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Bill Clive achieves a dream at Shenanigans Irish Open
Friday 30 September, Burapha Golf Club - C
& D courses Stableford
Without placing in the standings, Bill Clive won the
respect of all the entrants by recording his ace on hole C-5. Although the
hole is short, it presents a lot of difficulty to most players and very few
are able to land a tee shot on the elevated green. This was Bill’s very
first hole in one and he will be loath to ever part with the 8 iron that did
the job for him. To celebrate the event Simon Dutton, Shenanigans jovial
landlord, presented Bill with a voucher for a free carvery dinner every week
valid for one year.
 David
Schelling (right) Shenanigan’s 2005 Men’s Irish Open Champion is
congratulated by Gerry Carpenter
Check in at Burapha was accomplished in good order by
Simon and his crew, with players given tournament golf shirts and balls and
offered Bloody Mary’s and snacks before heading to their assigned position
for the 12 noon shotgun start. With around two thirds of their round
completed most players sought shelter when a thunderstorm descended on
Burapha and lightening was thought to be too close for comfort. The delay
was no more than thirty minutes so rounds were completed not far off
schedule. A number of players were heard to comment on the lack of warning
sirens in use at Thai golf courses. The only recent exception seems to be
during the lightning affected Jackalope Open at Pattana Golf Club. Common
practice in many countries, it would be beneficial if it were to be adopted,
here in Thailand. Eastern Seaboard golf course managers please note.
At Shenanigans, while all the players, wearing their new
design Shenanigans golf shirts, were tucking in to the very fine traditional
carvery and enjoying complimentary Heineken or Tiger beer, Dennis Willett
hosted the award ceremonies in his normal flamboyant style, noting the
generous support received from both Heineken and Guinness for this event.
 Saen
Jaroenwong, Shenanigan’s 2005 Ladies’ Irish Open Champion celebrates her
win.
Dennis was quick to start handing out a host of lucky
draw prizes before getting down to the serious business. He first announced
the “technical” awards and the special prize of a keg of Guinness to
none other than Izzy Freedman, the first and only name on the record sheet.
Izzy is assured of growing popularity with that prize. Flight places,
men’s and ladies champions and low gross awards were beautiful, high
quality crystal items selected by PSC trophy master Alan Pearce. The men’s
and ladies champions were selected based upon low net scores and were,
respectively, David Schelling net 65 and Saen Jaroenwong net 76.
At the end of the formalities Dennis invited all the
players to come forward and select Guinness or Heineken caps or Heineken
towels and collect Burapha discount vouchers kindly donated by Mr. Mike for
the occasion.
Full results:
Men’s champion David Schelling, net 65. Men’s low
gross went to Mike Allidi with 78 just topping a fine 79 from Ian Warwick.
Ladies low gross was from Punyanut Gale with 77 which also put her in second
place behind ladies champion Saen Jaroenwong who scored 33 points. Men’s
division A was won by Phillipe Berra 37 points with Mike Gaussa in second
and Sus Ige taking third. Men’s division B winner was Geoff King with 38
points, Ollie Downey took second and Scott Cosban placed third. The C
division winner was Steve Davis with a fine 40 points scored followed by Lee
Adams in second and David Foulk taking third.
 Mike
Allidi (right) returned 78 off the stick to capture the Low Gross trophy.
Near pins. Bryan Edward, David Hennessy (2), Scott
Cosban, Glenn Tyler, Steve Hovi, Dave Schelling, Saen Jaroenwong. Longest
drive men’s (A) Billy Owens, (B) Richard Wardell (C) Michael Brett,
(Ladies) Punyanut Gale.
Longest first putts, Ian Warwick and Ian Griffith.
A ‘CUEL’ million raised for charity
5th annual CUEL Invitational Charity Classic
The recent CUEL golf tournament held at Laem Chabang,
September 24 was a tremendous success both on and off the course.
As well as being a great day out for all the
participants, the organizers of the event also managed to raise 1 million
baht for the Fountain of Life Center, Pattaya. CUEL Ltd., a Thai registered
company, which fabricates offshore oil and gas platforms, had players take
part from all over the world including the USA, Singapore, Batam and Hong
Kong. All-in-all, 164 golfers of all ages and abilities set off over Laem
Chabang’s A and B courses, playing a four-ball, Texas scramble format. One
of the highlight’s of the event was the 10,000USD prize on offer for a
hole in one. Unfortunately, the prize remained unclaimed at the end of the
day but special thanks must go anyway to the ‘hole-in-one’ sponsors,
Jardine Lloyd Thomson.
Narong
Boonyasapuan (left), CUEL managing director and John Blyton, Laem Chabang
senior production manager present the 1 million baht cheque to Fountain of
Life Centre’s Sister Joan Gormley and Sister Kalayani Tuanrassamee.
The 12:30 p.m. shotgun start to the tournament meant that
most of the players were faced with the prospect of toiling under the midday
heat. Fortunately however, help was at hand as there was plenty of beer,
soft drinks and food available at any of the numerous drink stops around the
course. One of the ‘stops’ even had the Thailand cocktail champion in
attendance to dispense the cold beverages and also show a ‘trick’ or
two. Many thanks must go again to all the food and drink sponsors for the
day.
