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Heineken Hobie Ch’ships: Aussies Bruce, Sarah win
by Peter Cummins
It was, indeed, perfect conditions when Royal Varuna
Sailing Secretary Richard van den Heuvel sent the 30-strong fleet off the
start line for the first race of the 2004 Heineken Hobie National Titles.
Raced out off the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, South Pattaya,
Richard gave the sailors all that they could want, especially in an average
of 20-knots, quite big seas and discernable wind shifts, as during the two
days of racing, comprising six races. Two fleets comprised the event, the
‘regular’ Hobie Cat 16 and the new, more powerful Hobie 18 Tiger,
equipped with spinnaker
 Tiger
champs, Simon and Claire Medd flank Race Office Supremo, Dick van den Heuvel.
An Aussie team up from Queensland, Bruce Tradrew and crew
Sarah Turnbull, with four firsts and a second in the five races counted out
of the six sailed, finished with six points, four points ahead of the
Baguley entry, Gary and son Adrien on 10 points, in turn just scraping in
ahead of Thai Navy sailors, Damrongsak and Sadka Vongtim, third on 11. In a
closely-fought competition, Bob abd Judy Gardham, taking a ‘Ramadan’
break from Oman, revealed some of their ‘old’ form (or, should that read
“old forms”?), to finish fourth, on equal points, from another returning
team, Simon Prattley/ Susanne Merz, this latter team relegated to fifth
place on a count-back. Vinai/ Aroon R. and Ben Chandler/ Antoine de Cuyper,
sixth and seventh respectively.
 Winning
Aussie Hobie 16 Catamariners flank Race Officer, Dick van den Heuvel.
In the spectacular Hobie Tiger 18 division, the Medds,
skipper Claire (only one of the two lady helms to mix it with the machos)
and crew Simon, with four firsts and a second, for a total of 6 points, had
an epic battle to win this class from another great team, Antony Chapman and
Morten Jakobsen on nine points, with the Dorfners, Ute (the other lady helm)
and Claus, third on 13 points. Then followed Alex Skaria/ Ec Cassio and
Stefan de Vos, sailing solo, fourth and fifth, respectively.
 Winning
Aussies come home to the honours.
With the wind averaging some 18 knots, mainly out of the
north-north-east, shifting more westerly and, on day two, becoming an
off-shore easterly, dropping away to the disadvantage of the boats behind
the leaders.
There were spills a-plenty and one early casualty was
Alain Brancart whose Hobie 16 almost fell apart, though this seasoned
veteran, who has sailed solo to the Cambodian border and along the Burma
shores, was able to sail back to shore.
Race officer Richard, after persevering for some eight
hours over the two-day regatta out on the pitching, bucking committee boat,
anchored well out in mid-stream, then allocated handicaps to find the
overall champion, with the Tiger 18s conceding time to the faster Tigers.
Hobies
and Tigers in hot contention
It was the wily Aussies, Bruce and Sarah who again, who
came out on top of the pile this time with eight points, from the Medds,
Vongtims, Bagleys and Antony/ Morten, second to fifth.
Bruce and his crew are the leading lights in
Queensland’s big Hobie fleet and Bruce said that this was one of the best
regattas he has attended - even after several world championships in various
parts of the globe.
“We’ll be back next year - if not before - with a big
fleet of Q’land Hobie CATamariners, “ said Bruce, ringing the club bell
- always a popular gesture that moves everyone promptly from their seats to
the bar.
Much of the credit for ‘resurrecting’ an erstwhile
moribund Hobie Cat fleet, languishing in Royal Varuna boat racks, must go to
Gary Baguley who, with able assistance from son Adrien and Antony Chapman,
completely revived this fleet for last year’s championship, with sheer
hard work, finance and “lots of epoxy resin”.
This year again, Gary and Antony’s Blue Wave Water
Sports Company, Hobie Cat Australasia and the RVYC Chandlery joined Heineken
as the sponsors.
The Heineken management, most impressed with the racing,
the ambience and the beauty of the whole spectacle, will donate a new suit
of sails to the Royal Varuna Hobie Cat fleet and are keen to seek special
races for sponsorship.
Results Open (first 10 only - Hobie Cat 16, unless noted): 1. Bruce
Tardrew/Sarah Turnbull; 2. Claire/Simon Medd (HC Tiger); 3. Damronksak/Sakda
Vongtim; 4. Gary/Adrien Baguley; 5. Antony Chapman/Morten Jakobsen; 6.
Stefan de Vos (HC Tiger, solo); 7. Simon Prattley/Susanne Merz; 8. Bob/Judy
Gardham; 9. Vinai/Aroon R.; 10. Ben Chandler/Antoine de Cuyper.
Kasikorn Bank claims
Anand Panyarachun UNICEF trophy
Mike Franklin
The Kasikorn Bank No.1 Team, having been runners-up to
Cathay Pacific Airways in 2003, claimed the Champion Team trophy in the
2004 Khun Anand Panyarachun Charity Golf Invitational for UNICEF at
Eastern Star Country Club & Resort on Saturday November20. With just
one player change in the team, their accumulation of birdies in the Four
Ball Team Scramble resulted in a gross 63 and net 63 off a scratch
handicap, calculated using the ’36 Scoring System’. The 2004 winning
team featured Sakchai Sombatsrisomboon, Vichai Dittasri, Manoch
Kritmanarot, and Simon Udonphol.
Anand
Panyarachun (center left) handed over a cheque for the 1.2 million baht
raised from the tournament and handed it over to Inese Kalitis (center
right), UNICEF Officer and Representative for Thailand.
There was a count-back for runner-up and third places
between American International Assurance and the Eastern Star Real Estate
Plc, both teams with net 66. Tied on holes handicap 1 & 2, it was hole
handicap 3 that decided the count-back, AIA with a birdie and ESR with
just a par. So American International Assurance with a gross 66, scratch
handicap and net 66, took the runner-up spot. The AIA team featured Thomas
J. White, Surachai Lertsittichai, Sataya Tepbunterng and M.L. Jiraseth
Sukhavasti.
Anand
presented the trophy winning team from Kasikorn Bank.
Eastern Star therefore took third place with a gross
67, handicap 1 and net 66. Their team was led by distinguished guests and
former Thailand Ambassadors, Vitdya Rayananonda (UK) and Pridi Boonyobhas
(Spain), together with Vanchai Vichayakul and Duc Nguyen.
CEO
William Cheng with ESR team, Vitdya Rayananonda, Vanchai Vichayakul, Pridi
Boonyobhas and Duc Nguyen.
There was some consolation for Duc Nguyen who drove
more than 300 yards on hole #4 to win the Long Drive trophy. Near Pins
were claimed by Patrick Yeung (Cathay Pacific 4) on #3, Khun Poonsak (BBTV)
on #6, Mr. Thomas (AIA) on #13, and Khun Vichai (Kasikorn 1) on #17. AIA
were further assured of success when Khun Sataya won the Long Putt on #14,
and Chana (Amex) was longest on #7. Straight Drives went to Vichai (Cathay
Pacific 2) on #10 and Khun Thanom (Tisco Finance) on #16. That completed
the technical trophies on offer and, sadly, there were no Holes-in-One
claimed on the day. Prizes in that category included a Notebook computer
and a K.T.Pan Golf cart. Eastern Star offered a One Year Membership and an
Accommodation package.
