|
Ocean Marina Yacht Club 8th Anniversary Regatta - the beginning of a new era for Sailing in Pattaya
Story & photos by Brendan Richards
Challenging conditions and abrupt wind changes proved
taxing during the recent Ocean Marina Yacht Club 8th Anniversary Regatta. A
fleet of well over 40 vessels ranging from the tiny Optimists to the large
mono-hulls and everything in between took to the waters for the first
regatta organized by the Ocean Marina Yacht Club as part of the hotel’s
eight anniversary celebrations.
 Nusara
Banyatpiyaphod (right), executive director of the Ocean Marina and Kirati
Assakul (left), chairman of Ocean Life Insurance Co. Ltd. after cutting the
birthday cake toast guests to 8 successful years in business.
The two-day event saw skippers tested to their limits on
the first day as the larger boats sailed a long course, coping with the
constant wind shift, while the smaller classes, Optimists, Enterprise
dinghies and multi-hull Lasers battled it out closer to the mainland,
providing some very stiff competition among the navy sailors.
 All
the winners posed on stage for a group photo.
Meanwhile back on dry land preparations were underway for
the main event, a cocktail party and prize-giving presentation on the
waterfront lawn of the Ocean Marina Hotel.
By late afternoon the first of the boats sailed into the
marina. First was the Phuket 8-Alakazam. Designed for Asian conditions and
built in Phuket, this lightweight vessel moves very quickly in light winds
and as such carries a high race handicap.
 A
large number of Platu mono-hulls took part in the Ocean Marina Yacht Club
8th Anniversary Regatta. These small boats are becoming increasingly popular
on the Eastern Seaboard.
Next in, was the Magic Roundabout skippered by Gary
Baguley and then the very competitive and popular Platu sports boats before
the enterprise dinghies and Optimists beached on the opposite side of the
marina.
 The
Magic Roundabout took line honors in the large mono-hull class at the Ocean
Marina Yacht Club 8th Anniversary Regatta.
As time drew near, the marching band began as the guests
of honor arrived including Admiral Thaveesak Somapha, president of the Thai
Yacht Racing Association and the party began as sailors of all age groups
filed in for the superb buffet and copious quantities liquid refreshments.
 The
Phuket 8- Alakazam was first in to dock but due to the high race handicap
was ranked fifth in the Sports Boat class.
Bill Gasson, Ocean Marina Yacht Club 8th
Anniversary Regatta organizer said that he was very pleased the way the race
went and that the future of sailing in Pattaya and Thailand is bright. A
sentiment echoed among the yachting fraternity and the government as they
eagerly await the implementation in the reduction of taxes on vessels.
 Mariner
flags flying high at the Ocean Marina Yacht Club’s anniversary
celebrations.
As with any anniversary, a cake-cutting is part and
parcel of the tradition, and it was Nusara Banyatpiyaphod, executive
director of the Ocean Marina and Kirati Assakul, chairman of Ocean Life
Insurance Co. Ltd who performed the honors.
Nusara Banyatpiyaphod then went on to say in her
welcoming speech, “Today is the first regatta run by the Ocean Marina
Yacht Club and it is just the beginning. We hope that this will become an
annual event and boost the profile of sailing in the region. I would also
like to thank Bill Gasson for the support and organizing the regatta.”
All said and done the skies lit up with a spectacular
fireworks display drawing numerous ‘oohhhs’ and ‘ahhhs’ from sailors
and guests, and then it was time for prize-giving.
In the Optimist class, the girls took pride of place with
Sai Chimsawas winning the first place trophy and Benjamas Poonpat in second
place.
The Enterprise Dinghies, the favorites in the regatta,
who were also numerous, were the navy boys as Chief Warrant Officer 1st
class Arkanae Poorahong and Ensgin Somkiat Somrak took the first place
trophy.
Naval training and knowledge of the sea obviously had a
benefit as Petty Officer 1st class Manas Pothong and Chief Warrant Officer
1st class Jullapong Janyim went home with the Laser Class trophy.
On to bigger fish, Vivache captained by the energetic
Francesco Branaccio took home the golden crystal trophy in the multi-hull
class.
The Sports Boat class had a larger field to compete with
and based on the handicap system it was Platu 130, skippered by Navee
Huangchumnor who collected the winner’s cup while the larger mono-hull
class, the Magic Roundabout was back in the winner’s circle with Pook,
collecting the grand prize presented by Admiral Thaveesak as Gary Baguley
sauntered in the background graciously allowing someone else to take the
glory.
In all it was a spectacular event interlaced with glitz and hard racing
and plenty of blood and sweat involved. The Ocean Marina Yacht Club 8th
Anniversary Regatta is to be considered just the beginning of a new era in
Eastern Seaboard yachting.