 A
hopeful golfer practices prior to ‘chancing his arm’ at the $10,000
hole-in-one challenge sponsored by Jardine Lloyd Thomson at the 5th annual
CUEL Invitational Charity Classic, September 24. The prize remained
unclaimed at the end of the day.
Back at the clubhouse, the golf presentations were
carried out by Patrick Cox, CUEL general manager - operations and it took a
fair bit of time to distribute all the various prizes including 4
‘Flight’ winners, 14 technical prizes and last but not least, the
‘wooden-spooners’. All of the prizes were accompanied by a crystal
trophy donated by Lotus Crystal.
Patrick also took this particular moment to give a warm
thanks to all the participants but especially to the many sponsors, without
whom, the event would not have been possible: PCH, Pearl Energy, Chevron,
Unithai Shipyard and Engineering ,Matco Asia, Akso Nobel Coatings Ltd.,
Brunel Technical Services, Campbells (Thailand), Deborah Services Limited,
FMC Energy Systems, GE Supply, TIG Trading Co. Ltd., J. Ray McDermott, PT
Petrotech – Batam, Oilstates Industries (Thailand), CR Industrial,
Marubeni-Itochu Tubulars, Profound Innovations Co. Ltd., Vetco Aibel, Hallin
Marine Syte Air Liquide Welding (Thailand) Co. Ltd, K.S. Energy services
limited, EK Crane Group, Thai NDT, M.J. Bangkok Valve & Fittings,
Megatek Industrial Services, Oakwell Engineering Ltd., Bangkok Freight
(Bafco), Mitsui Thailand, Tri-Progress Elecument (Yes, It Is Elecument), BRV
Electrical, Dynamic Flowline Co. Ltd., Emco Thailand Ltd., Triangle Cable,
Toparts Pty. Ltd., Piper Valve Systems, Behn Meyer, Gulf Agency Company, The
Camel Bar (Ban Chang), Fourwinds, Shenanigans Irish Pub, Fosters Thailand
(Distributors), Wayne from F&B for the food on course.
First
Flight Winners An’A - Ajj Tularak, Anon Chinabutr, Peerachat Pinprayong
and Somchai Sampeenong enjoy the spoils of victory on the podium.
Once the golf and formalities were completed, we got down
to the serious business of the day as a cheque for 1 million baht was
presented by Patrick Cox, Narong Boonyasapuan, CUEL managing director and
John Blyton, Laem Chabang senior production manager to Sister Joan Gormley
and Sister Kalayani Tuanrassamee of the Fountain of Life Center.
Results:
First Flight Winners: Team An’A - Ajj Tularak, Anon
Chinabutr, Peerachat Pinprayong and Somchai Sampeenong.
Second Flight Winners: Team Swageloks Swindlers -
Pongthorn Nontapan, Kamol Khambabpha, Sittisakdi Tayarajkul and Kanjana
Promsopa.
Third Flight Winners: Team Kitti Pongs - Kittipong
Sodsawat, Anurak Kittiarnunt, Charoensak Kaewkhumsan and Nopphadol
Ruengsuriyah.
Fourth Flight Winners: Team TIG Tigers - Kanchit
Homchampa, Keerin Chutumstid, Natthapon Pongboonchoo and Waipod Yeamkaew.
A tremendously successful and thoroughly enjoyable day
was had by all but let’s spare a thought for all the people whose hard
work enabled this event to take place, not least of all the CUEL office
girls who provided support throughout the day.
Brian Wilkinson takes ‘farewell’ honors at Siam CC
PSC golf from the Café Kronborg
Monday September 26 Pattaya
CC
The very much improved Pattaya Country Club was chosen to
host the ‘dress rehearsal’ for upcoming Cafe Kronborg’s ‘Monthly
Mug’ after replacing the sadly, now overpriced and below standard course
we have been using for sometime. The competition on the day was in two
Flights, A Flight 0 to 17 and B Flight 18 and above. The course was in fine
condition, with fast greens and almost all grass areas cut to the proper
playable length. The bunkers still need a little attention but on the whole
the day was classed as very good value at 600 baht incl. green fee and
caddy.
 A
Flight winner Tony Scrambler.
Tony Scrambler won the A Flight with a net 69 on a
count-back from Brian Noguer in second. Ebrahim was in third with a net 70
on a count-back over Stu Thompson. Kevin Dinan, the man from County Cork,
won the B Flight with a net 65. Second and third were decided on count-back
with ‘goldy oldy’ Rowley Morris getting the nod over Wayne Koch. Both
players recorded fine net 70 scores. Barry Kerr just missed out on the
prizes.
Near Pins: #5 Bob Pearce, #7 Philippe Berra, #12 Tony
Scrambler, #16 John
Swanson.
Thursday September 29 Siam
Country Club
 Dave
Richardson (left) presents ‘Monthly Mug’ to Brian Wilkinson.