 Kathaleeya
McIntosh (left), UNICEF Youth Envoy for Thailand and Inese Kalitis, UNICEF
Officer and Representative for Thailand.
The Khun Anand Panyarachun Charity Golf Invitational
for UNICEF, now in its 4th Year, is all about sponsorship through golf, to
raise funds for UNICEF that will benefit the work for underprivileged
children in Thailand.
The generous support for this event continues, thanks
to the 2004 participating sponsors listed below.
Bronze (40,000): American Express, Siam Cement,
Electricity Generating Authority, SCC Dow Group, National Petro Chemical,
Siam Commercial Bank, Surat Seafoods, Thai Polyethylene Company.
 Mike
interviews Kathaleeya McIntosh, the UNICEF Youth Envoy for Thailand at
Friday night’s fund raising party.
Silver (80,000):Unocal, Tisco Finance, American
International Assurance Company, Bangkok Broadcasting & TV Company,
Kasikorn Bank.
Gold, (150,000): GE Capital, Bank of Ayudhya
Platinum (250,000): Cathay Pacific Airways
Hole Sponsors (100,000): Saha-Union, Eastern Star Real
Estate.
Event Sponsor: Eastern Star Real Estate Plc.
SERVICES: HM Queen Sirikit Hospital- Ambulance Unit
Conditions on the day were near perfect with clear
skies, sunny and still very warm. The course was in excellent condition,
notably the fairways, but very little cause to criticize anything on this
Robert Trent Jones Jnr. Championship course just coming up for its 12th
anniversary on December 5. The greens, probably running at around 7.5 on
the Stimpmeter, are likely to be quicker in the near future, and players
will have pin placement information to assist making more accurate shots
into the green. Credit to Khun Kaweeporn, golf Superintendent at Eastern
Star, for the presentation of the course. Likewise, the service and
co-operation from the management team at Eastern Star is at the highest
level under GM Saradej Sudasna, and the organization of major tournaments
is made so much easier as a result.
After the breakfast buffet, teams were transported to
the starting tees for the Shotgun start at 10 a.m., and thereafter the day
ran smoothly with all teams back in the clubhouse by 2.45 p.m. The dinner
buffet at the Masters Conference Hall was ready at 3 p.m. and, with
everyone assembled, Khun Anand arrived at 4.15 p.m. and the prize-giving
ceremony began. The technical prize trophies were presented first by
former ambassadors Vitdya Rayananonda and Pridi Boonyobhas. Eastern Star
CEO William Cheng presented team trophies to the third place and runner-up
teams. Finally, the winning team from Kasikorn Bank received their
trophies and the Khun Anand UNICEF Champion Team Cup from His Excellency.
The Cup, bearing the names of the three previous Champion Team winners
resides at Eastern Star until next year when, as Kasikorn Bank reliably
informed me, they will be back to defend the title.
That done, it was time for the presentation to UNICEF
By Khun Anand of a cheque for 1.2 million baht raised by the tournament,
and graciously received by Ms.Inese Kalitis, UNICEF Officer and
Representative for Thailand. His Excellency gave a brief address followed
by a response by Ms.Inese who described some of the projects and work
being undertaken by UNICEF in Thailand for the benefit of underprivileged
children.
Prior to the lucky draw, kindly supported with a host
of prizes from the many companies detailed in the tournament brochure, a
raffle for two return tickets Utapao - Phuket donated by Bangkok Airways
was drawn by Khun Anand and happily won by the Franklin family.
The Lucky Draw was then conducted at pace and, when all
was done, the proceedings ended at around 5.15 p.m. to conclude a splendid
days golf and a beneficial day for UNICEF.
However, the report does not end there, as on the
Friday evening Anand hosted the traditional pre-tournament party at his
residence overlooking the 14th green. Always a hospitable occasion
attended by the major sponsors, UNICEF and Khun Anand’s personal guests.
Live music by the pool, and a sumptuous and varied buffet in the covered
courtyard. We were honored to have the Pattaya Mail Plus TV crew there,
and that provided the opportunity to interview some of the major sponsors
and distinguished guests present. His Excellency kindly gave an interview
and also introduced Kathaleeya McIntosh, the UNICEF Youth Envoy for
Thailand. Anand is the consummate host at his parties and willingly offers
a running photo-call for guests throughout the evening.
Karaoke follows later, and distinguished guests have
sometimes been encouraged to make a donation to charity for the use of the
microphone and autocue. However, it was earlier to bed for the organizers
in preparation for the tournament ahead the next morning.
All said; it was another successful Charity Golf Invitational, one of
two that Khun Anand kindly gives his name, inspiration, leadership and
hospitality to. This one, to benefit the work of UNICEF for
underprivileged children in Thailand. The other for the Special Olympics
of Thailand to benefit young mentally disabled athletes. The next Khun
Anand Charity Invitational for the Special Olympics of Thailand will be on
Friday & Saturday February 18 and 19, 2005 at Eastern Star Country
Club & Resort. We look forward to that.
Andy Leach Wins Medal by a Foote
IPGC Golf From Lewiinski’s!
Sunday November14
Green Valley - White Tees
Monthly Medal
1st A Flight: Andy Leach, net 68 - Medal Winner
2nd A Flight: Steve Mascari, net 69
3rd A Flight: Jim Wickstrom, net 70
1st B Flight: Klaus Schackt, net 72
2nd B Flight: Rick Sharp, net 73
3rd B Flight: Roddy Healy, net 76
1st C Flight: John Foote, net 68 - Gold Qualifier
2nd C Flight: Ray Dell, net 75
3rd C Flight: Glen Perkinson, net 75
1st D Flight: Nat Meesuk, net 72
2nd D Flight Fred Theobald, net 73
3rd D Flight: John Warren, net 75
Near Pins: #5 Harvey Samuel; #8 Graham Johnson
 Steve
Mascari (left) presents the Monthly Tankard to an obviously pleased Andy
Leach (right).
When last week’s title boy, “Woody” Sherwood,
bowed out with a “no return” the field went wide open and, boy, did
the A Flight elite come a’ runnin’. Andy Leach topped the Flight and
copped the Medal Tanker thanks to a count back over C Flight’s John
Foote, both players having fine net 68’s. Andy matched the Low Gross of
the day with 74. Rounding out that A Flight were the aforementioned elite
of Steve Mascari and Jim Wickstrom with their respective 74/69 and 75/70.
 Golf
Manager John Emmerson (right) congratulates Gold Medal Qualifier John
Foote.