J Sea Hunter pulls
in the big one
Harry,
on holiday from Belgium, and his 3 mates staying at the Friends Hotel on
Second Road rented the J Sea Hunter on January 6. They fished off Koh Pai
along with several other fishing boats and they caught a cracking 28 kilo
Sailfish. It took 30 minutes to land the fighting beauty.
Lawn Bowling League
Tilac wins official BISL opening tournament
Dirk Brijs, Captain of the Dollhouse team
Last Sunday the Bangkok International Softball league
officially opened the 2004 season with its ceremonial one-pitch tournament.
Of course the Dollhouse Team was present.
We were even present with 2 teams. We shared honors with
our brothers coming out of the Pattaya Sports Club (softball). The Dollhouse
team did only play the opening game against last year’s champion Tilac to
see how far we stood with our preparation for the actual league start.
Defensively we stood our man but as expected offense
stayed a bit behind. Keeping the mighty Tilac bats to only 7 runs (fewest
scored against any team), our own bats kept dangling on a first inning run
scored. Final score 7-1.
After that it was the turn for the Pattaya Sports Club
players to show their skills. Playing their first team against the Taiwan
Hunters they came out smoking behind again with solid pitching of Alan.
It took 3 innings though to open the flood doors as the
first 2 innings stayed scoreless for Pattaya. Top of the third it finally
started. Scott Torgusson came up big with a bases loaded triple. He single
handedly took 4 RBI of a total of 6 runs scored to take the lead 6-4. After
that it seemed like the will of the Hunters was broken as they didn’t
score any more runs and the final score after 7 innings was 9-4.
Second game was against a mixed team from Larry’s Dive
who slotted in some of the Dollhouse guys in their line up as they started
the tournament short of people. Amazingly the Pattaya bats fell silent and
Larry’s Dive scored slowly but gradually their runs. Due to some
unnecessary errors in the Outfield the final score was 1-6 for Larry’s
dive.
Although 2 losses I still think this tournament was a big
success for both teams and we for sure had a lot of fun playing in it.
The Dollhouse team seems ready for next week to start off
the season. Our first games will be Saturday, January 17 on the fields of
the Royal Bangkok Sports club where we play the local team RBSC.
All people interested in having a look at those games are
welcome to join us as we play at 12 noon that day.
Also I would like to ask all people interested in joining
our team to please come out and pay a visit to The Dollhouse Bar on Walking
Street where you can get all information needed to join us in some games or
you can always contact me at [email protected].
And last but not least a big thank you to all players of
the Pattaya Sports Club Softball team in joining us in the tournament and
making this another very happy event.
Peacock Place Indoors
Bowling and Snooker Leagues
Mixed Double Bowls numbers were increased by one new team
this week named “Spotty Dog” - something to do with a family pet.
Paul and Nud gave our regular teams a bit of a shock
before going down but it had to take a shot of the day last bowl drive from
Gerry of Gin to knock out their shot wood and claim 5 to win the match 10 -
8.
Love Nest then took on Spotty Dog to win 10 - 3 and just
stay atop in front of Double Trouble who overcame the resistance of
Yellowbirds 6 - 4.
The ladies were a little short this week with Danny Sue
beating Mam 12 - 4 and Nid keeping up the very close title chase with a win
over Mam 12 - 6, but anyone can still win the league.
Snooker is becoming very tight but Danny managed to hold off the flying
George 50 - 45 in a top of the table clash. Derek squeezed past Danny 50 -
48 taking the last two colours with the luckiest shot of the week - a top
cushion double to bulk on the black.
Ladies Singles
Peacock Sue 5 4 0 1 37 27 8
Nid 7 3 1 3 60 54 7
Danny Sue 8 3 0 5 45 65 6
Banjob 4 2 1 1 31 23 5
Mam 6 2 0 4 36 49 4
Lek 4 2 0 2 33 24 4
Mixed Doubles
Love Nest 9 5 1 3 57 59 11
Double Trouble 7 5 0 2 52 43 10
Peacock 5 4 0 1 75 25 8
Gin 9 3 1 5 54 80 7
Yellowbirds 6 3 1 2 48 32 7
Thaied 3 1 1 1 21 28 3
Bakehouse 5 0 0 5 23 54 0
Spotty Dog 2 0 0 2 11 20 0
Snooker
Danny 13 8 0 5 721 550 16
George 9 7 0 2 592 343 14
Derek 10 7 0 3 473 476 14
Eddie 8 6 0 2 438 371 12
Bill 7 5 0 2 362 281 10
Danny Sue 12 3 0 9 507 635 6
Peter 11 3 0 8 446 630 6
Daryl 6 3 0 3 279 276 6
Mike 2 0 0 2 73 142 0
Brian 6 0 0 6 232 419 0
Golden Coin hangs on to lead after defeat
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
Not much change in standings this week, Golden Coin still in
first after losing 3-1 to Alt Kolle although Mio had a 583 scratch. Cafe
Kronborg Beat Jack & Tar 3-1 while VFW Post 9876 was taking 3-1 from Cafe
Ole. Therefore they are still tied for second place a mere 4.5 games behind
Golden Coin.
