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A youthful Leicester University trounce Pattaya Panthers 64 - 14
Neil Smith
A jet lagged and hung over Leicester University squad
arrived at Shenanigans on Saturday morning with slightly less enthusiasm
than they did the night before. They were loaded, very delicately, into
Songtaews (baht buses) and transferred to the grounds. The venue, as ever,
was Horseshoe Point and as always the facilities and service were superb.
 A
Leicester player, firing on all cylinders, breaks away to score one of the
many tries against Pattaya.
The Panthers were suffering for numbers due to the
temporary departure of a number of first choice players and also several
injuries. This situation was remedied by the import of several players from
other teams to fill the necessary gaps. However, in true local fashion, only
two out of the promised 15 players appeared. A big thanks to Big from RBSC
and Ron from the Southerners. Also the Panthers were able to rely upon our
favourite travelling Kiwi, Matt. He was inspirational throughout the game
and showed Kiwi rugby at its best.
Leicester
University (left) packs in for scrum against the Pattaya Panthers. The
younger lads were driving hard to beat the seniors in the match.
The game was played in 4 x 20 minute quarters. The end of
the first quarter saw Pattaya playing some nice controlled rugby and
Leicester still mentally removing themselves from Walking Street.
Unbelievably the Panthers went in 14 - 7 up. However, the heat, pace and age
of the team was starting to catch up with them and the Leicester boys were
starting to fire on all cylinders. Tries started to be scored with
increasing frequency throughout the game. The final score saw the Leicester
Uni boys victors by 64 - 14.
The after match function, both teams returned to
Shenanigans and a well earned carvery and a few free beers. A huge thankyou
to Kim Fletcher for his continuing support of the club. Man of the match
went to the Leicester fly-half who made damaging inroads all day.
A presentation was also made to Dan Schultes. Dan has
been a stalwart of the Panthers for several years now, despite his young
age. He is leaving to go to University in Canada and we wish him the best of
luck. The presentations were hosted by the indomitable James Howard
(chairman of the Pattaya Panthers). Jimmy played a large portion of the game
due to an injury to the writer! An amazing achievement at 60 years of age
playing against guys who are young enough to be his grand children!
If you wish to know more about the panthers please visit
them at:
www.pattaya-panthers.com
Next week’s Pattaya Marathon to honour HM the Queen
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
The Pattaya Marathon has been renamed the Pattaya
Queen’s Cup Marathon and will take place on Sunday July 18.
City and regional officials joined Tourism and Sports
Minister Sontaya Khunplome at a press conference in Bangkok last week, when
details of the 10th Pattaya Marathon were disclosed. In honour of HM the
Queen’s 72nd birthday, the event has been renamed the Pattaya Queens Cup
Marathon, and will include a wide range of activities before, during and
after the event.
 A
special royal envoy presented the Pattaya Queen’s Cup trophy and placed it
on display during the press conference.
The challenging full course will lead runners from
Pattaya to Jomtien on the Sukumvit Road and back to Pattaya along
Jomtien’s Beach Road, passing Telegraph Hill before reaching the finishing
line. Start & finish: Pattaya Beach Road, between Soi 4 and 5.
This year runners, who will be given memorial shirts for
the event, have a choice of classes to compete in: Marathon (42.550 km),
Wheel Chair Marathon (42.550 km), Half Marathon (21.10 k), Quarter Marathon
(10.55 k) or the Students Run (5 km). The first race starts at 3.20 a.m.
with the Wheel Chair Marathon, followed by the full Marathon at 3:30 a.m.
The Half Marathon starts at 5 a.m., Quarter Marathon at 6 a.m. and the
Students Run at 6.20 a.m.
 Russian
Victor Baranov who won in 2002 has reportedly accepted an invitation to
compete in this year’s Pattaya Queen’s Cup Marathon.
As part of the announcement at the press conference, a
royal envoy presented the Queen’s Cup Trophy and placed it on display.
Hotels are offering discount rates for participants as number are expected
to be in the thousands.
Fees:
Marathon/Wheel chair US$30 (till 11 July); US$45 (July 12-17)
Half Marathon . US$25 till July 15; US$35 July 16-18
Quarter Marathon US$20 till July 17; US$30 till July 18
Registration
Online at: http://www.pattaya -marathon.com/event.htm
By hand: Pattaya City, North
Pattaya, Banglamung, Chonburi 20260, Tel. +66 (0) 38371 123 ext. 108, Fax
+66 (0) 38 428 439. Athletic Association of Thailand Tel. +66 (0) 2564 3322;
Running Sport and Trophy Tel. +66 (0) 2 930 6089, 930 6505, 939 1219 Fax (66
2) 930 6406, Royal Garden Plaza Pattaya Tel. +66 (0) 38 710 294-8.
By post: Send your application form with a money
order or bill of exchange to P.O. Rongmuang, addressed to “S Y Synnorita
Co., Ltd.” 89/57 Bangkokbazaar, Ratchadamri Rd, Patumwan, Bangkok 10300,
Thailand and enclose a stamped self-addressed envelope before July 8
(stamped date)
By Bank
:Pay to “Pattaya Marathon” Krungthai Bangkok, Pattaya
Branch Account Number 221-1-45811-4 and fax a pay in slip and application
form to Pattaya City, fax +66 (0) 38 428 439
‘The Admiral’ takes precedence at the Plutaluang
PSC golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Monday June 28th
Plutaluang S & E Stableford
The Royal Thai Naval course was host on the South and
East Layouts for a Stableford Competition in two Flights, A Flight 0 to 15
and B Flight 18 and above. The Course on the day was in fine condition with
good hard fairways and true greens.
 Second
Third and Fourth
John Healy took the A Flight with 37 points ahead of the
ever steady Ebrahim in second with 36 points and big Aussie Jeff Wylie in
third with 35 points.