Skipping down to C Flight, it was fantastic that John
garnered the top place in the Flight on this, his last Sunday of a
protracted 4 month stay. John, by matching Andy’s winning score,
qualifies for the 2004 Gold Medal Competition and travel options are
being weighed to confirm their next Pattaya visit to include that Gold
Medal Comp and the 4-day Lewiinski’s Open in late February. John’s,
and his wife Lyn’s, return will be well anticipated by the many friends
they made during their stay. John’s place was seven shots clear of Ray
Dell and Glen Perkinson, with the former wining the separating count
back.
In B flight, the quietly resurgent Klaus Schackt, was
followed by The Hermit and a most competitive Irishman, Roddy Healy. Nat
Meesuk tried to knock-on the C Flight Gold on the 17th hole, where she
notched a quadruple bogie, but she legged it in with a bogie on the 18th.
That gave her a one shot victory over ageless Fred Theobald. Up and
coming John Warren was two back in third.
Monday November 15
Pattaya C.C.
White tees
2-Person Scramble
1st Place Team: Graham Buckingham/Jab Miwa, net 60
2nd Place Team: Klaus Schackt / An Kaesavane, net 60.25
3rd Place Team: Colin Davis / Eddy Beilby, net 61.75
A pleasant respite from the grind of individual play
took place on this Monday, the Ides of November, as the gang set out to
take on Pattaya C.C. in a two-person scramble format. Mates Graham
Buckingham and Jab Miwa showed that friendship can translate to teamwork
as they took the top rung. Klaus already in the winner’s column this
week teamed with significant other, An, to take the second place prize on
the day. Their combination of strong driving, Klaus’s iron play, and
An’s chipping and putting fell only a quarter stroke shy of the
winners. In another good friend pairing, Colin Davis and Eddy Beilby
swept up the last remaining funds in the day’s pot.
Wednesday
November 17
Burapha- C & D - Blue or White Tees
Stableford
1st Blue Flight: Phil Groves, 38 pts
1st White A Flight: Ger Lodge, 36 pts
2nd White A Flight: Phil Mitchell, 35 pts
3rd White A Flight: Joe Mooneyham, 35 pts
1st White B Flight: Kurt-Erik Persson, 41 pts
2nd White B Flight: John Foote, 40 pts
3rd White B Flight: Bob Fagan, 36 pts
On a course that has a wide discrepancy between hole
distance on course markers and distance on the scorecard, only a handful
saw fit to take on the Blues. But the top man in that group, Phil Groves,
garnered the third best point accumulation on the day, 38 points - a
truly remarkable effort. Returning friend Ger Lodge found his way to the
winning circle in a hurry while shooting level to his handicap. Ger’s
score edged a traditional Blue Flight competitor, Phil Mitchell, and the
always-tough Joe Mooneyham. Phil and Joe only found their way to the
podium thanks to a count back melee between the two of them and The
Hermit and Colm Mullen. In the B Flight of the shorter set-up, Kurt
Eriksen, only twenty or so strokes from shooting his age, amassed 41
points and was followed by the departing John Foote. Bob Fagan braved a
count back from The Mechanic and John Clements to take the last step in
the junior flight.
Friday November 19
Phoenix C.C.
Lake & Ocean
Blue or White Tees
Stroke/Medal
1st Blue Flight: Jack Spencer, net 68
1st White A Flight: Rick Sharp, net 70
2nd White A Flight: Neil Cameron, net 73
1st White B Flight: Lyn Foote, net 66
2nd White B Flight: Jan Eriksen, net 67
Near Pin: Lake #8 Simon Philbrook; Ocean #7 Steve
Mascari
Just as Phil Groves did on Wednesday, one of the fine
scores of the week came out of the Blue Flight where Gen. Jack’s net 68
was quite nearly the toast on the day. In A Flight, off the Whites, The
Hermit left the Club Maker T2S three adrift, but still in the money.
The story of the day comes out of B Flight. Now, it is enough that the
Man-of-the-Match was a Lady and that Lyn Foote’s net 66 edged the
second best net on the day, 67, leaving Jan Eriksen in the hard luck
second spot of the Flight. But that is not the story o’ the day. Nor is
the best story on the day that Lyn, concluded a fine week by her husband,
John, and a successful stay for herself which included the TQ Lady
Masters Championship, with a win in B Flight. No, the best story of the
day doesn’t even have anything to do with golf. Do you know what Lyn
Foote’s maiden name is? A clue: When the two were married, John added
one of these, while Lyn added four. The answer comes from a no less
reliable source then The Theobalds: Lyn’s maiden name was “Toe”.
I’m not kidding! Bon Voyage John and Lyn!
H.E. Anand Panyarachun –
The man behind the tournamanent
The 4th Khun Anand Panyarachun Charity Golf Invitational
Anand Panyarachun graduated from Trinity College,
University of Cambridge, and had an outstanding career in the Thai Foreign
Service. One of Thailand’s most respected citizens and statesmen, his many
distinguished assignments included Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs, Ambassador to Canada, Germany, and the United States of
America, and Thailand’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
Appointed by His Majesty the King, he served for two periods in 1991
&1992 as Prime Minister of Thailand and was instrumental in initiating
key reforms in areas of the economy, education, and health. In 1997 he was
the Ramon Magsaysay Awardee for Government Service. In September 2003, Anand
received a special UNICEF Award for his outstanding commitment and dedicated
work for the children in Thailand, and in November 2003 was appointed by
U.N. Secretary General, Kofi Annan, to chair a 16 member panel of leading
statesmen and international figures, to serve on the High Level Panel on
Threats, Challenges and Change, and recommend to the U.N. ways to counter
those threats. In 2004, Anand was named ‘outstanding democrat’ by a
democracy advocate group, the Constitution for People Club, for past work in
promoting democracy.
He is currently Chairman of Eastern Star Real Estate PLC
as well as a number of other prestigious institutions including the Asian
Institute of Technology and the National Economic and Social Advisory
Council.
Anand serves as the UNICEF Ambassador for Thailand, and kindly gives his
name, inspiration, leadership, and hospitality to the Anand Panyarachun
Charity Golf Invitational in order to benefit the work of UNICEF for
underprivileged children in Thailand.
Anand
visiting underprivileged families as part of his UNICEF work. (photo care of
UNICEF)
Dennis Willett scores big at Siam
PSC golf from the Three Sisters Bar
With a good turn out of over thirty golfers, the
competition was stiff and challenging. For a change, a low handicapper took
the honors for the day. Dennis Willett playing off a handicap of 10 came in
with a terrific score of 76 gross and netted 42 points. He birdied three
holes on the back nine and bogeyed three to play even on the last nine
holes.
 Winner
Dennis Willett (Right) with Doug Powell who came 3rd up from the cellar.
Again being the bridesmaid was Chris John. We thought
that John had finished at the top until Dennis walked in with the winning
score. Chris has been near the top for many competitions but has been pipped
by players in the last group a number of times.
Following Chris and Dennis were a slew of golfers. Ray
Spence came in with 40 points to hold third position as the rest of the
field followed. Matt Kirkland came in fourth with 39 and Bob Benda, Ken Mau,
Sus Ige, and Dene Mundy all came in with 37 points each. It was a hard
fought day with a lot of good scores.