After a period of two years or so, this was to be the
final ‘Monthly Mug’ at Siam. This was due in no small part to the
increase in prices but also to the planned extension of Siam and the
seemingly lessening of effort to maintain the course. Along with the
re-location of Three Sisters on Monday, this means a large reduction of golf
being played at Siam. On the day, a less than normal turnout left to play
the course under the watchful eye of Dave, who was a ‘volunteer’ - the
scribe relaxing for a change! In the circumstances the course was not in too
bad a condition but two greens on the front nine were poor and the back nine
greens were also in a state of bad repair. The rough was a bit too long and
too much time was wasted looking for balls. The weather also didn’t help
as it was very hot and humid.
Back at the Cafe Kronborg, as Dave did the presentation
it was noted that the scores were not very low. Indeed only the winner,
Brian Wilkinson beat his handicap, with a net 71 ahead of Dave Richardson in
second with a net 73. Ebrahim came in third with a net 74 and Kevin
Callaghan in fourth with a net 76.
T.T.F.N.
Sports Quiz
Congratulations to Bernard who was first in with the
answer to last week’s quiz. Keep sending them in. For those of you who
missed out, keep trying. Here are the answers:
1. Who won this year’s British Open Golf Championship at St. Andrew’s?
Tiger Woods
2. Which horse won last year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup?
Best mate
3. Who won the 1992 Olypic Gold medal in the Men’s 50m Freestyle?
Aleksandr Popov
Remember, be the first to send in the correct answers and win a weekend
carvery for two at Jameson’s Irish Pub. Now here’s this weeks round of
questions.
1. Who won this year’s Men’s Singles at the
Australian Tennis Open?
2. Who won the 2005 World Snooker Championship held at the Crucible
Theater in Sheffield, UK?
3. Who is the WBA Featherweight Champion?
Sweethearts bar win the ‘superstars challenge’
Saturday, September 24 saw the final episode of the three
bar, ‘superstars’ challenge, which was held at the Bowling Green,
Pattaya. Two previous rounds of golf and pool had been played and with the
event too close to call, the Bowling Green looked in prime position to score
well in the final two events, lawn bowls and pool. Once again, to make it
fair, the home team captain (Dave ‘ The Pro’) worked out a
handicap system so the non bowlers stood a good chance of competing. Five
hours of bowling in the midday heat saw many upsets with some of the
favorites loosing to lesser opposition. As the day wore on the cheers became
louder from the Sweethearts’ players as people tried to work out who was
in front. After the bowling, a quick change and a large meal saw the start
of the final pool competition. A few games in and the teams from the
Caddyshack and the Bowling Green soon realized the inevitable as the
Sweethearts bar crossed the finishing post with games to spare.
Danny and
the boys from Sweethearts.
The final score was sweethearts Bar 215 pts, second was the Caddyshack
with 203pts and third were the Bowling Green with a dismal 155 points. What
happened to the Bowlers from the Bowling Green? The individual prize was won
by Charlie from Sweethearts and soon after receiving his 2000 baht prize, he
kindly ‘rang the bell’. Best individual from the Caddyshack was Mr
“Loy” Mitchell with Tony Murphy the best from The Bowling Green.
12th TQ Masters Golf Tournament
Friday October 21, 2005 is the date for the 12th Annual
TQ Masters Golf Tournament, returning this year to Eastern Star Country
Club & Resort.
The coveted ‘Green Jacket’ will be up for the best
Stableford score from the men and, acknowledging the lady golfers who like
to participate in this major tournament, a Masters ‘Pink Jacket’ will
again be awarded for the best Ladies Stableford score.
Early sign-ups are recommended and Entry Forms, with
full details, are available at Tahitian Queen, Beach Road at various golf
venues and here, in Pattaya Mail.
Completed Entry Forms, with 1,500 baht Entry Fee, should
be given to Joe Otter or Steve Donovan at TQ, Beach Road.
Entries are only confirmed with payment, and the usual
sell-out of this popular tournament is anticipated. The day will start with
the traditional Bloody Caesars in the Clubhouse, and beer on the course
will enhance your enjoyable round of golf.
The field will close at 128, so sign-up early please.
Jones & Andersson share honours at Eastern Star
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral
Tuesday, September 27
The Pattaya Golf Society
left the OK
Corral to find an empty Eastern Star Golf Resort waiting to host their
weekly medal event. The course was spoilt by excessive sanding on the back
nine greens and putting was very much a lottery. The rest of the course was
in a reasonable condition and with a scattering of clouds and a fresh breeze
the scene was set for an excellent day’s golf. Despite the handicap of
sand on the back nine, standards were high and an average score of net 76
for the field was a fine return with every playing group claiming a winner.
Low handicappers, John Cunningham and Mikael Andersson were always going to
struggle as half their shots would come on the greens but local member
Mikael used his long hitting to good effect and posted the day’s best
gross of 80, (net 74). He was delighted to share the top honors with old
friend Len Jones whose last win, was seemingly as long ago as when his
namesake, the legendary Bobby, took all four majors in the same year!
Len’s net 74 was a fine return and just kept Harry Cowling back in third
place with a hardworking 75. Barry Pethig took sole possession of the
two’s pot with a prodigious birdie on the thirteenth, his tee shot coming
within inches of a hole-in-one. Rookie Andy Haycox received the customary OK
welcome as his card bore a notorious “no return” on his first ever round
in the kingdom and he savoured the Booby Bevy with relish. At the end of the
day the main question was how a course, having received a regular group
booking more than a month previously, could present us with greens in such a
poor state of repair and not offer a discount?