The best score of the day came from ‘The Admiral’ in
his guise as Tournament Director. Always at home on this course, he is
always the favourite before he tees off as he feels so much at home. However
the best score of the day, and one of the best of the year, was an
outstanding 47 points from Dave that left all trailing in his wake. Second
was Big Pete Galle with 40 points and third was Graham Hiskett with 36
points.
Thursday July 1 Bangpra
Stableford
Always a well looked forward to day out, the trip to this
fine course provided a day of high quality golf and fine fairways and firm
fast greens. On this day it also provided a slow round as we were brought
back to reality with a full course and a slow round.
 Dave
Richardson
The day, never the less, was enjoyed by most and provided some decent
scores with Dave Richardson continuing his fine form, and despite cutting
his handicap by two shots, due to his fine form on Monday, still did enough
to win with a fine 39 points. In second was the other form horse of the
moment as Jeff Wylie came second with a fine 38 points. I played with the
players who came third and fourth, and at half way both of them looked like
they only had to keep going to have the days win in their pocket, as they
each had 22 points. As usual a good front nine is no guarantee to success
and both had to be satisfied with a countback for third and fourth with 36
points won by Tim Holt with Bob Benda in Fourth.
All the president’s men clean up at Burapa...
PSC golf from Bobby Joe’s 60s Bar
Tuesday June 29
Burapha Stableford
We all like to play Burapa, particularly the ‘Old’
course, somehow it is a bit special and for many their favourite course in
this area. The course, whilst open, is long from the Blue Tees and seems
even longer than the distance on the card.
 Bobby
(back right) with all the winners, Max Matthews (back left), PSC secretary,
PSC president Gerry Carpenter (front right) and Derek Brook, PSC vice
president.
On the day the course was in fine condition, with hard
firm fairways and true fast greens. The course is close enough to Pattaya to
get there in short order and, after a breakfast at Bobby’s, a nice gentle
‘Bimble down there’.
 Bob
Benda, Ray Spurling and Joe Albright with their technical prizes back at the
60s Bar.
On the day we played two Flights 0 to 21 and 22 upward,
and why not, and it allowed two winners, one with a score that at the 3
Sisters on a Monday would have been a candidate for the Wooden Spoon. This
is The 60s Bar where we do not play a Competition but a day out from the bar
where friends play golf together and the main aim is to be able to wear one
of Bobby’s shirts, or if you play well open your own sale’s shop.
On this Day, we had a surprise, as most of the winners
were leading lights on the new PSC committee, with the president winning the
A Flight and the Secretary winning the B Flight. We also had the vice
president and the treasurer winning technical prizes. Bobby has friends in
high places it would seem
Back at the ‘Ranch’, Bobby had been slaving away in
the kitchen and whatever it was he produced was eaten by all and voted a
culinary success. Then the presentation was carried out and Bobby was
allowed to go to bed early, as for the rest? Hangover!
Winner A Flt: Gerry Carpenter, B Flt: Max Matthews
Near Pins: Alan Pearce, Derek Brook, Ray Spurling and Joe Albright
Long Putts: Max Matthews and Bob Benda
Class Comes To The Top
Golf from The Bunker with PSC
On Tuesday June 29, The Bunker Boy’s went to Green Valley, Rayong for a
Medal competition. As usual the course was in excellent condition with
perfect fairways and greens, although the tees were set well back, close to
the black tees, making the course play long.
Keith Smithson, playing off a 3 handicap, relished the
conditions and ripped up the course scoring a gross 73, net 70. It could
have been less if half a dozen putts hadn’t slipped just past the hole! In
second place was Mitch Malone who scored net 75 followed in third place by
steady George Redgewell with a net 76.
Keith Smithson almost made it a clean sweep, winning 3 of
the 4 near the pin prizes but Mick Ramshaw spoiled his day by taking one of
them.
The Bunker Boy’s welcomed back Graeme Preston who was
looking forward to continuing his superb form while in England (allegedly)
but sadly, Graeme seems to have forgotten that the golfing handicaps in
Thailand include lots of alcohol, late nights and female company, and so
ended the day by sharing the Bunker Banana Booby prize with newcomer Graham
Valentine both of whom scored net 90! Welcome back Graeme!
Northern Star?
Friday July 2 saw The Bunker play a Stableford
competition at Eastern Star Country Club. The course was in good condition
and the scores certainly reflected this.
Geordie Mick Ramshaw fought a close battle with
Tuesday’s winner Keith Smithson to come out on top to take first prize
with 41 Stableford points winning by just one point. Third place went to
Graeme Preston who seemed determined to shake off the humiliation of winning
‘The Bananas’ on Tuesday as he battled his way to score an excellent 38
Stableford points, (and this with five ‘scratched’ holes on his card!)
Jim Payne and John Preddy both scored a fine 36 points
each but found themselves out of the prizes because of the day’s very high
winning scores.
Two of the ‘Nearest the Pin’ prizes were picked up by
Keith Smithson, making a total of five for the week, with the third going to
Mitch Malone.
The Bunker Bananas were awarded to Richard Feltham,
another Bunker Boy feeling the heat upon his return from the UK!
PSC Golf from the 3 Sisters
Another nice Monday! Last tournament for the month of June for
the Three Sisters’ group. With a good turn out of about 28 players, it was a
tight race gaining the top spot. We had four golfers tied at the top with 39
points each. Dene Mundy, Gordon McKnight, Chris John and Gerald Carpenter were
all there at the top but on countback, Gerry won by a hair scoring 22 points on
the back nine. I guess moving from the Golf Chairman’s slot to the Presidency
in PSC took a load off Gerry so he could rise to the top. Good shooting guys.
Following close behind were three others. Peter Davies came
in with 38 points followed by Derek Brook and Herb Ishinaga, both with identical
scores of 37.
Holding the bag this week was new comer David Willis with 25 Points. David
slipped pass the field by only a point as we thought that Kevin Mitch with 26
points did a runner. Following close, by another point, were two unlikely
golfers. Both Alan Pearce and Ian Edwards shot terrible games as they hit their
lowest scores in quite a while. They are normally near the top. I’m sure that
the scores next week will be quite different.