Holding the bag this week was a man from down under. He slipped away
before his picture could be taken. Greg Perrin nose dived to 16 points and
hit the cellar with a thud. Big Greg could not find the handle as he
hammered his way around the course. Coming in next was A. Wilson with 25
points. Wilson also disappeared. Doug Powell came in third from the bottom
with 26 points and stayed until the finish. I believe Doug was brave enough
to have his picture taken with the winner of the day. All in all, it was a
great day for golf. We all got through before the heavens opened up as
torrents of rain fell on Caddy Shack Two.
PSC golf with The Bunker
On Monday November 15, The Boys from The Bunker went to
Century Bang Chang golf club for a Medal competition.
 First
and third place winners at Mountain Shadow Golf Club John Preddy and George
Redgewell celebrate at The Bunker Bar.
The day started well with a big field split into two
divisions but unfortunately the heavens opened and very heavy rain fell for
a long time creating streams on the fairways and lakes on the greens
causing the competition to be abandoned with three quarters of the round
completed. Luckily all the near pins had been decided and these prizes were
won by John Hughes (2), Neil Griffin and Mick Ramshaw.
Pattaya Country Club
Wednesday November 17 saw The Bunker Boy’s travel to
Pattaya Country club for their weekly Stableford competition and again a
large field was split into two divisions.
Robert Knutson and Mick Ramshaw tied for first place in
Division A, both with 39 points with Unto Kilvonen claiming third place
with 37 points. In Division B, Ben Findon grabbed top spot with a
magnificent 41 Stableford points, in second place came Curtis Hessler with
37 points followed by Lez Hall, Tim Vermeersch and for the first time ever
on the podium Ron Millward all with 36 points. Near pins prizes were won by
John King, John Preddy, Robert Knutson and Jim Wooler.
Siam Country Club
To make up for Monday’s wash out half The Bunker
Boy’s played in the PSC monthly Medal event Friday November 19 at Siam
Country Club with the other half travelling to Mountain Shadow Golf Club
formerly known as Natural Park Hills Golf Club. On a sunny day and on a
beautifully presented course which has plenty of trees to punish the
wayward golfer’s, steady George Redgewell came into the clubhouse with 30
stableford points to take third spot, one shot better off was Mick Ramshaw
but old timer John Preddy stole the show winning first prize with 32 points
to take home an early birthday present - well done John!
The “Golfer of the Month” competition is getting interesting with
John Hughes still leading the way but Lez Hall is still hot on his heels
after his third place at Pattaya Country Club with only three games to
play, the winner will receive an engraved Trophy along with other great
prizes. Remember The Bunker Boy’s have changed to playing on Monday’s
and Wednesday’s now so call into The Bunker Bar on Soi Chaiyapoon (near
X-zyte Disco) to pick up a golf schedule or consult The Pattaya Mail every
week and, as usual you can get the latest information about all other
sporting activities at The Bunker Bar by visiting our website @
www.bunkerboysgolf.com
Domicil moves
into first place
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
200
Bowlers - Teuvo and Jon
Domicil took four points from Jack & Tar in week 5
and moved into first place. House of the Golden Coin lost four points to
Cafe Ole and dropped into a three-way tie for second. Shenanigans finally
got on the winning track taking four points from Cafe Kronborg. Three
Sisters knocked Q Cars down the standings after taking three points in the
match. Brother D moved into a tie for second after winning three points from
VFW Post 9876. Friends remains in the three way tie for second after
splitting their match at two-two with Mai’ Thai Restaurant.
Best bowlers of the day were:
Teuvo - Friends - 205 game - 557 series
Otto - Friends - 517 series
La - Three Sisters - games of 185, 185 and 191 - 561 series
Jon - Q Cars - 213 game - 548 series
Suphan - Cafe Ole - 501 series
Bill Key - VFW Post 9876 - 520 series
Somrak - 526 series
It’s just as serious at the bottom of the table
Jomtien 8-Ball Pool League
Thursday
November 18, the bottom two teams of the Jomtien 8 ball pool league were
scheduled to play each other. Moonshine Place (nil points) hosted Bolaget (nil
points) in what was to be effectively a six-point match to determine the lower
echelons of the table.
Some
of the duellists before the evening’s events.
The teams, in order of play, were for Moonshine; Les, Neil,
Dao Ron, Alan and Ken. Bolaget fielded Ian, Bob, Dennis, Andy, Peter and Cris.
Amid loud cheers, Les took the first game for the home team.
The honours went to the visitors in the second frame, when Bob, after fluffing a
shot to let Neil back in, was gifted a straightforward victory in the end.
Captain Dennis from Bolaget did not let the diminutive Dao distract him from his
task! This was a battle between the sexes. There was a long exchange of
excellent safety play by both players until Dennis sank the black amidst groans
from the partisan home crowd.
The fourth frame was a match of age versus youth. Ron took on
visitor Andy in a game that was taut with difficult shots potted and again, some
excellent safety play.
Youth won out in the end to leave the home team in despair at
1-3 down. The fifth frame saw visitor Peter set about clearing the table in some
style while Alan looked on. However, a difficult shot let Alan back on the table
when he convincingly cleared the last four of his balls and the black. Things
were looking up for the home side.
The last of the singles was between ken and Cris. Visitor
Cris played a ‘canny’ game with first class safety play leaving Ken
struggling to find a pottable shot. The game ended when Ken was forced into an
error and Cris closed out the frame with panache.
Following the break (excellent toasted bacon sandwiches
provided by mine host Ted Hughes), the visitors fielded the very strong pairing
of Andy and Cris to take on Les and Dao. The visitors were too strong and after
an enthralling frame put the black away to take the frame and put the match
beyond the home team. The final two frames did nothing to boost the home teams
morale as both pairs went down to the visitors.
Result Moonshine Place 2 - Bolaget 7, with Moonshine Place anchored at the
bottom of the table!
White Rose shocks The Sportsman!
The Original Pattaya Pool League-November 15
Group A:
White Rose Bar 7 - 2 The Sportsman.
Tonight was the most surprising match of the season so far
where the underdogs, White Rose Bar on second road, one of the newest bars in
the league, annihilated The Sportsman, runners up in the Knockout Cup last
season and grand slam winners back in August 2003. It is also well known that
the Sportsman Pub and Restaurant in Soi 13 has one of finest slate bed pool
tables in the league, but tonight they weren’t playing on it!
The White
Rose boys relax after thier win over The Sportsman.
The moustachioed “Sambucca Don” faced Captain
“Door2Door” aka Dave in the first game. Dave, being the team’s premier
player, playing on this table (which is much smaller than the one in his own
bar) with “buckets” for pockets in comparison, took no time at all winning
the first game. Afterwards he modestly spoke about his game strategy and with a
smile on his face, “I just got all my balls down first and then the black!”
If only his team had listened to his wise words because what happened next was
quite astonishing...