Bob Philp cans an ace!
IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s
Sunday, September 25
Green Valley
White Tees, Stableford
1st A Flight: Jack Grinvold, 41 points
2nd A Flight: Phil Mitchell, 39 points
3rd A Flight: Kevin Taylor, 38 points
1st B Flight: Peter Emslie, 39 points
2nd B Flight: Chaten Patel, 37 points
3rd B Flight: Dene Airey, 36 points
1st C Flight: Loz Shaw, 45 points
2nd C Flight: John Ginnane, 41 points
3rd C Flight: Barry Rothberg, 41 points
2s: Bob Philp’s ‘hole-in-one’ takes in all
Despite some outstanding point totals, the story of the
day was Aussie Bob Philp’s hole-in-one on the long 6th. The hole is carded
as 162 off the white tees but was back on this particular day. Bob was a
gracious host as he used his 2’s winning ace to buy all the lads and
lasses a drink.
In the daily competition, Lawrence “Loz” Shaw spaced
his beers out just right to bring home a gaggle of points, 45 in all to take
the day and C Flight gold whilst bringing his handicap down on the way from
28.7 to 25.5.
The gang on and off the podium would all have been
winners on any other day as John Ginnanne and Baz Rothberg both scored 41
points, Dave Porter 40 points and Mike the Mechanic 39, and they didn’t
even make the podium! A good story on the day was Jack Grindvold’s return
of 41 points. Jack recently overcame health challenges that sent him to his
homeland, Sweden for several months of treatment. Jack’s efforts relegated
the day’s medalist, Phil Mitchell (gross 74) to the second tier. Kevin
Taylor rounded out the top Flight with his third place 38 points. The
interim Flight was headed by steady and omnipresent Peter Emslie and his 39
points. Chaten Patel edged Dene Airey by a point to sort out the silver and
the bronze.
Tuesday, September 27
Laem Chabang– B & C
Black or White Tees, Stableford
1st Black Flight: Phil Mitchell, 39 points
1st White Flight: Phil Corbin, 37 points
2nd White Flight: Rick Sharp, 36 points
3rd White Flight: Graham Hiskett, 36 points
2’s: Blacks: Phil Mitchell; Pete Casiano; Simon Philbrook; Whites: Rick
Sharp(2).
Had Bob Philp not rolled his ball in on Sunday, the story
may well have been Phil Mitchell’s 39 points off the ‘way-back’ black
tees at Laem Chabang. Phil was five points clear of his fellow black 2’s
winners on the day, Pete Casiano and Simon Philbrook. Phil Corbin, in the
final week of his stay, edged the 2nd tier competition over Rick Sharp and
Graham Hiskett by a single point. Rick, tidy as always around the greens,
pocketed two 2s.
Wednesday September 28
Crystal Bay – C & A
White Tees, Stroke/Medal
1st White A Flight: Terry Wagner, net 69
2nd White A Flight: Phil Groves, net 70
3rd White A Flight: Kerry Beck, net 72
1st White B Flight: Ray Dell, net 69
2nd White B Flight: Roger Koehler, net 72
3rd White B Flight: Norm Robinson, net 72
2s: Phil Groves, Kerry Beck.
Wednesday’s fixture saw the society venture to the well
maintained Crystal Bay, Chonburi. Both flight winners, Terry Wagner in A and
Ray Dell in B managed excellent scores of 69. In the A Flight, Terry was
followed in by a pair of Aussies, Phil Groves and Kerry Beck whilst Ray Dell
was chased home by a pair of Americans, Roger Koehler and Norm Robinson.
Friday, September 30
Burapha – American Wood and British Link
Blue or White Tees, Stableford
1st Blue Flight: Paul “StD” Ovens, 38 points
2nd Blue Flight: Claus Birk Thomsen 37 points
1st White Flight: Roger Koehler, 40 points
2nd White Flight: Jim Munns, 40 points
3rd White Flight: Don Lehmer, 39 points
4th White Flight: Ray Dell, 38 points
Near Pins: #A3 Blue John Emmerson; #A3 White Mike Craighead
2’s: Blue: Claus Birk Thomsen; Whites: Don Lehmer (2); Jim Munns (3);Mike
Craighead (2); Unto Kilvonen
‘Spot the Dog’, as fine of an erratic player as there
is, was a good dog on this particular Friday, taking the Blue Flight gold
with 38 points, (one more than CBT). Claus Birk tempered those wounds
somewhat, with the only Blue 2 on the day. Roger Koehler improved on his
second place two days before, by edging Capt. Fogg on count back to take the
top spot in the White Flight. Don “Lady’s Man” Lehmer was but a point
adrift, whilst Ray Dell weathered a 4-man count back with Hawaiians Phil and
Terry and everybody’s favorite, Mike the Mechanic. Capt. Fogg and MtM
softened the blows of count back losses with three 2’s in the former’s
case and two 2s and a Near Pin in the latter’s. The “Lady’s Man”
would also want me to mention his two 2s.
Blues all week
IPGC golf from The Haven
It is many years since the records
show a week of competitions where all the winners were over par and some by
as much as ‘seven’ shots.
