios - net 69
2nd Place B Flight - Jim Munns - net 70
3rd Place B Flight - Joe McArdle - net 72
Joe Mooneyham ended a drought of some two months, albeit
he was one month in the States, by shooting a gross 82, net 69. Only a
couple of glitches on number 9 and number 18 prevented the score from being
very low. Bobby Driggs edged Eddie Blackwell on count back with a gross 79
net 70 performance. Bobby, who has played a lot of good golf in his life,
has been a fantastic addition to the membership.
In a continuing game of one-upsmanship, Paul Photios,
despite being cut a shot mid-week, put together his second victory of the
week. More cuts are a comin’. Mister “Silver Medallist”, Jim Munns
took the third consecutive B Flight second of the week. Joe McArdle shot
level to his handicap to take the last step in B Flight.
Monday was Paul Kraft’s lucky day
PSC Three Sisters Golf
Monday the 7th was Paul Kraft’s lucky day as he
squeaked by the field with 37 points, winning the bragging rights for the
day. Nipping at his heels was Dan Ratcliffe, also with 37 points. Don missed
3 short putts to hand over the bragging rights to Paul. He could have easily
won the day if one of his short putts went in.
Paul
Kraft (right) won bragging rights for the week, while the guy left
‘holding the bag’ was Rod Perrin (left).
Following close behind was steady Ian Edwards with 36
points. Ian was just short of the mark as he, too, missed a few putts.
Herb I. had a scare as the cards were being turned in. It
looked like he was getting a firm grip on the bag but it was suddenly ripped
away as “Big” Rod Perrin came in with a lower score. Herb was heard
thanking Rod for his generosity for taking the load for the day as his right
leg was hurting badly. Rod has been playing better golf the past few weeks
so he should be able to pass on the bag next week.
One of our regular members, Bob Moberg, has been going to a hospital in
Bangkok for radiation treatments. Our prayers are with him and hope he
recovers shortly and will be able to rejoin our Monday golf. We miss you Bob
- hope you get well soon.
Navy defeats all comers to win the Pattaya Cup 2003
Songklod Kaewvisit
The Navy team from Sattahip defeated Tong Nark, 2 goals
to 0, to win the coveted Pattaya Cup 2003, taking home the trophy and 50,000
baht in prize money. The runners up, Tong Nark, took home a trophy and
25,000 baht.
Chaicharn
Kiowsen, captain of the Navy team, accepts the championship trophy from
Pattaya deputy mayor, Wattana Jantanawaranont.
Pattaya
Cup 2003 champions - The Navy!
The grand finals of the Pattaya Cup were held Tuesday
evening, April 8 on Pattaya School No. 7’s pitch, and wound up the
competition, which began on March 24.
The closing ceremonies and the prize giving were presided
over by Pattaya deputy mayor, Wattana Jantanawaranont and special guest,
Chaicharn Kheowsen, former national team player. Hundreds of spectators
attended the final round of competition.
The grand finale of the local tournament saw plenty of
action, as the teams appeared evenly matched throughout the game. But it was
the Navy who stole the limelight by making two quick goals to win the match
and the series.
The most behaved and polite team throughout the series,
the Green Tree Pub, also took home a cash prize.
Somjet Sathabut was awarded star of the tournament and earned a trophy
and cash prize as well.
The Square Ring
Howie Reed
Happy water throwing days.
It’s now pretty certain that Lennox Lewis “The
Imperial One, will fight on June 21 against Kirk Johnson, as reported here
last week. At some point the people that run boxing are going to have to
come to the realization that just because someone is the champion (in the
case of the planet) they don’t have to fight real fighters.
Sure Hashim Rahman KO’d Lewis when Lewis took him
lightly but that aside these “phony fights’ hurt the sport. Even though
the fight is a couple of months away the PR drums are beating with the
rehabilitation of Johnson. For goodness sake, he lost to John Ruiz. Those
trying to sell the fight are saying he KO’d Lou Saveresse. So what?
One of my Amigos is the daughter of the legendary Archie
“The Ole Mongoose” Moore. Her name is J’Marie, aka J’Mo. J’Mo
wades in, “And what did you think about Lou Saverese? OmG (Oh My
Goodness)... I saw him age in the ring that night. It’s a shame when
father time catches up and nobody tells the BOXER; however, as I was once
told by th’ Ol’ Mongoose, ‘A good boxer knows when to say when’. Say
when Saverese!” Also “Say when boxing.”
If the above isn’t bad enough, the talk on the soi is
that Mike Tyson, on the same card, will face either Ray Mercer or Oleg
Maskaev. Hell, as bad as they are he ought to fight both of them. Just
bloody awful. The bottom line? Toss water, have a beverage, pray for a
backdoor party and FORGETITABOUTIT.