In fairness, apart from Diplomat-Dez, some of Sportsman’s
more regular players were missing this evening, especially Big Boss Steve.
“Pompy” Mark (White Rose) flexed his muscles and
power-played his way to victory against Darren by smashing the balls around the
table and playing trick shots galore. Not quite the same style of play as Dave
before but he evened up the score nevertheless, to one game all.
This was the beginning of the end for Sportsman as the next 2
games saw “Foul Mouth” John (Moses to his mates back home) beat Mark and
then “Chicken Flu” Frank exterminate Diplomat-Dez (who doesn’t usually
lose his games, but still graciously smiled at his defeat) making it 3-1 to the
home team.
But it wasn’t so easy for (Captain) John “Blobber”
Hobson when he played against veteran Phil in the next game. Phil put up the
hardest fight of the night and was even down to the black ball first but
narrowly missed. Blobber stepped up and cleaned up, widening the gap to 4-1.
Nick “Smudger Smith” seized the all important winning
game of the match against the petite, pint-pulling “Or” from behind the bar
at The Sportsman. Sadly, “Or” cracked under the pressure despite encouraging
cheers from her team as she played her shots, especially when she potted a ball,
even though it was the white one!
The spiciest and tastiest shepherd’s pie was served up,
courtesy of The Lobby’s outside catering services from Soi Buakhao and then it
was time for the doubles matches. Don and Mark took the first game against Dez
and Or. But it wasn’t made easy for them as Dez potted several balls quickly
and then forced Mark to foul. But it wasn’t quite enough as Mark smoothly sank
the winning black soon after.
The Sportsman Team however, had not given up yet! Darren and
Mark quickly snatched a game back from “Chicken Flu” and “Foul Mouth”
with Mark potting the winning black, proving the old saying, “if you’ve got
nothing to lose and then go for it!”
The final game of the evening saw Door2Door Dave and Phil
lose (!) against Blobber and Smudger. Phil played some professional looking
shots setting Dave up for a spectacular finish but not before Blobber potted 3
stripes in a row. With such an easy shot on the black resting over a corner
pocket, what could possibly go wrong except for one thing? Yes, you guessed it!
With his perfect cue action, but a little too much ‘top’ on the white, Dave
(with that ever-cheeky smile on his face) potted both balls.
Following their convincing victory, Blobber humbly said,
“If we had played our regular team it would have been 9-0! But Rosy the
“Burnley Bear”, our regular pool hustler had one too many last night and
Smudger forgot to wake him up and Cyanide could not be with us either because he
was doing something else!”
Tonight just showed that anything can happen, even to the best teams
sometimes! Just wait until Round 2 when it’s time to play on the super-table
at The Sportsman...things may not be quite the same! And that’s what keeps it
all fun!
Jomtien 8-Ball Pool League
Richard Wardell has
a deserved victory
IPGC Bunker Boys at the OK Corral
Green Valley, on Tuesday, November 16 was a bleak, stormy
golf course but the Bunker Boys weathered the storm to play a stableford
event, in two flights cut at sixteen and under. The clouds were heavy at the
start and by the time five holes had been played the heavens opened and
gallons of water fell on the course making conditions very difficult. One
playing group decided to throw in the towel but the others continued with,
in division one, Terry Phur firing 30 points to take third place, Wilf
Latham going one better with 32 and Steve Nowell “lording it” with an
excellent 34 points.
In division two, lady golfer Saranya Chaiyanont scored a
soggy 28 points to hold down third place, while visitor Nile Sheehan took
second with 31. The best round of the day was scored by Richard Wardell,
who, the previous day, had shot his best ever round of net 68 on the same
course. This time his stableford score of 38 points established him as
favourite for the group’s coveted “Player of the Week” award. It was
an excellent performance under the most trying of conditions and one which
was thoroughly deserved.
Richard and Steve Nowell shared the pot for the Super
Sawng award with their fine birdies on hole eight and hole sixteen
respectively and visitor Tony Shepherd enjoyed the Bananas for his low score
of 19 points. At the end of the day, if you have to be outside in a tempest,
Green Valley has a certain attraction, as most of the Bunker Boys will
attest.
Las Vegas moves to Phoenix
Another fabulous golf outing from the Las Vegas bar restaurant, Jomtien was
held Wednesday November 17 at the Phoenix golf course.
 Congratulations
all round after a fun day out at Phoenix.
The weather was great and the course was in superior shape
but the golf was more than a little suspect. All players achieved the top result
of a fun day.
Ray Spurling came in with the most points at 37. Matt
Kirkland won the lucky draw.
Again, as with all of the Las Vegas days, the 19th hole was parred by
everyone back at the pub, even the non-golfers.
Brian Kelly continues his great form
IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven
Monday November 15
Burapha C & D
Medal White Tees Division 1
1st Brian Kelly, 66
2nd Randall Penrod, 67
3rd Dave Shaw, 68 - c/b 33
4th Stefan Hoge, 68 - c/b 34
Division 2
1st John Draper, 66
2nd BJ Smith, 70
3rd Ole Stamnes, 73 - c/b 34
4th Bill Moreau, 73 - c/b 36  Brian
Kelly hoping for a nice cut in his handicap.
A trip to this beautifully maintained course is sure to
guarantee a large turnout and today was no exception. A strong wind and well
watered fairways provided difficult conditions even off the shorter white
tees, yet the scores were excellent. In the First Division, Brian shot a
superb 82 off the stick to follow his 81 at Siam on Friday, which was just
enough to hold off Randall, Dave & Stefan. In Second Division, John
Draper, playing with Brian, shot his best ever score, to easily beat off BJ,
Ole & Bill, to win his first knotted putter trophy! In the 2s
competition, the pool was shared by Mo Bertrand, Randall Penrod & Barry
Winton.
Back at the Haven, Richard Livingston, the resident PGA
professional, welcomed Bill Moreau, Enrique Garzoria, Justin Brennan &
David Young and welcomed back Thomas Parks and Kjell & Kirsten
Christiansen. Before making a sad farewell to big Trevor Schirmer who is off
to a month’s harvesting in Australia.
Wednesday
November 17
Treasure Hills
Stableford White Tees
1st Randall Penrod, 36 pts
2nd Barry Winton, 35 pts
3rd Barry Chadbourn, 33 pts
A disappointing turnout once again for this tough layout
and daunting trip up the 331, so really not too surprising that nobody
managed to beat their handicap and nobody managed a “2” at the end of the
day it was that man again, Randall Penrod, who came home with 36 points, but
hard pressed by Barry, with an excellent 35 points off his miserly handicap.
Prior to the prize giving, Richard Livingston, welcomed back Rick Bevington
& Tony Quaid.
Friday November 19
Green Valley
Stableford
Division 1
1st Frank Hughes 38 pts - c/b 20
2nd Terry Morris 38 pts - c/b 18
3rd Bob Lindborg 37 pts
4th Brian Kelly 35 pts - c/b 20
Division 2
1st Peter Johanson 40 pts
2nd Barry Chadbourn 37 pts
3rd Tony Quaid 36 pts
4th Trevor Edge 35 pts
Back to this ever popular course and the largest turnout to date.