In all, seventeen prize winners combined for a total of
eighty four over par to complete a very high scoring week for the hopeful
contenders; (perhaps not quite the right adjective). If nothing else it
showed a distinct lack of bandits and a sure sign that the handicap
committee is still functioning well. Speaking of which, the club lost
another member after his handicap was reduced following a two under par
score in competition. He said he preferred to use his other handicap which
would mean he could get three more shots in the future and this would be far
more equitable, (presumably for him!) Wherever the ‘nameless one’ has
gone, we all wish him and his new handicap “Godspeed”.
Monday, September 26
Khao Kheow
Stableford
1st Barry Traynor, 35 pts - cb9 18
2nd Norman Isherwood, 35 pts - cb9 17
3rd Peter Johansson, 32 pts - cb9 17, cb6 10
4th Sonny Crawford, 32 pts - cb9 17, cb6 9
The week started promisingly enough with fine weather and
a trip to play the Pete Dye designed Khao Kheow off the yellow tees. In the
event, the day turned a little sour for most as the combination of little
run and extra fast greens proved to be the undoing of nearly all. Barry
Traynor managed the conditions best to slip into first place ahead of Norman
Isherwood on countback by the narrowest of margins. Peter Johansson took
third place from Sonny Crawford on a count back that was even closer still.
The only two of the day was achieved by Barry Traynor in the first division.
Wednesday, September 28
Burapha East
Stableford
1st Micky Moore, 32 pts - cb9 16
2nd Glynn Nicholas, 32 pts - cb9 15, cb6 11
3rd Al Rolnik, 32 pts - cb9 15, cb6 10
4th Trevor Schirmer, 30 pts - cb9 17,
5th Barry Traynor, 30 pts - cb9 16
6th Paul Hartley, 30 pts - cb9 14
Once again the course and the conditions turned what
promised to be a fine day out at Burapha East off the blue tees, into a bit
of a nightmare for many. For the second time running, the scores spiraled
out of control as the players tried unsuccessfully to manage the tough
conditions from tees that were set as far back, on the blues as was
possible. It was certainly a ‘green too far’ for the majority. Micky
Moore returned from hibernation, in preparation for his final run to the
finishing line in the Order of Merit, to take a surprising win with the
unlikely score of four over from Magellan Nicholas and Al Rolnik on count
back. Trevor Schirmer led the next group of Barry Traynor and Paul Hartley,
also on count back, a further two shots adrift.
Once again there were no ‘twos’ in the second
division, whilst Brian Wilkinson got the only one in the first division and
collected his prize to roaring cheers of acclamation from an enthusiastic
crowd of well-wishers. Before presenting the prizes Richard Livingston, the
resident PGA teaching professional, welcomed new member Henrik Brahe and
also welcomed back Ole Svenningsen, Micky Moore, Chris Davisson and Mark
Campbell.
Friday, September 30
Phoenix Blue Tees
Monthly Medal
1st Division
1st Joe McArdle, net 75 - cb9 36.5, cb6 25
2nd Al Rolnik, net 75 - cb9 36.5, cb6 26.7
3rd Paul Taylor, net 75 - cb9 39.5
2nd Division
1st Paul Hartley, net 79
2nd Peter Emslie 80
3rd Roy Thornton, net 82 - cb9 40
4th Dave Lee, net 82 - cb9 41.5
The week ended at Phoenix with the monthly Medals played
from the blue tees. Once again the length of the course and the lack of run
conspired to undo the high hopes of many contenders, striving to qualify for
the Gold and Silver medals at the end of the year. Three over par was the
winning mark in the first division and no one was more surprised that Joe
McArdle. He discovered that he had prevailed with a score that he had only
returned to make up the numbers, or so he thought but good enough it was,
albeit by count back from Al Rolnik and Paul Taylor. Paul Hartley, soon to
be known as the ‘date runner’ was even more surprised, or at least he
will be when he reads the results in the newspaper having returned home
directly, no doubt thinking seven over would have no chance. It made two
podium positions in two competitions with a combined result of thirteen
over. Roy Thornton and Dave Lee were also surprise contenders for 3rd and
4th places with aggregate ten overs on their cards, Roy just edging it over
the back nine.
Graham Hiskett had the only two in the first division.
Once again there were none in the second division and the roll over pot is
now so large, many people are cutting short their holidays and returning to
The Haven to try for a slice of a pie that is now approaching UK Lottery
proportions.
Prior to the prize giving Richard welcomed back John Beshoff, Graham
Hiskett and Frank Pilkington. Most of the golfers will be looking for a huge
improvement as they take on next weeks challenges.
Sunday Quiz League
Earthrowl, Gale & Warberg September Diana winners
Mike Franklin
Panyanut Gale’s 39 Stableford points won the ladies’
category in the September Diana Seniors & ladies Open at Pattaya CC with
Banjob Franklin just a point behind with 38. Both the Men’s Seniors &
Super Seniors categories were won with a creditable 41 points, Dick Warberg
for the Seniors and Dave Earthrowl in the ‘Supers’.
Dick,
Yau & Dave September Diana winners.