DSL win this year’s Camel Bar
Summer Charity Classic
On Saturday June 26 the weather gifted us with a beautiful
day, for the Camel Bar Summer Classic, which was held at the well-presented
Century (Ban Chang) Golf Club.
 CR
Asia, Runners up CR Team (l-r) Gavin Donovan, Glen Ebert, Brent Cockerill
and Peter Cheshire (not in photo)
The event was held in aid of St Camillus Foundation
Rayong, Father Giovanni and staff representatives were in attendance at the
presentation. Up to now, a total of 51,600 baht in donations has been
received.
Twenty-two teams turned out, with the eventual winners
being DSL, followed by runners up CR Asia and Thames UBC in third place.
 (l-r)
Father Giovanni Contarin (St. Camillus), Winning Team Captain Phil (DSL),
Steven Coulson (Camel Bar) and Bob McLachlan (organiser).
The presentation was held back at the Camel Bar, where an
excellent buffet and ‘pig on a spit’ were provided.
Technical prizes were also awarded as follows:
Near Pins: No. 5 Jim Ryan; No.7 Roger Coe; No.13 Richard
Garland; No.15 Brian Jongsma
Men’s Long Drive: No.9 Matt Mulligan; No.18 David Glass
Ladies Long Drive: No. 17 Nora Haugsjordet
Longest Putt: No.9 Ian Morrison; No.18 Peter Cheshire.
Thanks must go to the main sponsors, Camel Bar, DSL,
Thoresen, Crathco, Delta Golf Global, Chevron, Universal Enterprises, Expro
Group together with local bars, Jigsaw, McCallister’s, Outlaw Saloon and
Offshore Bar. Keith Whittle and Mike Davis were also contributors.
The Camel Bar would also like to thank Bob & Arthur
for all there help, before and through-out the day. Thanks to Steven Coulson
for supplying the Famous ‘Camel Bar Bloody Mary’s’ on the course.
The next Camel Bar event will be the Christmas Scramble, watch out for
notification.
Don’t believe all you hear
IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven
Monday June 28
Phoenix Mountain/Lakes
Bogey
1st John Kendall, 4up
2nd Brian Kelly, 3up
3rd Richard Garland, 2up c/b 5up
4th B J Smith, 2up c/b 1up
5th Al Rolnik, 2up c/b A/S
Another great day for weather at Phoenix and the Kelly
& Kendall roadshow rumbled on with John this time taking his second
consecutive knotted putter trophy albeit by just one hole. John’s was a
well-balanced round, finishing 2up on both 9’s whilst Brian played
Mountain 3up but could only manage all square on the Lakes. Fine
performances by Richard Garland who really sparkled with a superb 5up on
Lakes, Al Rolnik and a nice return to form by BJ Smith. rounded out the
podium positions. In the 2’s competition, there was only one and it went
to that man again, John Kendall who quickly scurried off to the TQ, no doubt
to relieve himself of much of his winnings. Prior to the presentation,
Richard Livingston, the resident PGA professional, welcomed Andreas
Gronenberg and welcomed back Patrick Scullion, Mark Gorda, Chang Suh, Paul
Hartley & Stephan Hoge
Wednesday June 30
Siam Country Club
Monthly Medal
Division 1 (0-14)
1st Trevor Schirmer, 69
2nd Chang Suh, 71
3rd Yasuo Suzuki, 73
Division 2 (15and over)
1st Harry Riley, 67
2nd Fred Land, 68 c/b 31
3rd Peter Emslie, 68 c/b 32
Perhaps the golf gods were listening in at the TQ on
Monday evening as John Kendall celebrated and recounted his winning round at
Phoenix, telling everyone and anyone who would listen, how he would win the
Monthly Medal.
Well, wee Harry Riley and big hitting Trevor Schirmer
must surely have picked up the vibes, for both produced superb displays of
their golfing prowess to take the days honours at Siam, which was in
surprisingly good condition. Chang Suh played as strongly as ever off his 11
handicap and Yasuo Suzuki despite parting with all the cash in his group
still managed to scramble onto the podium. In Division 2 both Fred and Peter
turned in fine scores, which would have won on any other day. For the rest,
it was probably the slower greens that wrecked many a round, as unusual,
there were no 2’s recorded, so a nice rollover awaits next Monday. Prior
to the prize giving, Richard Livingston welcomed back Major Roy Thornton and
John Desmond.
Rookie Barry’s First Win
IPGC Bunker Boys at the OK Corral
On Tuesday June 29, it was the turn of the Royal Thai Navy
at Plutaluang to pipe aboard the Bunker Boys for their weekly medal event as
two flights of golfers took on the challenge of the North and testing West
nines.
Once again the cut was at 13, an indication of the
quality of the golf now being played by the group, and some hitherto top
flight golfers found themselves in the uncharted waters of division two on a
hot and thankfully dry day. The course was well turned out but excessive
watering had made some of the approaches to the greens soggy.
In division one last week’s double winner, John Healy,
found the course his match this time and his net 75 was good enough only for
third place, behind Mark Joshua’s net 74. It was the turn of John’s
sparring partner, Bob Pearce, to bask in some glory as his net 72 was the
best of the day in the top flight.
In division two, the competition was more clear with Mr.
Loy languishing on 77 in third place, two shots behind Paul Quodomine and
his net 75. The hero of the day was rookie Barry Pethig, who, at seventy-one
years young, used all his guile to produce an excellent round of golf,
firing a two-under net 70 to take the flight. Aussie Bob Wighton and Steve
Nowell shared the Super Sawng award for their birdie two, Steve taking the
lion’s share with his brace of birdies.
The returning Basil Foley saw his indiscrete twelve shots
on the Lighthouse hole contribute to the day’s worst card and it landed
him with the Banana Booby, but he was all smiles as he took the dubious
honour for the first time.