Unfortunately, the greens were in poor condition, which accounted for many
higher than usual scores, as only five players managed to beat their
handicaps. Frank just managed to beat Terry on countback in the First
Division, with Bob and Brian rounding out the podium places, whilst Peter,
still in good form comfortably saw off Barry, Tony & Trevor in the Second
Division. In the 2s competition, it was rollover day and the pool was shared
by Doug Campbell, Frank Hughes and sharpshooter, Barry Winton. Back at the
Haven, Richard Livingston, welcomed Werner Huefile and welcomed back Tom
Sathrum and Olaf Malmberg.
PSC golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Monday November 14 Khao Kheow Stableford
The Khao Kheow A & B Layouts were host to a stableford
competition in two flights, A Flight 0 to 17 and B Flight 18 and above. On
the day the course was in very good condition, with the greens 9.5 on the
Stimpmeter.
 Ebrahim
is presented the Mug by Dave Richardson
Clive Robinson, that well known fisherman, continued his
good form of late and with a fine 37 points won the A Flight. In second place
was Bill Plath, also playing well of late, who had 35 points and beat Bob La
Pointe into third place on countback.
J.C. Lhoste took the B Flight with 37 points, Barry
Chadburn was second with 34 points and, believe it or not, Dave Richardson
was third with 26 points on countback from Trudy Chadburn.
 Brian
Noguer
Once again the course proved one of the toughest in the
area, and it is notable that of the last 150 players to test this course in
the competitions I have reported on, only 4 have beaten their handicap, and
three of those by only one shot. Oh to have a handicap earned at this course,
you would be invincible in and around the area.
Near Pins: #A3 Barry Chadburn, #A5 Gary Wedl, #B3 Bob La
Pointe, #B8 Clive Robinson.
Thursday Nov. 18 Siam CC
Stroke - Monthly Mug
Surprise, Surprise, yes it really is the Mug half way
through the month, and the reason is that next week we start the build up to
the busy season with one of the events of the year, ‘Pappa Ray Rogers
Thanksgiving Scramble’. For the hungry and poor in our community this is a
must as you can fill up on food for the Winter, and at the same time enjoy
some good golf and fine prizes. We tend to get a good turnout from Ray’s
friends in the town, and from the more needy bars.
 J.C.
Lhoste
So to the Mug, and despite its early play, and a few
regulars missing it, we had a fine turnout, with a full list turning out on
the first tee, and low and behold there was not one person missing. I can
only put this anomaly at the doors of the new closing times, time was we had
a good percentage of the players come straight from the bars to the first
tee. Happy nights!
Siam at the present time is in as good a condition as I
can remember, the fairways have grass and the greens are surprisingly fast,
and as true as they will ever be. So on the day some good scores were
expected and we were not let down, particularly in the A Flight.
 Clive
Robinson
Back at the ranch, we always go back for the Mug, we
awaited results with baited breath, mainly because the flight winners were
late.
In the A Flight, 0 to 18, we had most of the good scores
including the Mug winner. The winner of the Flight with a net 67 was Brian
Noguer on countback from, in second place, Bill Plath. In third place close
behind was Derek Brook with a net 68.
In the B Flight, 19 upwards, the winner was Bill Keys with
a net 70 ahead of Dave Richardson on countback. In third was Jim Thompson
with a net 71 ahead of Herb Schweiterman.
So to the winner, and after reminding all that the winner
had the right to have the Mug filled by all his fellow competitors, it was a
pleasure to have Dave present the Mug to a golfer who has been a bit down
with his golf of late, when Ebrahim came in with a net 67. It was also a
pleasure to inform all the golfers the filling of the mug was limited to soft
drink. T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: #4 Takeshi Hakozaki, #8 Bill Plath, #12 Ebrahim, #16 Don
Richardson.
Media trounces city councilors in football friendly
Decha Chalermyart
Youth and better fitness were cited as the reasons behind
the Pattaya Media Association’s victory over the more experienced Pattaya
City council team. Members of the press defeated the politicians 3 - 1 at
the Banglamung School pitch on November 11.
The City
council team (in blue) and the Media Team take the ascribed pre-match photo.
Pattaya Media defeated the administrators 3-1 at the Banglamung School
pitch.
The newshounds, led by association president, Anand
Kingsorn put the pressure on the councilors right from the kick-off, scoring
two goals in the first half.
During the second half, the administrators got their
second wind and steamrolled a goal against the media, but their fitness
levels weren’t good enough and the media pounded in another goal to finish
off the city at the close of the game.
The football friendly is one of the numerous activities the city conducts
to promote healthy exercise and using free time to the best advantage for all
concerned.
4th Annual Windsurfing Pattaya ‘Treasure Hunt Race’ postponed a week
The 4th Annual Windsurfing ‘Treasure Hunt Race’ is an
open class fun event with sailors of all ages invited to participate. After
last week’s announcement, the organisers have delayed the race at the
request Pattaya City Council to accommodate Singaporean entrants. The event
is now scheduled to be held on Saturday and Sunday, December 11 to 12.
 Competitors
will race to two islands where they have to find mystery items such as
oversize bras or cooking pots and return with them. Watching the sailors
return with strange items and big smiles is hilarious.
The second day is a slalom event where sailors race
around a short course with many turns. This action is fast and exciting.
Sponsors include: Starboard, Singha, Pattaya City,
Pattaya Park Hotel, Chinook, Powerex, Thai Windsurfing Association and
Gaysorn Plaza.
Amara says that you don’t need expensive equipment to
enjoy this event.
Get ready to windsurf December 11 and 12 at Amara Sailing
Center on the beach in front of Pattaya Park Hotel.
Please direct inquiries to: [email protected] or
phone 01 862 9958
Pattaya Swimming
Championships - heralded a success
Youngsters make big splash
at 2-day swim competition
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Over 660 children from Pattaya schools took part in this
year’s 2nd annual Pattaya Swimming Championships. The number of entrants
far exceeded the expectations of organizers who touted this year’s event
as an outstanding success.
 ’Full
steam ahead’...
Avid swimmers aged from 5- 15 from local schools took
part in the two-day event, held at the Sathit Udomsueksa School, as Mayor
Niran Wattanasartsathorn presided over the opening ceremonies.
Aimed at increasing the profile of swimming and improving
competition standards for the sport among the nation’s youth, the event
has grown since its inception.
Mums and dads cheered their children from the stands as
the young ‘sharks’ made their way through the water vying for trophies
and cash prizes in a tough field of swimmers.
The format was one start rule, under international swimming rules. The
winner of each age group and the overall champions received 3,000 to 500
baht towards school studies.