Ian Edwards’ 36 points, with 18 on the back-nine, won
the count-back for Seniors runner up over Bob Philp, and Peter Ring’s 40
points took second place in the Super Seniors.
The technical prizes were well spread with near pins
going to Nooket Gummer, Dave Earthrowl, Peter (Patrick) Clifford and Bob
Philp. Mike Wing and Tony Oakes had the longest putts on holes nine &
eighteen respectively.
The weather threatened but nothing serious developed.
Course reports were good so all-up the field of 36 had an enjoyable day.
Only one newcomer came to mind, and that was Seamus Cutter who was duly
welcomed. Good to see Tony Oakes back in health, and well enough to return a
good score on the day.
Uncharacteristically, Chris John failed big time but kept on a cheerful
face, albeit wondering what might appear in the press. Here it is Chris, no
numbers, but you are the ‘golf honcho’ so do try harder next time! Do it
back with us at the Diana Seniors & Ladies Open on October 27th. See you
then.
Emmet’s treasured round
IPGC Golf from The Caddy Shack
Tuesday, September 27 - The Golfers from
The Caddy Shack took the short trip to Phoenix golf course for a Medal play
event over the Mountain and Lakes courses. The weather was very hot and humid
with not much breeze about and good scores were very hard to come by. In
division one, the winner with the only sub-par round was Frank Pilkington
with a fine net 71.
 Emmet
White took the top honors at Treasure Hills.
Steve Nowell was in 2nd place with a very nice round of
net 72 whilst Emmet White took 3rd spot with a net 73. The winner of division
two was Rob Heath with a very tidy net 72, 2nd place was Clark Alexander with
a net 73 and Norm Robinson in 3rd place with a net 74.
There were four 2’s on the day achieved by Mark Joshua,
Matt Anderson and J.J Harney, who bagged a brace. The lucky draw for a
free Sunday lunch back at the Caddy shack was won by Matt.
Thursday, September 29 - The golfers traveled to the
distant Treasure Hills course for a stableford event and whilst there was
plenty of rain and rainbows about, there was no treasure at the end of it.
All was calm for the first nine holes and then the heavens opened up and the
rain came down with a vengeance. Half the golfers decided to abandon the golf
and retire to the club house, while the other half were stranded all over the
course. The rain eventually stopped and the die hard golfers emerged from the
watering holes to carry on with their round. In division two, Les Hall and Mr
Loy tied for 3rd place with a soggy 25 points each, Clark Alexander was in
2nd place with 28 points but the winner was Phil Smith with 30 points. In
division one, Mark Joshua and Steve Nowell finished in joint 2nd place with
33 points but way out in front was Emmet White with a very nice round of 41
stableford points. Emmet complimented his good round with a couple of 2s and
one of them was on a par four! The bananas were awarded to Richard Wardell
for his 15 stableford points. The free Sunday lunch was won by Nile Sheenan.
Any golfers wishing to play from The Caddy Shack are more than welcome to
come along. The next events are October 11 at Crystal Bay with a trip to
Noble Place 2 days later. We leave from The Caddy Shack at 11.00am for a Noon
tee off and we are situated on Soi 17, (the same road as the Harley Bar.)
Wylie leads home ‘Tropical’ nomads
PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s
Tuesday, September 27
Plutaluang
Some love it and some hate it but say what you will,
Plutaluang is one of the best days out on a course, where all the staff are
friendly and the prices are great. On this day, the usual suspects gathered
at Bert’s for their complimentary breakfast before setting off for 36
holes of stableford. Of course the intention was to only play 18 holes but
this changed at the last minute when our intrepid early starters managed to
play a different 9 holes. The rest played the North and the South. One of
our ‘happy wanderers’ would in fact have been involved in the winning
count-back but the rules being what they are, he had to make do with a pat
on the back.
 Winner
Jeff Wylie (left) and runner up Bob Short with Pu.
Despite the confusion, we had a familiar face as a
winner, when Jeff Wylie shot a fine gross 71 and won with ease from Bob
Short in second. So of course, Bob did his bit, Bert provided the after golf
food and the rest of us serenaded the customers with songs of yore. Or Max
did! T.T.F.N.
Winner: Jeff Wylie, Runner Up: Bob Short
Near Pins: Mike Wing, Allan Currie, Dave Askew, Mike
Gaussa, Allan Gummer, Dick Warberg, Bob Short, Keith Hodges.
Long Putts: Bob Pearce, Mike Gaussa, Andy Evans, Keith
Avery
Hewitt pulls out a plum at Crystal Bay
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral
Thursday, September 29, was always going
to be a special day at Crystal Bay as the Pattaya Golf Society players had
chosen the beautiful course for the culmination of their current Player of
the Month competition.  Bill
Hewitt (right) proudly accepts his “Player of the Month” award from Mr.
Denis.
The “C” and “A” nines were allotted to the group
and the greens were lightning fast, just to add a touch of spice to the
proceedings. The two main contenders were Bill Hewitt and Chaten Patel and
both were to feature strongly in the day’s golf. Mike Allidi is currently
riding high in the IPGC handicap list and he brought all his skill to bear
on the competition shooting a gross 75, giving him a stableford score of 35
points, which was good enough for third place.