Good Gosh! It’s Josh
Another large group of Bunker Boys left the OK Corral to
take the short trip to Phoenix for a pre-Independence Day/Richard’s
Birthday visit on Thursday, 1st July and found the course in immaculate
condition, refreshed by a strong breeze which made the Mountain and Lakes
nines a stern challenge.
There was a big welcome back for the Bunker Boys’
resident PGA member, Keith Smithson and his round of gross 76 was to be just
one of the day’s many highlights. In a stableford format division one
golfers have a lot to do to prove their merit and Steve Nowell’s first
nine score of 21 points held promise of another memorable round but he
stuttered over the final three holes, picking up only two points, leaving
him with a share of the runners up place with 37.
John Cunningham matched him with an excellent card, which
bore nothing more than a five, giving him 37 points also. After a few weeks
in the doldrums Mark Joshua came good again, much to the chagrin of Mr. Loy,
and his score of 38 points took the victory.
In division two George Meigh made a welcome return
scoring 29 points to take third place, in the wake of Paul Quodomine’s
fine 32 points but out in front was Mr. Loy, whose first nine score of 22
points was the best of the day. Sadly he hiccupped in the middle of the back
nine, picking up only three points on Lakes 3-6 but his total of 37 points
proved enough in the conditions to take the second flight honours.
Mark Joshua scored the day’s only birdie two and
scooped the large Super Sawng pool whilst lacklustre performances by Bill
Hewitt and Basil Foley saw them share a banana split, in the absence of
Angus MacFarlane who had made an early exit from the presentation! It was a
fine prelude to this month’s ‘major’ IPGC event on a course, which
consistently ranks in the top five in the Kingdom.
As a footnote a conversation with a guest player showed that the IPGC
Bunker Boys continue to provide golf at an excellent price. For an average
of 1,000 baht one can have a good day’s golf, with green/caddy fees and
air-conditioned transport to and from the course included. Add to that the
special atmosphere of the Bunker Boys and one has an excellent day’s golf.
Worth thinking about? You bet!
‘eM’s good scores, Oh, K’s too
IPGC Golf From Lewiinksi’s
Sunday June27th
Green Valley,
White Tees
Bogie
1st Place A Flight: Kurt Teeter, plus 5
2nd Place A Flight: Steve Mascari, plus 4
3rd Place A Flight: Mike Allidi, plus 2
1st Place B Flight: Ken Kutzing, plus 2
2nd Place B Flight: Jez Lees, all square
3rd Place B Flight: Poo Supraporn, all square
Near Pins: #5 Nick Strasshine; #8 Jack Grindvold
There wasn’t a lot of hoopla in this week shortened by
the Haven sponsored Independence Day and Richard Livingston’s 61st
Birthday Tourney, but I guess that was evident from the struggling title.
Sunday’s traditional Green Valley visit was the day for the referenced
K’s as Kurt Teeter and Ken Kutzing gave the course a ‘whupping’ in A
and B Flight respectively.
The ‘Bogie’ format pits the player and his handicap
against a consistent course that has par on every hole. A flight was filled
out by a pair of gross 74s courtesy of Steve Mascari and Mike Allidi, with
the proprietor’s less stingy 6 handcap, facilitating his grip on the
silver. Four players vied for second after each finished All Square. In a
showing of political correctness one of the fellas made it through to
second, Jez Lees, and one of the gals, Ms. Poo, through to third. Hard luck
to the Donkey and the ‘Nat’ural.
Tuesday June29
Laem Chabang,
B & C White Tees
Stroke/Medal
1st Place A Flight: John McHugh, net 67
2nd Place A Flight: Chang Suh, net 69
3rd Place A Flight: Steve Mascari, net 70
1st Place B Flight: Joe Mooneyham, net 66
2nd Place B Flight: Colin Davis, net 71
3rd Place B Flight: Sid Ottaway, net 75
The first Tuesday formal competition of The Society’s
Low Season schedule was highlighted by sizzlin’ Johnny McHugh and Joe
“I’m in the” Mooneyham taking the top spot in their flights. The
former is now making a home in single digits, thereby shaking the moniker of
being the longest hitting mid-handicapper in Pattaya. Ol’ Joe, who has
seen his share of victories during a hiatus from his traditionally lower
handicap, put in a bid for a stroke reduction with a brilliant net 66.
Newcomer to Lewiinski’s Golf Society, Chang Suh, wasted no time in testing
out the pay window with a net 69, and in so doing relegated The Boss to
third. Was it a rookie mistake? The Donkey edged a shocked Sid Ottaway, who
had no complaints getting a podium step with a net 75!
Wednesday June30
Burapha,
C & D Blue Tees
Stroke/Medal
1st Place A Flight: Mike Allidi, 39 points
2nd Place A Flight: John Hillier, 38 points
1st Place B Flight: Colin Davis, 38 points
2nd Place B Flight: Ray Dell, 36 points
Near Pin: #D8 Mike Allidi
Well the title still held up as “M”ike Allidi was
man-o’-the-match with 39 points, and a gross 73. Johnny Hillier was close
aheel with his second-in A Flight 38 points. However, there is no excuse for
this title when it comes to our last gold winner of the week, Colin “The
Donkey” Davis. Of course, there is little excuse for The Donkey in any
circumstance! But it should not go unmentioned that Colin had a countback
loss for second, a clear second and now a first on the week. He has been
setting up new baby Paul’s education account with the booty. Ray ‘Farmer
in the’ Dell took the last loot of the week with his even to handicap 36
points. At last, an honest man!
Garland and Haugsjordet take home top honors in Richard Livingston’s Birthday Independence Day Golf Tournament
Richard Livingston, the resident PGA Professional who has
brought many a handicap tumbling down through his expert tutelage,
celebrated his 61st birthday on July 4th and, as is tradition, invited over
100 of his closest friends to play a round of golf.
 Richard
Garland (center) receives his trophy and congratulations from birthday boy
Richard Livingston (left) and Steve Mascari.