In other games Shakey Petes beat Nice & Sleazy 3-1. Night
Life took Nam Tip 4-0 on the high series of the day by Somrak with a 603 scratch
and Ken bowled a 511, Brother D and Three Sisters went 2-2.
There was a double double in 200 bowlers as both Mio and
Somrak had two games each over 200.
Standings, January 16
Golden Coin 1-3 62-34
Cafe Kronborg 3-1 57.5-38.5
VFW Post 9876 3-1 57.5-38.5
Jack & Tar 1-3 54-42
Shakey Petes 3-1 51-45
Three Sisters 2-2 47.5-48.5
Night Life 4-0 44-52
Alt Kolle 3-1 43-53
Cafe OLE 1-3 42-54
Brother D 2-2 41.5-54.5
Nam Tip 0-4 40-56
Nice & Sleazy 1-3 35-61
Pattaya Pool League
Wednesday Quiz League
An eventful week
IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven
Monday, January 12
Century Bang Chan
Stroke play
1st Division
1st: Michael Dige, 69
2nd: Sven Berthlesen, 74 cb9 38
3rd: Tom Breslin, 74 cb9 40
2nd Division
1st: Brian Kelly, 78
2nd: Roy Thornton, 80
3rd: Kenneth Priddy, 82
The day started promisingly but finished a disappointment
for many of the days hopefuls as unseasonable rain swept the course in the
later part of the day causing heavy flooding of the final greens and making
it impossible for some to complete their rounds. Those that did continue
found it more than difficult over the closing holes, to which their scores
attested.
Michael Dige took the first division with the benefit of
a new driver and a new proper length putter which helped him to an excellent
gross 74 and a margin of 5 shots from Sven Berthlesen, one of his playing
partners, who suffered more than most dropping five shots over the closing
four holes. Tom Breslin just lost out on count back and took third place.
In the second division Brian Kelly stayed the course to
win with one of the highest winning scores in memory from Major Roy who
started a mini streak of form in the week and Kenneth Priddy in third.
The Ladies division did not produce a finisher and the
prize was carried forward to the next outing.
The twos were shared between Sven Berthlesen, Bob Duxbury
and Fred Ewins.
Before presenting the prizes Richard Livingston, the
resident PGA Professional, welcomed new members Kjell and Kristin
Christiansen and also welcomed back Chang Suh, Gordon Langtry, Doug and
Wendy Hollingsworth, Bob and Pat Duxbury, Les and Jean Utting, Mashi Kaneta
and Ken Sale only some of whom managed to get in a full round but still
maintained it was worth the trip.
Wednesday,
January 14
Khao Kheow
Bogey
A & B Course
1st: Peter Emslie, 4 up cb9 3 up
2nd: Mo Bertrand, 4 up cb9 2 down
3rd: Harald Gruber, 2 up cb9 3 up
4th: Takeshi Hakozaki, 2 up cb9 A/S
C & A Course
1st: Christoph Vielle, 6 up
2nd: Doug Hollingsworth, 2 up cb9 2 up
3rd: Steve Lockhart, 2 up cb9 2 down
4th: Brian Kelly, 1 up
Having started out to play Bangpra the players arrived at
the course to find that course management had overbooked it and the reserved
tee time had been moved back nearly an hour and a half. And so with some
lightning reaction by the organiser the whole competition was moved down the
road to Khao Kheow. The lateness of tee off determined that two tees should
be used and the day’s play would be split by courses played rather than
the usual first and second divisions.
A & B division was just won by Peter Emslie, after a
perplexing count back which initially had him in second place, from Mo
Bertrand who suffered agonies after a front nine that had seen him six up
only to fade away over the last three holes. Harald Gruber and Takeshi
Hakozaki had to be content with third and fourth respectively.
Christoph Vielle making a rare appearance swept away the
A & C division with a great round that saw him beat Old Man Par by six
holes. Doug Hollingsworth finished the course this time out to take second
by count back from Steve Lockhart with Brian Kelly who again showed form in
fourth although 6 shots better than when he won on the previous occasion.
The carried over Ladies pot was won by Christina Tilly
from Wendy Hollingsworth by two shots.