Unaware of each other’s progress Chaten and Bill
focused on their games with tremendous fortitude and Chaten’s exquisite
chip-in on “A8” gave high hopes of something special, but Bill was
savouring a feast of golf himself. Whilst Chaten went on to shoot 38 points
he was usurped by an outstanding round of 41 points by Bill Hewitt. This was
one of his best rounds in the Kingdom and was a fitting finale to the month.
Chaten and Mike Allidi had the consolation of sharing the two’s pot whilst
a “jobsworth” of a marshall insisted that a Thai group play up on a par
three hole, thereby incurring the wrath of Mr. Denis, who insisted that
personal safety was more important than a Siamese side-bet. For his bravery
he received the Booby Bevy.
A special prize had also been kindly donated by old friend Paul Quodomine
and this was won by Harry Cowling, bringing a fitting close to his current
short stay. The month had been one of the best the PGS had enjoyed this year
and, fittingly, it was one of its longest serving members, Bill Hewitt, who
enjoyed the spotlight.
The 7th ‘Diana Gold’
Charity Golf Tournament
Mike Franklin
The 7th ‘Diana Gold’ Charity Golf Tournament, sponsored
by Blue Ice & Eastern Star, will be held on Friday November 11th at Eastern
Star Country Club & Resort.
The tournament format will be Singles Stableford with all
groups teeing-off from the 10th Tee from 7 a.m. to 12.15 p.m. The course will be
closed for Diana Gold, so if all groups keep up there will be no delays.
Bookings can be made using the entry form, at the Diana Inn
with John Cole, or Khun Komsan.
As in the previous six years of the Diana Gold tournament,
the key word is ‘Gold’ and there will be a gold item to be won on every
hole, in the Charity Raffle draw, and gold for the 2005 Diana Gold Champion.
All proceeds from the Tournament and Charity Raffle Draw will
go to support the Chonburi Juvenile & Family Court Observation and
Protection Center, who provide scholarships for children at Banglamung Schools,
contribute to YWCA projects, and the Tawanyim (Sunshine Radio) project.
To be used to support under privileged and deserving children
in and around the Pattaya area.
Full details and Entry Forms are available at the Diana Inn
and in other venues shortly, but here is an early opportunity to sign-up for
Diana Gold and guarantee your preferred tee time.
Herb - flavour of the day at Pattaya CC
PSC Three Sisters golf
Last Monday of the month and again we had a good turn
out at Pattaya CC although some golfers still played at Siam. As things
transpired, there were complaints from people at Siam that some of the
fairways were not cut properly but at Pattaya CC, the course was in good
condition with freshly cut fairways and fast greens. It was certainly good
enough for Herb Schwieterman as he burned the course with 43 points. It was
a perfect day for scoring and the weather has been cooperating recently
with just enough rain to keep the course well watered but not soggy.
In the runner-up spot, two points adrift of Herb was
Steve Hamstead with a fine 41 points. Steve had a good day but could not
match Herb’s score. A further point behind Steve came Paul Kinner with 40
points followed by Alan Pearce and Carl Baumann with 38 points each.
Holding the bag with a vengeance and refusing to give it up was Paul
Donahue.
Roy Pimblett and Phil Taylor almost wrestled the bag from Paul but they
fell one short. Paul came in with 24 points and Roy and Phil managed 25
each. Paul is more then willing to give up the bag if he has a worthy
successor. He wants Tully and Rolly to play with us but they are hiding
somewhere!
Three way tie for first place after big shake-up in the top of the standings
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
200 Bowlers
– Nual, Tue, Tui, Mio, Mai & Kran.
Mai’s Thai Restaurant were in sole first
place last week but after losing four points to Friends, they now find
themselves in a three way tie for the lead. Both VFW Post 9876, who split their
match with Brother D, (2 pts each) and Shenanigans, who got four points from Caf้
Kronborg moved into a tie for first. Friends moved up to fourth place after
their win over Mai’s Thai Restaurant. Three Sisters lost four points to Grape
Vine and dropped from a tie for second down to fifth place. House of the Golden
Coin moved out of last place after winning four points from Caf้ Ole and
Jack & Tar got three points from Domicil.
Best bowlers of the day were:
Mio, House of the Golden Coin: – games of 189, 205, 202 – 596 series
Kran, Cafe Kronborg: games of 180, 200, 195 – 575 series
Tue, VFW Post 9876: 211 game – 553 series
Mai, Jack & Tar: 223 game – 549 series
Teuvo, Friends: 533 series
Nual, Cafe Ole: 224 game – 530 series
Jon, – Shenanigans: – 521 series
Pin, House of the Golden Coin: 520 series
Leo, Brother D: 517 series
Mike cracks 80 and wins the day!
PSC golf from The Grapevine
Thursday, September 29 saw 18 intrepid souls head to
Crystal Bay for a stableford competition. The weather was fine, the course
in tip top condition and expectations were high – and so to reality. Some
good scores, particularly from Mike Gaussa (13) who shot a fine 79 for 42
points, closely followed by Marty Allred (4) and Jeff Wylie (6) who both had
38 points and could only be separated after an extensive count-back
procedure. Technical prizes were limited due to the smaller field, but with
four near pins and two long putts up for grabs, we saw Jeff pick up 2
nearest pins, Dave grab a nearest pin and a long putt while Barry and Dick
got a nearest pin and long putt respectively.