This year the event (and birthday celebration) was held a
couple of days early, on July 2, with the golf played on the Lake and
Mountain nines at Phoenix Golf Club, and the party held afterwards at The
Haven on Soi 13.
 Bob
Van Mol (center) was all smiles, as was Steve Mascari and Richard
Livingston, after Bob earned the Low Gross of the day with 75 off the stick.
Oh, by the way, July 4 is also the day Americans
celebrate their independence.
 The
lovely Nora Haugsjordet (center) carded 45 stableford points to take home
the ladies trophy.
Richard Garland finished top of the men’s podium in the
Richard Livingston’s Birthday 4th of July Golf Tournament, run under the
expert guidance of the International Pattaya Golf Club’s The Alternative
Golf Gentlemen’s Society (IPGC TAGGS) with 42 Stableford points.
Nora Haugsjordet also had an outstanding day, carding 45
Stableford points to top all women in the tournament.
 Tall
on points, Harry Riley (center) took out Division 2 with 39 points.
Bob Van Mol shot a gross 75 to win Low Gross honors.
Rounding out the podium positions were: in the 1st Division Richard Garland
compiled 42 Stableford points to finish tops. Harry Riley carded 39 points
winning the 2nd Division. Tom Noonan scored 35 points to win 3rd Division.
 Tom
Noonan (center) brought home 35 points to win Division 3 in Richard
Livingston’s Birthday Independence Day Golf Tournament last Friday.
Wayne Ogonoski and birthday boy Richard Livingston
performed the unenviable task of handling registration and tabulating
scores. Time after time, these two gentlemen do a superb job and deserve
more recognition than anyone is able to give.
Back at the awards presentation ceremony, the staff at
The Haven put on a 4th of July feast that truly fit the occasion. The hot
dogs, burgers, salads, and Thai food were, as always, superb.
Richard Livingston performed as emcee alongside Steve
Mascari from Lewiinskis, presenting trophies to technical and division
winners.
Stephen Beard, aka ‘the doc’, was toasted in his
absence by all present, and everyone wishes him a speedy recovery. This was
promptly followed by a rousing Happy Birthday to Richard Livingston.
Technical prizes:
Mountain: #4 Div.3 N/E; Div. 2 N/E; Div.1 Nora Haugsjordet.
#8 Div. 3 Jim Barnett, Div. 2 Frank Pilkington, Div. 1 John McHugh.
Lakes: #2 Div. 3 Len Jones, Div. 2 Harry Riley, Div. 1 Ian Warwick.
#7 Div. 3 Jim Barnett, Div2. Mark Guthrie, Div. 1 Jim Brackett
Long Drives:
Lakes #9: Ladies Nora Haugsjordet, Div. 3 Len Jones, Div. 2 Andy Williams,
Div. 1 Ian Warwick
Division Winners:
Ladies: Nora Haugsjordet 45 pts
Div. 3 Tom Noonan, 35pts; R/up Fred Ewens 34 pts
Div. 2 Harry Riley, 39pts; R/up Mo Lamkl, 39 pts on c/b
Div. 1 Richard Garland, 42 pts; R/up Bob Wighton, 39 pts.
Best Gross:
Bob Van Mol 75
Note: N/E-no entry
Q Cars win four behind Lenz’s 611 series
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
200
bowlers, Bill, Kran, Lenz, Somrak and Rich
Q Cars gained two points on second place after taking all
four points from Caf? Ole. Lenz rolled games of 179, 213, 219 for a 611
series; the best series of the league and Gert added a 506-pin count for Q
Cars. Somrak knocked down 517 pins and rolled a 203 game for Caf? Ole. Jack
& Tar moved up to sixth place after taking two and one half points from
first place Three Sisters. La, Three Sisters, knocked down 509 pins and Mai,
Jack & Tar, tipped over 504. Second place Brother D and third place VFW
post 9876 split their match at two points apiece. Bill Key led VFW with a
202 game and 567 series and Bill who knocked down 518 pins led Brother D.
Jeed knocked down 528 pins to lead Nam Tip to a three-point win over Caf?
Kronborg. Kran led Kronborg with a 227 game and 518 series. Alt Koelle took
three points from House of the Golden Coin. Rich bowling as a spare had a
205 game and 555 series
Palmers jumps up two place after home win
Mickey Mouse Darts League
The only main change in the league this week is Palmers
jumping up 2 places after winning the game at home to neighbors Cheers, but
the away side had the last laugh by taking the beer. The only other games to
share the point was with Rising sun, coming back to win the beer after
losing to league number one team Pleasure Dome.
Three sides had a very good evening by winning both game and beer, and
they were Smugglers at PSI, bottom of the table Windsor Tavern at Devonshire
and Bunker at Helicopter.
Jomtien 8 Ball Pool League
Sunday Quiz League
Wednesday Quiz League
The Square Ring
A belated Happy Birthday to Her Royal Highness Princess
Chulabhorn, the youngest child of Their Majesties King Bhumibol Adulyadej
and Queen Sirikit of Thailand. Her Royal Highness shares a birthday with
America. Both were born on July 4 but different years.
The world boxing press has been writing about and
speculating on the demise of the World Boxing Council. Like ears, everyone
has a couple of opinions about the WBC. Well yes except for Van Gough who
told his Teelock, “If you leave me I’ll cut off my ear.” She left, so
off with the ear. What he didn’t know was that she didn’t really leave
but couldn’t get back in the house as he couldn’t hear the doorbell.
True fact. The WBC may be finished but they continue to sanction and supply
officials for world championship fights. Fact is they had a double dipper in
Yokohama recently. The WBC straw champ is Eagle Kyowa (13-0), a Thai that
lives and fights in Japan. He had no trouble with Satoshi Kogumazaka
(20-6-3) winning a technical decision when the fight was halted at 2:24 of
the 8th round. Why would a Thai live in Japan? His wife is Japanese and man
go where lady say. Old true fact of life #1.