The twos were shared between Lars Bjorg Back, Pete
Murray, Christoph Vielle, Sven Berthlesen, Takeshi Hakozaki and Peter
Emslie.
Back at The Haven Richard welcomed new members Lars Back,
Christina Tilly, Martin Jensen, Joe Kirkpatrick, Eberhard Stoll and Frank
and Lorraine Scott. The latter two did not in fact manage to hit a ball as
they had the benefit of travelling with the organiser who succeeded in
locking himself out of his car on arrival at the course and all efforts to
open it were thwarted until late afternoon. But they did have a walk round
the course to see what they had missed on their first trip to Thailand.
Friday, January 16
Noble Place
Stableford
Ladies Division
1st: Karlotta Einarsdothir, 34
2nd: Wendy Hollingsworth, 29
Gentlemen’s Division
1st: Fred Ewins, 42 cb9 23
2nd: Eberhard Stoll, 42 cb9 22
3rd: Michael Dige, 40
4th: Roy Thornton, 37
5th: Doug Hollingsworth, 34
The trip up the 331 turned out to be well worthwhile as
the course was in excellent condition, and with the price of green and caddy
fee one of the best in the area, top golf for bottom dollar and far away
from Pattaya not to be crowded.
Karlotta Einarsdothir playing off her nine handicap
easily won in the ladies division with Wendy Hollingsworth in second for the
second time running.
Fred Ewins started the day desperate to keep ahead of
Dave Lee in the handicap race to 27 and achieved that aim with a stunning
round that saw him finish at six under and the completion of a life time
record round which included a five under on the back nine. Eberhard Stoll
just lost out on the count back to take second. Michael Dige put in another
scintillating eighteen holes of seventy three gross to claim third ahead of
Major Roy, the latter who had another round to add to his now seemingly
endless material for his lecture tours of the local drinking establishments
having rehearsed them at least three times with all the patrons of The Haven
individually.
The twos were shared between Michael Dige, Karl Holm and
Karlotta Einarsdothir.
Prior to the presentation Richard welcomed new member
Edward Richards and also welcomed back Vance Millar.
Ya & Bill Hewitt in
two-day tie at Green Valley
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the Bunker
The Bunker’s first two-day event of the year was held
at Green Valley on Monday and Tuesday, January 12 and 13.
Twenty hopefuls took to the course on a day which was
heavily overcast and threatened rain. The format this time was individual
stableford over thirty six holes and by the time the leading group had
reached the turn the heavens opened and the course quickly became flooded.
It was decided to call it a day after all had completed
nine holes and the tournament was reduced to 27 holes. First day winners
were Saranya Chaiyanont, Bill Hewitt, Pat Murphy and Paul Houlker, all
recording 21 points.
The second day dawned with brighter skies and the final
group was composed of the first day leaders, so a tense battle was
guaranteed. As the day wore on it became clear that the final result would
be close as first John Hughes returned a score of 37 points to give him the
clubhouse lead on 53, only to be usurped by Gene Scalf’s two-day total of
55 points. In the penultimate group scratch golfer Keith Smithson took the
course by the scruff of the neck and shot a gross 71 giving him 37 points
also. When the final group made it to the clubhouse weary faces broke into
smiles as both Saranya and Bill Hewitt signed each others cards with
identical scores. They had taken the tournament to a tie. The Bunker does
not use a countback system and so both players shared the winning prize.
Gene Scalf’s six under par back nine had also assured
him of third place. During the two days there were five birdie two’s and
the recipients celebrated their award in much better cheer than Robert
Knutsson, for whom the thought of returning to Sweden the next day was too
much to bear and his bags would be heavier with the inclusion of the Bunker
Banana Booby for his low total of just thirty points.
The Bunker’s two-day events are always fun days and a
stern test of golf and consistency and next month sees a thirty-six hole
medal event at the same venue, weather permitting, of course.
Kevin Wilson the pick at
Bangpra
On Thursday, January 15, the Bunker Boys took to the road
again for their weekly medal round, this time at Bangpra International Golf
Club, and found the course and its legendary fast greens, expanses of water
and mature trees in immaculate condition. A blaze of colour and the antics
of the monkeys could not distract the twenty-nine golfers as they set about
their task under cloudless skies in two divisions, cut at 15 and under.
The course is always a challenge and steady golfers tend
to do well and in division two PJ Redmond shot a canny net 76 points, a long
way behind Patrick Murphy’s net 70. The round of the day was produced by
Kevin Wilson whose net 68 was destined to take the second flight.
Division one was a tenser affair as first Steve Nowell
recorded a net 74, which included a triple bogey on the last, and John
Hughes returned a net 73 which included a two shot penalty because another
caddy in his group marked a putting line on a green. There were no such
tribulations for Mikael Andersson however, and his long hitting helped him
to record net 71 and take the top prize.