Unbeaten WBO 168lb champion Joe Calzaghe (35-0) is a darn
good fighter. His problem is enticing someone to the UK for a fight. Looks
like WBA 160lb champion William Joppy (34-1-2) has taken the bait. They’ll
fight in Newcastle on May 24th. This will be Calzaghe’s 13th defense of
the title. If successful, Calzaghe hopes to take on IBF/WBA 168lb champion
Sven Ottke later in 2003.
British sports journalist and TV presenter Phil Jones
ended a recent story on the Ricky Hatton - “Cool” Vince Phillips fight
with this little gem for what might provide some discussion at the various
Pattaya versions of the Algonquin Round Table. (The most famous of course
was presided over by the late Wayne Tischbern at the Nacho Noi, The Chicken
and the Hare House. Gone now but never forgotten.) “Peter Buckley became
the first British scrapper in 50 years to have 200 pro fights.
Congratulations Peter on achieving a memorable milestone. The fact that you
have lost 163 of those fights should not diminish your celebrations and hey,
hit the champagne pal because it will not matter if you over-indulge and
fall over ... its a position you are more than used to.”
If I was to ax you, “Who was the WBC lightweight
champion of the world from March 1998 to April 2000”, what would you say?
If you said Roy Jones jr., no relation to Sports writer Phil Jones as they
come from different branches of the Jones Family, you lose the free bar fine
that wasn’t a prize in this contest. The correct answer is “Graziano
Rocchigiani”. Without going through the whole “Magilla” a judge in New
York issued that ruling last week. He wrote that Rocchigiani, “became the
World Boxing Council Light Heavyweight Champion upon defeating Michael
“Better Than” Nunn on 3/21/98 and remained the champion until in or
about April 2000.” The Good Dr. Suliman (WBC) maintained that the Michael
Nunn fight (Nunn is now in jail and will be for a long time) was not for the
world title. It was a misunderstanding. It “had been ‘typographical
errors.” Error this to the tune of $30,598,528 USD which was the amount of
the judgment against the WBC.
The attorney for Rocchigiani was quoted as saying,
“Judge Owen’s decision is courageous. It not only restores the title to
its rightful holder and makes the WBC accountable for its attempted TKO of
Rocchigiani’s career but it also injects a big dose of real world justice
into a sport that, for too long, has reeked of under-handedness and shady
dealings.” That may be a bit much but maybe it’s the first step.
Collecting the money is going to be a dancer of different
ability. Much of the revenue generated by the Mexico-based WBC comes from
sanctioning fights in the U.S. Attorney Richard Dolan said, “We intend to
execute every aspect of the judgment, from correcting record books to
collecting dollars - no matter how long it takes and who it affects. We are
in this fight to the finish.”
As a youngster growing up and out, notice the absence of
the word maturing, one of my favorite fighters was the late Archie Moore
(182-24-9). This was especially true after I watched him in one of the first
“live” fights telecast from coast to coast in the States. He fought Yvon
Durelle (89-24-2), the Fighting Fisherman, in Montreal December 10, 1958.
For 11 rounds Durelle pounded the heck out of the Ole Mongoose. For 11
rounds the Ole Mongoose pounded the heck out of Durelle. When the smoke had
cleared the New Brunswick native would make four trips to the canvas to
Moore’s three. The fourth Durelle knockdown ended the fight in the 11th.
As sometimes happens in defeat, Durelle became an even greater fighter in
the eyes of the boxing public. He gained cult status for his performance.
Even though the two fought again less than a year later, and Moore won in 3
via KO, the first fight made Durelle. In Toronto there is a Canadian Walk of
Fame. There is a move afoot (get it? “Walk” ... “Afoot?” “Clever
chap that boxing writer”) to add Yvon Durelle to that walk. Any of you old
time fans in the Land of Smiles that would like to add your 50 words or less
can do so on line at “canaaswalkoffame.com/nominations.html”. Yes you
can. How about them apples?
Fitness Tips: Stress and a BIG problem
G’day readers,
Here are a couple of interesting things that I came
across this week talking about the 2 biggest risks in the modern society at
large.
Stressful jobs
barrier to exercise
Work demands, stress and deadlines force employees to
forgo their exercise program, according to a new study published in the
Journal of Occupational Health and Psychology.
Researchers from Middlesex University (UK) surveyed 200
employees of a computer company about exercise intentions. They were
surveyed again a week later to see if they followed through on those
intentions. Results indicated that employees who were classified as
performing high-stress jobs with high demands and little control over their
work were less likely to exercise than their colleagues.
Employees who expressed an intention to exercise, yet
failed to do so, were most likely to blame work demands as their barrier to
exercise.