The second half of the twin bill was suppose to be an
easy night for WBC Jr. Bantam Champ Masamori Tokuyama (30-3-1). With all the
ranking organization, Ring Magazine wants to become the ‘ultimate
authority’. They had Tokuyama #1. Stop the press’s. Japanese challenger
Katsushige Kawashima (25-3) stopped the champ at 1:47 of round 1. The wire
service called the win “stunning and amazing”. I would say so.
“The champ tried to feel out the challenger, but
Kawashima let fly a vicious overhand right to the face, flooring him on all
fours. Tokuyama raised himself to beat the count, but his legs looked a bit
shaky to indicate his damage. Kawashima attacked the still dazed champ with
a flurry of punches followed by a smashing right, which bounced his head off
the canvas with a thud.” Which is how it was described by Joe Koizumi, the
best boxing writer in Asia and maybe the world. Why amazing?
Amazing in that Tokuyama had beaten Kawashima via a
unanimous decision last June. For the now ex-champ it was his 9th defense
since winning the title from Injoo Cho in 2000. Referee for this one was Las
Vegas’ Nevada’s Jay Nady who when last seen in Pattaya was sound asleep
at the Alcazar.
“Strange looking lady’s”, he said upon awaking.
Can’t put anything by referee Nady.
Live boxing tonight at the Sadao Districk in Songkla.
It’s the first card for Onesongchai Boxing Promotion since they were
recognized by the ABCO (Asian Boxing Council) as a promoter. They’ll have
3 bouts with the feature being for the vacant ABCO feather title.
Chonlatarn Piriyapinyo vs. RP#8 Dondon Lapuz. Promoter
Songchai Ratanasuban has promoted many world champions including Muangchai
Kittikasem (former WBC fly king), Pichit Sithbanprachan (former IBF fly
king), Saen Sor Ploenchit (former WBA fly king), Daorung Siriwat (former WBA
bantam king), Yokthai Sithoar (former WBA superfly king), Pichit Siriwat
(former WBA lightfly king) and Yoddamrong Sithyodthong (former WBA
superbantam king). How about them apples?
Next Monday IBF Pan Pacific 118lb champ Teerapong
Kaewnongsamet will defend his title against superbantam Michael Domingo at
Klongteoy in Bangkok. The undercard features IBF #5 superbantam Fasang 3K
Battery (Narongrit Pirang) vs. Robert Dalinsey, Chaiyong Sakkririn vs.
Singnun Por Fahkamron and Muangpong Kiattorborubol vs. Inseethong Na Pattaya.
Now you’re going to axe me, “Do I care?” No. But I do care about a
card next Tuesday in Khonkaen.
There are things in life that are true because they’re
true. Pongsaklek Wonjongkam (51-2), the WBC Flyweight champ is the best in
the world at his weight. There were some signs of ‘maybe’ impending
danger when he kissed canvas last time out against Ronnie Canete (18-13-2).
The question would be then, is Wonjongkam ready to face Luis Angel Martinez
(12-3-1)? What kind of power did Canete have? Does Martinez’s record belie
some talent and power? Does the chewing gum lose it’s flavor on the bed
post over night? Answers in order. Wonjongkam is always ready. Canete’s
power is nothing to write home or anywhere else about. Martinez has only 5
KO’s from 12 fights, so his strength probably isn’t power. The upside to
Martinez is he’s had all his fights in Mexico where the talent is very
good. Still with no power he’s probably just an opponent. The chewing gum,
depending on the brand, was fine.
Medgoen Singsurat (35-3) is the WBC Asian Boxing Council
Super Fly Champ. His opponent Rolly Mandahinog (16-2) isn’t. In fact he
‘isn’t’ some other things also. He isn’t 16-2 but rather 1-5-2. He
isn’t facing Singsurat for the first time. Nay, nay. They fought twice in
2003. He isn’t very good and the WBC Asian titles aren’t worth much.
When Mandahinog was 0-3-1 he fought for the ABC flyweight title and won
beating Denburape Ekarin with a 4th round KO. And finally this isn’t ‘a
must’ to get excited about.
Sirimongkol Singwancha (44-2) vs. Larry Pelonia (32-22-3)
probably isn’t going to be much of a contest either. This is
Singwancha’s second fight since he lost his title to Jesus’ Chavez
(39-2) via a UD 117-111, 117-111, 118-110) in Texas. As with many of the
Filipino fighters Pelonia’s ‘official record’ is 2-3 for anyone that
cares. He got TKO’d in 2 by Yodsanan 3-K Battery (40-2-1) in August last
year.
WBA superbantam champ, Mayhar Monshipour (25-2-2, 16KOs), a French
citizen of Iranian descent, will face his mandatory challenger Yoddamrong
Sithyodthong (39-1-1, 18KOs) of Thailand on November 8 at the Sports Arena
in Paris-Bercy, France. Sithyodthong is a former world champion: He lost his
WBA 122lb belt to Japanese Osamu Sato in 2002. Monshipour is really good as
the computer ranking had him on top of the Super Bantam division until Oscar
Larios moved up in weight. It would appear that the Thai is in deep stuff.
Also in deep stuff is Danny Williams as he prepares for Mike Tyson on July
30. Tyson has been under control, in shape and ready. Would drive a man to
drink but as I’m already there… Thank you… just a wee nip.
Manager Sackings Flow Thick and Fast
MBMG International Casuals League - Post Season
While some managers stepped out of their jobs at the peek
of their professional career, others have been found wanting.
The axe came crashing down on no less than 4 managerial
necks, and while some were no surprise at all others came as a shock to the
public and managers themselves.
The first to fall was the RC Pattaya manager, after what
many considered to be a poor season for the Pattaya boys this change was
certainly expected and the new manager Paul Crouch stated “He was washed
out and used up, this team needs new leadership to take it back to the top
and that’s what I intend to do!”
Further up the table Bangkok United manager Kasai
Yasuhito was surprised to find an SMS on his mobile letting him know his
contract was not being renewed. His job is taken over by the fairly unknown
Ayako Ushimi, who spent a few years as the assistant manager with the
Kashima Antlers.