The Bunker Super Sawng award was shared by John Hughes,
Keith Smithson, Gene Scalf and Frank Baker, whose thirty-foot putt on the
twelfth gave him his first proper prize in three years at the Bunker.
Newcomer Bill Pygall was red-faced after his efforts had brought him a net
93 off his ten handicap and remained so when he received the Bunker Banana
Booby later in the evening. But all had shared an enjoyable day’s golf on
a beautiful course.
PSC Golf from Bobby Joe’s 60’s Bar
Friday January 16
Khao Kheow
Stableford
Once more dear friends into the valley of Khao Kheow,
with loins girded for the fight with one of Bobby’s fine free breakfasts,
then up the road to take on the monster we all love to hate for the second
day in a row, and no we are not talking about Bobby Joe. I don’t know
though!
 Bob
and Max present to the winner Roger Koeler and runner up Greg Coldwell.
The day before I had spent time going through the start
sheet at Kheo Kheow to try to get more groups in and they had kindly moved a
couple of groups around to enable us to get our extra players a start time.
Still we knew, or thought, it was going to be a slow day so we arrived early
and changed fast expecting to wait a long time. Reporting to the starters I
was told we were playing A & C and we could go off straight away.
Arriving at the tee there was nobody in sight, so off we went and spent a
fine day on the course, and as fast as we went, we never spotted a soul
ahead. Weird innit?
The longer I am playing Golf here the more I realise I am
a blind man in the land of the sighted, but it would be nice to be the one
eyed man.
 Max
presents to the technical winners.
Never you mind, it was a fine day on a great course in
good company in the best of weather. What more could one ask for. We’ll
yes, but it puts you off the real things in life, like hitting good golf
shots and the woods are not deep enough. I tell no lies! I don’t know
though!
Like the television show, points don’t matter at Bobby
Joe’s, only to the winner, and the organiser, and of course to me, I have
to take the photos and it is nice for the Ladies and the better looking
chaps to win. Unfortunately the ladies rarely do so I am usually left to the
rest, as handsome young chaps are in short supply at Bobby’s. Pretty
motley bunch really but they do have one advantage. Just see their wives and
ladies. Ah a Happy Bunch.
Talking of Tim and Bob they didn’t win either as Harry
and I sneaked in our match. Thought I would mention it as I know they would
want me to. Max worked hard getting the results sorted out, it’s not easy
with this lot but he does a good job and is an expert at letting people pull
my name out for the lucky draw, what a fine man.
So we got back finally to Bobby Joe’s and with his
normal efficiency Bobby proceeded to call out the winners and to do the
presentation, ably supported by Max and a Vodka and Tonic.
It really is amazing, and I say it every week, but in his
wisdom Bobby has timed his happy hour to coincide with the return of the
golfers, so a fine night is had by all except the really cheap charlies who
leave immediately after the free food. But beware, I feel sooner or later
Bobby will realise and happy hour will be abolished, or moved. Until then,
Cheers.
Winner: Roger Koeler; Second: Greg Coldwell
Near Pins: Brian Holden, Svend Berthelsen, Derek George,
Roger Koehler, Greg Caldwell
Long Putts: Jerry Kurtz, Herb Schwieterman
Lucky Draw: Bob Noble, Steve Davies, Derek Brook, Bob Benda, Nigel Perry,
Bob Lawrence
PSC Golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Monday January 12
Bangpakong
Riverside Course
Stableford
The beautiful and pristine Bangprakong was host for a
Stableford Competition in two Flights, A Flight 0 to 16, and B Flight 17 and
above.
As usual the course was in perfect shape with friendly
and courteous staff. The conditions on the day were very good on one of the
longest courses we play, well worth a visit. However it is most helpful when
you visit if you can get a lift with someone else.
 Johan
Reynisson,
A Flight winner on Monday.
On the day some fine scores were posted in both Flights.
In the A Flight Johan Reinisson won with a fine 40 points ahead of Steindor
Eidasson in second on 39 points. In third was Ebrahim with 38 points and in
fourth was Jerry Kurtz with 37 points.
In the B Flight the best score of the day was posted by
Prostur Johansson with a fine 44 points to win. Kenny Chung was second with
38 points ahead of a countback for third on 37 points won by John Swanson
with Pete King in fourth.
Near Pins: #4 Jeff Wylie; #7 Johan Reynisson; #13 Stu
McNicol; #16 Karlotta Einerstadt
Long Putts: #9 Paul Avery; #18 Barry Kerr
Thursday, January 15
Khao Kheow
Stableford
Always a well supported day, the sign up sheet was filled
up well in advance of the day of play and an expectant group of golfers
gathered at The Cafe Kronborg early in the morning to be loaded into the
transport for the trip.