Sunday Quiz League
PSC Monthly Tournament at Siam Country Club
Friday November 19: This week, my car drives itself to
Siam Country Club by itself, and my caddy sees more of me than my wife, not
that either are complaining. Monday Three Sisters, Thursday Cafe Kronborg
and this day the Monthly Tournament. Some good things are, that Siam C.C. is
close, at present it is in fine condition, and I am a member. So turning up
there on Friday, I was really looking forward to a third fun filled day of
the week.
 First
group in unfamiliar territory.
Early to book in, with a hangover, it came as something
as a shock, despite the fact I should have read the sign up sheet, to learn
I was playing off the blue tees. Whilst a member and playing here for many
years, this was to be my first experience of playing 7,100 yards of Siam
C.C. I don’t usually go that far on holiday. A real shock to the system,
but particularly felt by the 67 year old I played with and the 72 year old
in the group behind, they would have preferred to play off the red tees as
super seniors. They shouldn’t be so good at that age.
(l-r) Juanita
Reed-Ladies flight winner, J.C. Lhoste-D Flight, Kris Helgasson-B Flight and
Lumpy Russel-A Flight winner.
So onto the course and it was apparent on the first tee
that the organizing committee had tried to sort the men from the boys, as
the A & B Flights played off the Blue Tees and played Stroke, and the C
& D Flights had to leave us and walk forward into the mist and play
Stableford off the White Tees. I know how the Ladies feel now when they play
with the men. Not well put, but you know what I mean!
 (l-r)
Chris John, PSC golf chairman, David Strang - High Points winner and Clive
Robinson-Low Gross winner.
The course itself was in fine condition, and a pleasure
to play, it was also interesting to see players playing drivers at some par
3’s and not reaching the green. So 124 players teed off at the 1st and the
10th and as you can imagine it was quite a long day. The wise ones booked
carts so they would have somewhere to sit down on the way around.
This Committee have the signing in and the control of the
day down to a fine art and are to be congratulated on their skill, they also
now try out some different things that if they go well they incorporate, if
not they move on. One thing that was a little annoying was that 142 players
were due to turn up, and all week they had to turn away people who wanted to
play, good manners denotes you put your name down you should turn up.
Otherwise you stop someone else playing. The decision has been made that in
future the field will be limited to 124 players, and if you put your name
down you will be expected to turn up. Hopefully dressed as per a golfer
should be dressed. More strength to the Golf Chairman’s Arm.
On the day, on the course it could be seen that in the A
& B Flights the more elderly were struggling, so I fully expected the
known younger big hitters to come through, and the winning scores to be
higher than one expected at Siam. I know I shot 10 shots more than in the
Kronborg Monthly Mug the day before and so did the Mug winner Ebrahim. Oh to
be young now that Spring is here. Happy Memories!
So to the A Flight and the winner was Lumpy Russel with a
fine net 71. If you want to know why ‘Lumpy’ watch him lump the ball off
the tee. In second we had a countback on net 73 won by Perry McNeely in
second and Tony Oakes in third.
In the B Flight the scores as expected were not as good
as in the A Flight, after all one does not expect players to hit the ball as
far in this group. The winner with a net 73 was Kris Helgasson on countback
over Simon Dutton in second, also net 73. In third place was Wilson Hamilton
with a net 75.
So onto the C Flight and now we come onto the better
scores as players play off the tees they are used to. It is easier to pick a
club off a tee when you have played it dozens of times. The winner was Carl
Baumann with 40 points, ahead of Frank Pilkington, on countback, in second
place, also 40 points. In third place was Alan Pearce with 38 points.
In the D Flight the scores continued to improve, and the
winner was Jean Claude Lhoste with 41 points. Second place was decided on a
countback on 40 points with Bjorn Kristianson in second and Jay Perrin in
third.
In the Ladies Flight there were not many entrants, so the
winner was Juanita Reed with 36 points ahead of Usa Chaiyosit with 34
points.
Onto the presentation where the Golf Chairman made the
point about people signing up and then despite all the hard work done by his
committee not bothering to turn up. He also made the request that people who
attended should attend in decent dress, as per a golf course. He then
thanked his helpers and his sponsors, in particular PSC, Siam C.C,
Shenanigans, Blue Parrot, TQ, McAllisters, Green Bottle, Harley Bar,
Misty’s, Las Vegas, and last but not least our newest sponsor, Lolita’s
Bar off Soi Diana.
Then onto the presentations and our MC Alan Pearce, who
called out the winners, including the two top winners. The Low Gross winner
was Clive Robinson with a gross 80, very commendable off the Blue Tees. The
High Points winner was David Strang with 43 points. Alan then wished all a
good night and was crushed underfoot in the stampede. T.T.F.N.
Results (Category: Flights A + B, Flights C + D, Ladies):
Long Drive: #7 Mark Fisher, Dan Sell, Usa Chayosit
Long 1st Putts: #9 Mikael Anderson, Gordon McKnight; #18
Bob Benda, Greg Perrin/
Near Pins: #4 Terry Phur, Nigel Cannon, Usa Chaiyosit; #8
Larry Willet, Steve Wilkens; #12 Mikael Anderson, Willy Celis; #16 Mike
Gerrard, Dave Richardson.
2s: Mike Gerrard, Sus Ige, Lumpy Russel, Terry Phur,
Nigel Cannon, Willy Celis, Jay Perrin
Flight Winners
Low Gross: Clive Robinson
High Points: David Strang
A Flight Winner: Lumpy Russel; Second: Perry McNeely;
Third: Tony Oakes.
B Flight Winner: Kris Helgasson; Second: Simon Dutton;
Third: Wilson Hamilton.
C Flight Winner: Carl Baumann; Second: Frank Pilkington;
Third: Alan Pearce.
D Flight Winner: J.C. Lhoste; Second: Bjorn Kristianson;
Third: Jay Perrin
L Flight Winner: Juanita Reed; Second: Usa Chaiyosit
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
Well darned if I’m not up to my old tricks again.
Forget to mention some important stuff. Last Sunday was the anniversary of
the naming of Australia. Here’s the way it went. In 1788 the British
settled the colony that’s now called Sydney. It had no name then. Which of
course prompted people to answer the question, “Were you from?” With,
“Don’t know.” Navigator Matthew Flinders called it “Australia”.
London wanted either Terra Australis or New Holland. Gotta love them Brits.
One wanted Bruce but that’s another story for another time. The New South
Wales governor nixed that idea and stuck with Australia. That now allows me
to write, “It looks like Aussie Paul Briggs will become the light
heavyweight champion of the entire world.” How did Mr Briggs get in that
position? Well besides fighting all comers, if they cometh to Australia, he
won a WBC Title Eliminator via UD (115-109, 117-105, 113-109) over something
called Stripe Drews (26-1). “Drews down three times and deducted 3 points
for kneeing & head butt.” So you say he won a title eliminator? Yep!
In addition the WBC and the IBF have stripped their titles from Antonio
Tarver and Glenncoffe Johnson respectively. “That’s it?” Oh by the
way, he signed with Don King. “I see said the blind man.”