“People in high-strain jobs may not have the time for
exercise or they may be too fatigued to exercise because they need more time
to recover after the working day,” said lead researcher Dr. Nicola Payne.
Let’s put a little perspective into this; an interesting quote was dug up
by the staff at the Bangkok Post this week, I can’t recall the exact words
but it went a little like this: A sign of an impending nervous breakdown is
when an individual believes that their company would fall apart if they were
not the person doing their job.
Obese people pay more in medical costs
As weight increases, so too does health insurance costs,
reports a study in the January/February issue of the American Journal of
Health Promotion.
A study of 178,000 workers, retirees and family members
of the General Motors’ health care plan found that overweight and obese
people spend up to $1,500 more each year on medical bills compared with
people of healthy weight. The researchers analysed medical costs in relation
to individual’s weight. As weight increased, so did medical costs.
For people in the normal weight category health costs
averaged $2,225. For those in the lowest category of overweight medical
costs increase slightly to $2,388. For those in the highest weight category
health costs reached $3,753 per year. (Source: IRHSA - International Health,
Racquet & Sports Club Association)
Obesity epidemic tops 1.7bn
The number of obese people in the world may be as high as
1.7bn, experts have calculated. The International Obesity Taskforce (IOTF)
says that the current method of calculating obesity - which gives a figure
of around half of this - is flawed. This because it fails to take into
consideration the fact that Asian people seem to be more vulnerable than
other racial groups to the effects of excess weight. Professor Philip James,
IOTF chairman, said the under-estimate had contributed to a failure of
governments around the world to tackle the growing problem of obesity.
Speaking at a meeting of international obesity
specialists in Monte Carlo, Professor James said that appropriate medical
treatment was rarely provided to manage obesity. Yet, it was clearly
established that even a modest weight reduction and improved weight control
could bring health benefits, and relieve the burden on hard-pressed health
systems.
Whether or not a person is overweight is currently
defined by a measure called Body Mass Index (BMI), a calculation that
compares height and weight. (To calculate your body mass index, divide your
weight in kilograms by the square of your height in meters.)
For example if you are 6 foot tall and weigh 175lbs (for
the Americans) for the rest of us that’s 181cm and 79.5kg - you calculate
it like this:
BMI = kg/h2
= 79.5/(1.81)2
= 79.5/3.27
BMI = 24.31
A person with a BMI of 25 and above is defined as
overweight, and somebody with a BMI of above 30 is obese.
However, an expert group from the World Health
Organization, of which Professor James is a member, says that Asian people
with a BMI of only 23.3 may be at increased risk of obesity-related
diseases. The IOFT estimates that a significant proportion of the 3.6
billion people who live in Asia have a BMI above this figure.
Big problem
Asian people appear to be particularly at risk because
they have a tendency to collect fat in the stomach area, where it is thought
to have the most significant impact on health. Professor James said, “The
problem of abdominal obesity seems to be particularly marked in Asia. In
other words, you can be relatively, modestly plump but you selectively
accumulate the fat in the abdomen. When it is there it amplifies the
risk.”
Professor James said there was a wide spectrum of risk
factors related to obesity, which when viewed as a whole, have a tremendous
impact on health. “By tackling overweight through improvements in diet,
activity levels and treatment, we can have a far reaching effect on what is
already a huge health burden from cardiovascular diseases and type 2
diabetes. It is clear that extreme forms of obesity are rising even faster
than the overall epidemic and we are witnessing a real health tragedy
unfolding.”
In the USA the percentage of black women with morbid
obesity - a BMI of 40 or more - has doubled in less than a decade to 15%.
Overall 6.3% of US women - that is one in 16 - are morbidly obese. Professor
Arne Astrup, president-elect of International Association for the Study of
Obesity said, “There is a global obesity epidemic which underpins the
increasing levels of non-communicable diseases which are forecast to explode
in the next 20 years. ... It is vital that we take a more serious approach
to the treatment of the huge numbers who are obese, as well as introducing
effective measures to prevent the problem getting worse.”
The World Health Report 2002 estimated that more than 2.5
million deaths annually are weight related and forecast this could rise to 5
million by 2020. Deaths directly related to obesity have been estimated at
320,000 a year in Europe and more than 300,000 in the USA.
Please bear in mind that the calculation of BMI does not
take into account an individual’s muscularity, as, if you carry a lot of
muscle for your height, BMI alone will indicate that you are overweight,
etc.
A measure of body fat percentage will help add clarity to
it but the best measure is a specific gravity test, as errors in measurement
are greatly reduced over the rather inaccurate body fat test. So, if you get
a number greater than 25 on the BMI don’t be disheartened, get a second or
qualifying opinion from a registered professional. Regular exercise and
healthy eating will reduce a high BMI, with good advice and qualified
supervision.
Carpe’ Diem
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