The writing was on the wall for Patana FC manager when he
turned up for a match sporting a hockey stick and no boots. New manager,
Kwok Chow, said simple “There is only up!”
And talking of teams, which shone but didn’t quite make
it, Jakob Bergholdt, put in his resignation of the Scandinavia Vikings.
Second in the league again and the shock cup loss to the French left him in
no doubt that a resignation was better than the Axe. The Vikings have yet to
name a new manager, but have confirmed that neither Sven-Goran Eriksson or
Carlos Carvalho are being considered.
Elsewhere both the British Club and German All Stars’
managers kept their jobs on the strength of their cup performances. Though
it is expected that Vaughan Elias will be under pressure to repeat the teams
cup performance in the league next season. Rumours also abound of a change
of sponsor for SCI Gecko, SCI Robin Hood looking likely, making for some
rather solid pub crawl opportunities next season.
No new teams have yet to confirm participation though
rumours of a new team coming in from Pattaya and another pub are looking
like they may produce an expansion to the league.
Thai youngsters upbeat on eve of home event
Formula BMW Asia rounds 5 and 6 at Bira this weekend
Marchy Lee (Team Meritus) may have a commanding lead in
the driver championship going in to rounds 5 and 6 of Formula BMW Asia, but
his dominance of the series so far has done nothing to dampen the enthusiasm
of the two Thai youngsters as they head to their home circuit this weekend.
 Hanss
Lin Po-Heng, Belgravia Motorsports took pole position at last month’s
Formula BMW Asia round 3 at the Sepang Circuit, Malaysia with rounds 5 and 6
being run at Bira this weekend.
Formula BMW Junior driver Robert Boughey (Minardi Team
Asia), and Maekkasit Weraporasu (Autosport with Arto), are both relishing
the chance to shine in front of their home crowd at the 2.4km Bira Race
Circuit on July 10 and 11.
Said 21-year-old Boughey, currently second in the Rookie
Cup classification behind Mehdi Bennani (Team Meritus) of Morocco, “Of
course I will be proud to compete in front of the Thai spectators, and I
will prove it by carrying the national flag with me in the car to show
everyone my gratitude and thanks for supporting me!”
However, Boughey is full of fighting spirit and not
content with his second place in the Rookie Cup standings. “At the moment
I am a little disappointed because I think I should be leading. I might lack
experience, but I do possess a strong will. I say to myself, “If he can do
it, I should be able to do better.” I hope I can win the Rookie Cup as I
gain more experience throughout the year,” he said.
Bangkok-born Maekkasit Weraporasu doesn’t believe his
knowledge of the Bira circuit will give him a big advantage, but will be
trying his hardest to impress at the weekend. “I’ll be under pressure of
course, but I’ve been waiting for these rounds since the start of the
season,” he said. “The drivers in the series are good, and it isn’t
hard for them to adapt to new circuits, although this track is different to
Bahrain and Sepang as it’s quite narrow so they’ll have to be more
careful. Plus it’s difficult to pass at Bira as there are limited
overtaking opportunities.”
Championship leader Lee, who has won all four rounds of
the 2004 season so far, and is a confident mood heading to Thailand despite
never having competed on the circuit before. “I’m delighted to have won
the first four races, and hope to continue my winning streak if all goes
well,” he said. “I haven’t raced in Bira before, but I think I’ll
only need a few laps to get used to the track. The circuit is short and has
fewer high-speed corners compared with other tracks (Bahrain and Sepang,
Malaysia). This could make life easier for the younger drivers, so the
competition will be closer.”
Chinese Formula BMW Junior driver, Han Han (Team E-Rain)
is also raring to go in his first ever visit to Thailand. “I like hot
weather and think I’m really well prepared to show everyone what I can do
there”, said the Shanghai-born 21-year-old, who has already made his name
at home in literary circles as a best-selling author and has set his sights
on doing the same in the world of motorsport. “I lost a few positions in
the Rookie Cup because of an incident in Malaysia, but I’m looking ahead
and want to close the gap. I’ve never been to Thailand, but I prefer small
race tracks.”
Han is also looking forward to racing with new E-Rain
teammate Gaby Dela Merced of the Philippines. Merced, also a Formula BMW
Junior driver and the only female competitor this season, joins the team
from the Thai rounds onwards. “It will be great to work together with Gaby
and the team. Also, we have Ralf Kalaschek (Formula BMW Asia Series Chief
Instructor), who will support us, so I am prepared”, he said.
Merced, 21, who is new to single seater racing this year
having competed in saloon and production cars since 2001, “I had a first
test drive with the team after the last race in Malaysia, and immediately
felt very comfortable with the car. I am proud to be part of the 2003 Rookie
Cup champion’s team (You Kyong Ouk), and as my new team is 2nd in the Team
Classification right now, I believe I can show how good I really am with
them.”
Racing for the first time in Thailand will be the three
series drivers from Bahrain: Sheikk Salman Bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Mohammed
Al Baharna, and Hamed Al Fardan, third in the Rookie Cup standings. The
three Belgravia Motorsport drivers will join team mate Hanss Lin of Taiwan,
who is competing in his second season of Formula BMW Asia.
However, there is little doubt that all eyes will be on
the two drivers flying the flag for Thailand this weekend, and Boughey, as a
Junior driver, is keen to put all he has learned so far from the
comprehensive Education and Coaching (E&C) programme, which forms part
of the scholarship package provided by BMW Motorsport, into practice. “The
Formula BMW Asia E&C programme has been an essential factor for me this
season. It is important for young drivers to learn, from an early age, what
is expected from them and how to behave in this very professional
environment. I take the training programme very seriously and I think it
shows. You can’t expect to gain from it if you don’t give it more than
you have. When I am at the track, I try to get everything I can from my
coaches so that I can learn from my mistakes and make the most of myself.”