Can’t leave us Yanks out as we celebrated Thanksgiving
yesterday. Thanksgiving? Yep, that’s when we invited the Indians to
dinner, fed them turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potato’s and gravy then
stole their land, possessed their women and killed the buffalo, while the
Injuns were watching football.
Gotta watch them Yanks. They’re a tricky lot. One Yank
with a lot to be thankful for is Shane Mosley (39-3). He likes to be called
“Sugar Shane” but sometimes he’s not that sweet. Here’s a guy that
had the world by the tail after beating Oscar DeLaHoya. Next time out Vernon
Forrest does him in. “OK, give me a rematch.” Same deal. Then it’s
back to beating DeLaHoya again. Now he’s ready to climb the mountain.
“I’ll fight Winkey Wright (47-3).” Whoops another loss. Gets a
rematch, a rematch of that one last Sunday Pattaya Time. Same results.
Wright won a Majority Decision, I think as I never get this correct,
114-114, 115-113 twice. Mosley was never in the match before a crowd where
some folks came disguised as orange seats. The Square Ring had it 118-111
for Wright but that judgement was made absent amber scoring fluid. Not a
good deal!
You don’t have to be a Yank to be thankful. Just axed,
Former WBC 105lb king Wandee Singwancha (42-7-1, 10 KO’s). He kept his WBC
International lightfly title thanks to Korean the judge Jae-wong Kim who
scored the match with Jun Arlos (30-15-4) a draw at 114. The Thai judge,
Nopparat Sricharoen, had it 115-113 for Wandee, Warren Jaro of the
Phillipines 117-113 for Arlos. I mentioned that WBO bantam champ Ratanachai
Sor Vorapin should have a “almost walkover” when he mixed it up with
Filipino Joel Bauya last Friday at Bangprakong. It was also mentioned that
what the hell was a World Champion doing fighting a 6 round fight against an
opponent that was “not worthy”. Guess Joel Bauya was a lot more worthy
than his record indicated. He dropped Vorapin in the 3rd but couldn’t
maintain his attacked losing 58-56 and almost being stopped in the final
stanza.
Siraphop Ratanasuban “Songchai Jr.” took three Muay
Thai boxers to visit Russia recently. The purpose was to advance the cause
of Muay Thai style of fighting. “After having undergone both harsh cold
whether, the latest degree is down at 1, and estrange Russian native foods,
One of Songchai’s Muaythai boxer team, namely Muangchai Aor Somphoj(72
KG), Ek-Ubon Por Muang-Ubon (69kg) and female Nuasean Chor Insuwan (54 kg)
can now adjust themselves to the those environment already. It raised
tremendous expectation to the young team head that his boxers’ strength
and their remarkable Muay Thai maneuvers will be able to attract all Russian
witnesses and increase Muay Thai reputation over there.” Good plan, bad
execution! They lost. Welcome to Russia.
’Tis said that the third times the charm usually by
those that are walking down the isle yet again. They never learn! Erik
Morales (47-1) and Marco Antonio Barrera (58-4) meet for the third time next
Sunday. It couldn’t have been more even, as each has a win, each disputed
the other’s win (with some validation) and the Mexican fight fans has been
clamoring for more since their encounter in 2002. “ Yes Dear, that noise
is the clamoring Mexican fight fans. True fact.” After 24 rounds of boxing
only 6 points separating them on the judges’ scorecards. When they fought
at 122 Morales seemed the stronger. The re-match at 126 appeared to give
Barrera extra power. The key to this one may be that Barrera took a severe
beating at the hand of Manny Pacquiao last year. Barrera’s last against an
aging Paulie Ayala would support the “Pacquiao did him in theory” as
espoused by your humble and parched correspondent.
Another loser, or runner up for those of you that are politically
correct, was Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield. The New York Athletic
Commission suspended him “indefinitely” after his horrible performance
against Larry Donald. In issuing the suspension the NYSAC Chairman said,
“To my practiced mind, Holyfield shouldn’t be fighting anymore. It’s
the responsibility of the state athletic commission to save a boxer from
himself. Evander Holyfield has absorbed enough punishment throughout his
great career. It’s time the bleeding stopped.” To my practiced eye I
write, “Sound like another self serving politically appointed windbag
blowing hot air.” While the suspensions in place Holyfield will be unable
to fight in any civilized country, which leave most of the world available.
With Don King on the case look for the suspension to be lifted forthwith or
sooner. What doesn’t make sense is that Holyfield gets the trip to “ride
the pine” while Larry Donald is now pushing for a title shot off his
“performance.” But why the heck not? Donald showed some class when he
said, “I don’t understand why they suspended Evander. If that’s the
case, there are a many other fighters that they could suspend... like
Riddick Bowe.” Drive a man to drink. “Inside the leathers you say?”
Why thank you, I believe I will.
Free scoring Bookhammer, Jamin On Song
MBMG International League - Week 7
The MBMG International League entered week 7 still
showing a propensity for red cards. With the French only having ten men to
start their game best behaviour and fair play seemed to be in order for the
weekend until AFC Shrewsbury and the German All Stars upped the intensity
with four in the one game, including a double that followed a bought of
stamping and handbag throwing. Joerg Kuehn scoring two in a game that
finished in a three all draw.
The increasingly returning to mighty form Dubliner went
behind for the first time to, up for the weekend, Seaboard FC. Debutante
manager Junior Bradshaw shuffled his pieces to almost immediate effect Jamin
Bookhammer levelling the score and then propelling the Dubliner ahead before
half time. Malcolm Nicolson, returning from injury, added the last goal of a
6-1 result that didn’t reflect the gutsy performance of a much reduced in
personnel Seaboard side.
The Londoner and Les Gauloises kept clean sheets in their
respective 2-0 wins against The Bangkok Blitz and The British Club. Danai
Downer maintaining his two goal a game average to keep The Londoner
undefeated for the season. Les Gauloises still yet to be defeated, though
they did bring to an end the record setting run of ‘most games with a man
sent off’, the new record now stands at glorious 4 matches and 5 reds.
Most improved team The Winking Frog were denied the top
half of the table and all the respect that comes with it. The Bullshead
Brazilians snuffing out their challenge with a 3-0 win, with Frog Diallo
picking up their first red of the season. Racing Club Pattaya dropped more
points at home as draw specialists The Robin Hood matched them pound for
pound in a 1-1 battle amongst the trees. Patana continue to show an ability
to shine one week and then fade the next as they shared the points with
Bangkok United in one of two Sunday 3-3 score lines.
Next week sees mouth watering prospects as The Londoner
face off against The Bullshead. Whilst Les Gauloises entertain a full
strength Seaboard.
Week 7 Results : British Club Casuals 0 - 2 Les Gaulois
de Bangkok; The Winking Frog FC 0 - 3 Bulls Head Brazilians; The Dubliner 6
- 1 Seaboard FC; Londoner FC 2 - 0 Blitz FC; Racing Club Pattaya 1 - 1 Robin
Hood FC; AFC Shrewsbury 3 - 3 German All Stars; Patana 3 - 3 Bangkok United.
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