 Prostur
Johansson,
B Flight winner on Monday.
The test for the day at Khao Kheow was the B & C Courses,
whilst not the toughest combination, they will do to be going on with and the
players found them difficult enough in the light winds. Indeed on the drive down
the driveway into the course the heavy dew could be seen deep and sparkling on
the course, a wet and fresh start to the day, but what a fine sight.
Once on the course it was nice to find it was a pretty free
run around, and this fine course provided a tough test with many of the tee offs
back near the blue tees due to work on the yellow tees. In the circumstances it
was not surprising we had few rounds that actually beat the par for the course
and the rest of the players were scrambling for a score.
 Paul
Avery, A Flight winner on Thursday.
In the A Flight, 0 to 18, we had a countback for the win on
40 points that was won by Paul Avery with Mike Gerrard in second place. In the
dust, way behind, we had a countback for third on 34 points won by Chuck
Carriere with Ted Morris in fourth.
In the B Flight, 19 up, we had a similar tale with the winner
Greg Caldwell winning with 39 points, the third round only to beat the course,
and the three way countback for second, third and fourth way back on 36 points.
In second we had Kenny Chung with Cilia Bosman in third and Kristinn Helgason in
fourth.
 Greg
Coldwell, B Flight winner on Thursday.
This is a fine day out and afterwards in the restaurant all
partook of the fine food, usually Khao Kheo Beef, and the cold beers.
Near Pins: #B3 Jimmy Flanagan; #B8 Takeshi Hakozaki; #C3 Greg
Caldwell; #C8 Julli Ingerson
Long Putts: #B9 Ebrahim; #C9 Nigel Perry
PSC fishing from the 60’s Bar
Derek Brook, P.S.C. Fishing Chairman
Happy days are here again with the influx of ‘real
fishermen’ and the increase in day fishing trips out. Combined with a pretty
calm sea and some fine fish the outlook looks bright.
 Oili
and Heiner Helling show off their black barracuda caught on the Dolphin.
Whilst I cannot be there for all the fish landed, reports of
a large shark, 9 ft., and various barracudas, rays, shovel nose rays and all the
various fish normally landed have been received from Frank Collin’s boat and
Captain Ting. King and Queen mackerel are still around and shortly the Mahi Mahi
will be arriving.
On recent fishing trips out of Bang Sarae I have seen the
Marlin sporting around the boat, and on the last trip Marlin jumped, twice,
alongside the boat. On getting onto the boat to go fishing on Wednesday, one
fair size Marlin was seen landed from one of the boats.
 Harry
catches a pompano.
The sea is magnificent at present, calm and blue, and it is
not only the chance of the ‘Big One’ but the whole day out that is the lure
of Sea and The Lure of Fishing.
Happy Fishing.
For more information on upcoming fishing trips please call the P.S.C. on 038
361 167.
Captain Pong of
the Dolphin.
Kitsana - a
typical Thai fishing boat.
Mickey Mouse Darts League
Rising Sun and Pleasure Dome keep up their 100% record by taking both
game and beer against Helicopter and Cheers respectively. Smugglers could
only keep 100% in games as they lost the beer in a hard fought battle
against Devonshire. PSI won their first points by taking all at Windsor
Tavern. 3 teams have yet to score a win, Cheers, Windsor Tavern and
Helicopter, as they lost all for the second week running. Sed from Windsor
Tavern scored a 180. Rumour has it that one of the Windsor Tavern players
was sober! But this as yet has to be confirmed
Results Jan. 16:
Matches Match Winner Beerleg Winner Under 10’s
Pleasure Dome/Cheers Pleasure Dome Pleasure Dome 3 - 4
Windsor Tavern / PSI PSI PSI 4 - 2
Helicopter / Rising Sun Rising Sun Rising Sun 10 - 6
Smugglers / Devonshire Smugglers Devonshire 6 - 9
Bunker / Palmers Palmers Bunker 4 - 8
League Table:
Team Won Lost Beerlegs Under 10’s Highest Checkout
1. Rising Sun 2 0 2 10
2. Pleasure Dome 2 0 2 10
3. Smugglers 2 0 1 13
4. Bunker 1 1 2 10
5. Devonshire 1 1 2 15
6. PSI 1 1 1 5
7. Palmers 1 1 0 18
8. Cheers 0 2 0 9
9. Windsor Tavern 0 2 0 11
10. Helicopter 0 2 0 19
Polo King’s Cup of Thailand
starts this week
The Siam Polo Park in Pattaya will be the venue for the
2nd Polo King’s Cup of Thailand.