The ultra-modern Formula BMW which allows 15-year-olds to
enter the world of motor racing has been lining up on the grid since the
2002 season. It sets standards above all on the safety technology front. The
single-seater, driven by a 140 bhp BMW motorcycle engine that takes it up to
230 km/h, features a carbon-fibre chassis, fulfils the safety requirements
of the much higher-performance Formula 3 cars, and even matches certain
Formula One standards.
Formula BMW Asia, now in its second season, runs as part
of the Asian Festival of Speed (AFOS) organised by Motorsport Asia Limited.
This year the series is run over 14 rounds at seven venues in Bahrain, where
it was a support race to the Formula One Grand Prix, Malaysia, Thailand,
Korea, China and Japan. It will culminate in a second Formula One Grand Prix
support race in Shanghai in September.
BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen: “Our junior talent promotion
scheme is an intensive basic education for successful kart drivers who want
to move up into Formula racing. Our priorities are to create a level playing
field through technically identical vehicles and scrupulously defined
regulations, and to ensure maximum safety.” (Motorsport Asia Limited/PR
Plus)
Phuket Race Week: A new regatta for all sailors
Peter Cummins, Sydney
According to the organizers, those Phuket-based gentlemen
who brought us the first - and highly-successful - Phuket International
Marine Exposition last December, Phuket Race Week, Asia’s newest regatta,
will be held from July 10 to 17.
With some 50 craft either already, or provisionally,
committed, the organizing committee under director of Image Asia events,
Andy Dowden was initially concerned that “we might suffer from a ‘too
many regional regattas’ syndrome”. Quite the contrary, “it seems that
we have hit on the right formula,” Andy pointed out last week.
 The
Phuket Race week will feature courses set for maximum spectator appeal, with
the racing to be held just offshore Evason Phuket Resort. (photo courtesy of
Leading Edge Asia)
With the marine sector and the concomitant infrastructure
booming since the Royal Thai Government lifted the erstwhile crippling tax
imposed on marine leisure activities, this new regatta is just one
manifestation of the exponential surge in activities in yacht racing and
cruising and construction of new marinas all around the Kingdom, even down
to Koh Chang.
Thus, hosted by the up-market, recently re-built Evason
Phuket Resort, on the island’s Southeast coast, Phuket Race Week
introduces a number of innovations. For example the timing; this first
regatta to be sailed during the Southwest monsoon, may mean rain, but it
also virtually guarantees consistent breezes.
Instead of being sailed ‘somewhere over the horizon’
like most regattas; courses have been set for maximum spectator appeal, with
the racing to be held just offshore the host resort. Both start and finish
lines are within sight of land-based spectators. Weather permitting; at
least one passage race will be included.
Regarding the range of classes, the Phuket Race Week
Regatta, by introducing a ‘Club Class’, aims at attracting entries from
several types: locally based yachts (mostly moored at Ao Chalong) and
visiting cruising boats; keelboats participating with the owner onboard;
cruisers that do not normally race (and thus probably will not have a valid
international rating certificate); and for charter boats who prefer a less
competitive fleet.
There will also be a separate ‘Charter Class’, racing
under the IRC Handicap system, for any yacht chartered for the regatta and
not crewed by the owner.
Furthermore, there will be an option for those who
can’t bring their own boats to Phuket for Race Week: Charter Company
Sunsail has available for charter, six identical, brand-new boats - Jeaneau
Sun Odyssy 35s. Participants who charter one individually can opt for either
Club Class or the IRC Charter Class. If they there are four or more boat
charters, the regatta management will create a one-design class just for
them. A unique opportunity to race against your friends or colleagues.
Race Week entries to date include some notable
performers: ‘Ulumulu’, top performer at the third Samui Regatta in May
and ‘Karakoa’, Phuket King’s Cup Racing Class champion in earlier
regattas.
Phuket King’s Cup and Koh Samui Multihull champion
Radab Kanjanavit’s ‘Cedar Swan,’ will be holding off Mark Pescott’s
‘Summersalt’ and Michel Arnulphy’s ‘Cyrene’ in what promises to be
the biggest multihull fleet to cross an Asian regatta’s start line.
Stuart Harrison’s ‘Panic’ will challenge in the
increasingly-popular Phuket 8 Sports Boat Class, in a competition that is
seeing some of the ‘Big league’ guys such as Keith Moore (formerly of
award-winning ‘Pla Loma’).
On the social side, Phuket Race Week plans to break the
regatta party convention. Evason’s stunning ‘Into the Beach’ waterside
party area is the focus of all off-the-water activity. A Five5-star regatta
bar offering post-race drinks at regular pub prices, a big screen showing
raw footage of the day’s racing and computer screens carrying results will
blend seamlessly with the prize giving and parties - all in the one area.
With Fosters ‘on board’ as beer sponsor,
Australia’s favourite beer will flow once the formal festivities start,
while Evason will be trying their hardest to outdo their renowned King’s
Cup culinary achievements. Co-sponsors include Sunsail, QBE Insurance,
Quantum Sails, Phuket International Hospital, Electrical Marine and Simrad.
Organized by the Phuket Boat Show team, Phuket Race Week,
is held under the auspices of Ao Chalong Yacht Club. Headed by former
King’s Cup Race Committee Chairman and 2002 King’s Cup President Andy
Dowden, the line up is strengthened by the Ao Chalong boys, bringing in
their experience of regular racing in the waters off Phuket’s East coast.
Sailed under the International Sailing Federation rules,
Phuket Race Week has recruited New Zealand’s well-experienced John
McLennan as international principal race officer, leading a team of
international race management professionals.
“While we’re naturally drawing on our King’s Cup
experience,” said Dowden, “we’re taking the opportunity of a fresh
start to change the formula. Our aim is not only to offer superb racing in
good breezes, but at the same time to provide a post-race setting that
encourages sailors to meet in one place, to relax over a few drinks and have
some ‘animated discussions’ (yachtie-style) on what happened on there on
the water.”
For details of Phuket Race Week, visit www.phuketrace week.com or contact
Andy Dowden on [email protected]
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