The qualifying games will be held next Tuesday, January
27, with Thailand playing England and on Wednesday, Jan. 28, Germany will
take on Dubai. On Friday, Jan. 30 and Saturday, Jan. 31, the
non-participating club players will get a rare chance to play a few chukkas
with the world’s best.
The final will be held on February 1, between the winners
of the previous qualifying matches. Games will start at 3:30 pm. Spectators
welcome. The Siam Polo Park is located in Siam Country Club. Follow the
signs from Mabprachan Reservoir.
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
Remember last week in The Square Ring when I mentioned
the February 7 fight between WBA/WBC/IBF super lightweight champion
Kostya Tszyu and Sharmba Mitchell in Moscow? Not going to happen. Tszyu
initially withdrew due to an “unspecified injury” that turned out to
be a “torn” shoulder. He went under the knife for repairs last
Saturday. “It could have happened to anybody”, a spokesman said. This
would have been Tszyu’s first fight in over a year. It was a rematch of
a February 3, 2001 contest in Las Vegas. In that one Mitchell tried to
rough house Tszyu. Didn’t work so he “faked” a knee injury to get
the fight stopped. Some thought that “maybe” with age, injury and
inactivity Tszyu was ripe for an upset. No new date has been set.
There are many people that go around masquerading as
boxing fans. The next step? Masquerade as boxing experts. Memorize a few
names, find an obscure website to steal opinions from and you’re in
business. Here’s a way to “unmask the frauds among us.” Ask,
“who’s the best fighter pound- for- pound?” If the person mentions
Roy Jones Jr. anywhere in the top 10 he is a moron, a fake and a fraud.
Roy Jones Jr. fights no one that will challenge him in a division with
“no nothing” to offer.
This bring us to undisputable fact number #2.
Undisputed fact #1 being that Roy Jones Jr. is not a great fighter in
case you missed that subtle nuance. The Square Ring is the most widely
read boxing column written for the Kingdom and circulated around the
world. How do I know? Because I get e-mails from every continent.
Alastair from Australia e-mail’s: “Howie, Paul Briggs, Aussies next
light heavy world champ, sends his regards to U and is frustrated that
Roy Jones, WBC etc. will not arrange a title fight, like others he trains
daily, he is ranked but they all avoid him, as you have mentioned before,
for the future of our once great sport give a legitimate contender a fair
go mate!”
It’s difficult to asses the abilities of Mr. Briggs
(21-0, 17KO’s) as he’s had only one fight outside the friendly
confines of Australia. His one trip overseas was to fight James Green in
San Francisco. Green makes a living falling down so that was hardly a
test. No help there. Briggs ranked #7 (WBA and IBF) which is not a lot of
assistance as those ratings can be purchased like the #26 at places where
“lady walk to music.” Briggs does get a fight against Jesus Ruiz on
March 7 where the winner there gets the #2 WBC spot to move up to #1 when
Roy Jones takes a hike.
There has been a recent surge to use the rating found
in “Ring Magazine”. Tried that for Mr. Briggs. They have Roy Jones
Jr. as the best pound-for-pound and no mention of Mr. Briggs. USA Today,
the newspaper, lists its top 10 with two Australians mentioned. Anthony
Mundine (who won easily last week) and Danny Green (who’s title match
against Marcus Beyer was postponed as Green re-injured his hand). No Mr.
Briggs. That aside to my pal in Australia, a big Briggs fan, I write
“Why not and let’s have a lager mate. Fair dunkin.”
For many years Ricardo Lopez (51-0) fighting as a
minimum or straw weight was thought to be the best “pound-for-pound in
the world”. He was an astonishing 26-0 in title shots traveling the
world over from his home in Mexico City to fight whoever was the current
#1. Finally after a bout in Madison Square Garden he uttered the words
“No Mas.” His departure left the “little guys” in a state of
flux. In the two plus years since Lopez’s retirement no one has stepped
forward to take his place. Maybe that person will emerge from tomorrow
nights fight in Maracay, Venezuela when Noel Arambulet (20-2-1) and Chana
Porpaoin (52-2-1) fight for the WBA Minimumweight belt. It’s sometimes
useful to check the records in a way to define the boxers. The Champion
Arambulet would seem to give up the edge to Porpaoin in the experience
department. He does. The one “really quality fighter” he met, Joma
Gamboa, snuck away with a “split decision” (116-114,116-115,
114-116). Arambulet was the loser before the fight started as he failed
to make weight and surrendered the title. Gamboa got clocked in 2 by
Jorge Arce just a couple of weeks ago. There is a common opponent in
Yutaka Niida (15-1). Arambulet won a SD (115-114, 115-114, 114-116) while
Porpaoin lost 116-113, 116-113, 116-115.
Arambulet’s win did come when Niida was taking his
first fight in 26 months. It looks like the more experienced Thai is in
“Deep Maracay” tomorrow night in Venezuela.
Bad news for Thai Dent Sishsobha (8-6); he met WBA #5
ranked 115-pounder Katsushige Kawashima (25-3, 17 KOs) in Yokohama.
Kawashima pounded out the “Dent” dropping him three times before
closing at 1:23 of the second stanza. Closer to home, The Mall Shopping
Center, Taphra, Bangkok to be exact, WBO #3 superfly Pramuansak Phosuwan
(17-0, 10 KOs) retained his WBO Asia-Pasific superfly title, for the 8th
time, by destroying Salfukarov Bakitzan at 2:14 of the first stanza.
And finally the FBI probe of boxing in the North
America, but especially Las Vegas, continues on a daily basis. As
snippets of information leak out it’s apparent that when all the chips
have been stacked and counted there are going to be some people in jail,
some in hiding and maybe some even assuming room temperature.
What started as an investigation of boxing centered in
the “24 hour whatever you want City of Las Vegas” has widened beyond
the sport. Two specific fights are under investigation as dodgy with one
matchmaker for Top Rank already given his pink slip. Now the FBI has
expanded the probe to include money laundering, extortion, prostitution
and drug use. Which covers about everything people come to Vegas for.
When and where things end is anybody’s guess. When that time arrives
everybody will have a solution to the “problem”.
Sukhumvit derby spoils shared
MBMG International Casuals League - Week 7
It was the Sukhumvit derby in the latest round of matches
in the MBMG International League. The fixture has been lately dominated by
the Mighty Dubliner, who have not lost to their bitter rivals for two
seasons. With recent history on their side and facing a Bullshead team that
has only managed two victories from six games so far this term, an
undefeated Migthy Dubliner approached the game with confidence.
However, marshaled by the outstanding William Watts the
Bullshead weathered the initial attack of the Mighty Dubliner and soon began
to dominate the game. Indeed, without the brilliance of Jamieson, Mackernan
and Randal, playing with a heart that seemed to be so lacking from many of
the Mighty Dubliner players the Bullshead could well have been sitting on a
comfortable lead come half time.
With both defenses playing as though their contracts
depended on it nil nil looked a likely outcome until, with 15 minutes left,
substitute Bartkek Bowkouski came off the bench and, beating his man on the
six yard box, powered in an unstoppable header.
For the first time in the day the Mighty Dubliner seemed
stirred into action. They surged forward seeking the equalizer yet like a
storm barrier, everything repealed and rebounded off the ample frame of man
of the match, Watts.
Then, at the very death, when all seemed lost, a hopeful
ball swung into the box found Meilke, unmarked for the first time in the
game, to smash in the equalizer.
One all, points shared.
In the post match interview, Robbo manager of the Mighty
Dubliner humbly said “Those Yellow Dogs deserved to win today, we were
poor and some of our players need to take a long hard look at themselves,
especially the fat ones.”
Meanwhile, ominously for the rest of the league, the
Vikings, won their fourth game straight with a comfortable 2-0 win over
Pattaya, Mai Axe scoring a double. It was a disappointing result for
Pattaya, with manager Taylor aiming an angry broadside at the Pattaya board
at the end of the game: “I had eight fit players at the start of this
game. The Chairman needs to dig into her pockets so I can compete in the
transfer market.”
The faltering French were again beaten, by a lively
Bangkok United, 4-2. A furious Jean-Paul Le Blanc seethed, “The pitch is
too small! My team are professionals, who play a beautiful game, we cannot
play on Le Subbutteo!”
SCI, who produced a magnificent performance over
Christmas defeating the Bullshead for the first time in fifty years, crashed
back down to earth with a 4-2 loss to newcomers AFC Shrewsbury and Bangkok
Blitz claimed their first win for over two seasons against an overly
confident German All Star Team, coming from 2 behind to win 3-2. The British
Club were 2-1 winners over Pattana courtesy of a British Club throw in. The
ball, palmed into the back of the net by the Pattana goalkeeper, certainly
makes for the strangest own goal scored in the league for some time.
Results (Week 7):
The Dubliner 1 - 1 Bulls Head Brazilians
Les Gaulois de Bangkok 2 - 4 Bangkok United
Scandinavian Vikings 2 - 0 Racing Club Pattaya
Patana 1 - 2 British Club Casuals
SCI Gecko FC 2 - 4 AFC Shrewsbury
German All Stars 2 - 3 Bangkok Blitz
|