 Da,
Marty, Lek, and Mike
What a great course Crystal Bay is; top fairways, greens
running fast and true, a real pleasure to play and that was the opinion of all
who ventured out on this day. It left us looking forward to our next day out,
especially if a few good shots are interspersed amongst the many that are maybe
not so grand.
A fine repast of ribs, spuds and corn prior to presentation topped the day
off, washed down by cold ale – Oh heaven! Thanks to Opal and Malcolm. If you
can see yourself in this scenario, come down to the Grapevine on Soi ‘0’ off
Beach Road and sign up. We can arrange transportation if you require it. We look
forward to seeing you there. Cheers and good golfing. JW
The Beautiful Game?: A tale of two Keanos
Riz Taylor
Perhaps with tongue only slightly in cheek, the fans sing
“There’s only one Keano” at Tottenham Hotspur. They refer of course to
Robbie Keane, the 25 year-old Irish international who remains a firm favourite
despite finding life increasingly frustrating at White Hart Lane since the
staggering rise to fame of Jermain Defoe. Spurs boss Martin Jol makes no secret
of his preference for a ‘little and large’ partnership up front and Keane
has usually lost out in the battle of the small men. Once again, Jol opted for
his favoured pairing of Egyptian international Mido alongside Defoe as Spurs
travelled to The Valley to take on high-flying Charlton Athletic on Saturday.
This match looked a tricky proposition for Spurs, who in recent seasons have
almost had grounds to copyright their brand of poor away form and dreadful
performances in London derbies. In a week when bookmaker Paddy Power bizarrely
paid out to all punters who had backed Chelsea to win the Premiership title, the
attention turned toward second place as the traditional contenders continue to
make hard work of matching Chelsea’s stunning start. This game, usually a
mid-table encounter, gained greater significance. For Charlton, it was a chance
to temporarily gain ground on the Premiership leaders and for Spurs an
opportunity to force their way into the top three.
As England manager Sven Goran Eriksson looked on, the early
pace made it clear that boring, defensive football would make no appearance on
the menu. Defoe tried desperately to make his mark but it was another striker
that stole the limelight. Darren Bent, called up by Eriksson into England’s
squad earlier in the week, has done more than anyone to ensure that Charlton
remain Chelsea’s closest challenger in the early season. He celebrated his
international call-up with two goals, the second a superb curling effort to make
the score-line 2-0 and seemingly put the game out of Tottenham’s reach. The
match looked dead and buried, but showing more spine than in previous seasons,
Tottenham refused to roll over and began making inroads into the ‘Addicks’
lead. Ledley King capped an excellent performance in front of his England boss
by grabbing a lucky reply in the 51st minute and thirteen minutes later, Mido
hammered a drive through the legs of Charlton goalkeeper Stephan Andersen to
level the game. Prior to the fight-back and as is becoming the norm at Spurs
games, the familiar chant for Robbie Keane’s introduction rang out around the
ground. Manager Martin Jol duly delivered the Irishman immediately after
Mido’s leveller, sensing the possibility of three points. It proved to be an
inspired move. In the 80th minute, Keane worked well with Jermain Defoe and took
a return pass from his rival before planting a drive past Andersen to seal the
match. Cue the famous celebration from Keane, who is making an unwanted name for
himself as a ‘super-sub’.
Spurs fans won’t care about just how embarrassing Keane’s
goal-scoring celebration is, when he’s coming off the bench to score winners
but they might be a little more concerned about the fragility at the back that
led to Charlton’s lead. A win is a win, though and an away victory against the
league’s second placed side represents progress for Tottenham who, last year,
were likely to lie down and surrender in similar circumstances. This season
Spurs find themselves in ‘nosebleed’ territory after joining Charlton in
second place and Robbie Keane continues to make the news even from the bench.
End of an era?
Meanwhile namesake and fellow Ireland international Roy Keane
has announced that this season is likely to be his last at Old Trafford.
Manchester United’s fiery captain is free to speak to other clubs in January,
by which time he’ll have just six months remaining on his contract. “I’d
like to play on for another year or two but I don’t think it will be at
United,” Keane said. “It would be a good experience for me to play for
another team, another country, another dressing room. If I’m going to become a
manager it would be good for me to experience a different environment.” That
team is unlikely to be another Premiership outfit. “When I say I might play
for another team I don’t necessarily mean an English team. I think that would
be hard for me to stomach. I wouldn’t fancy coming back to Old Trafford and
going into the away dressing room.” he said. United are unlikely to offer a
two year deal to a 34-year-old, unable to play a significant part in the
club’s hectic schedule of European and domestic fixtures and a move to Celtic
looks likely. Keane has made no secret of hoping to spend time at Celtic Park
prior to ending a glittering career which has included seven Premiership titles,
four FA Cups and a Champions League winner’s medal.
Stadium for hire, (barely
used)
Two Premiership sides may move into a new home after London hosts the 2012
Olympic Games, according to a report in the Guardian. Organisers are said to be
rethinking their plans to shrink the 80,000 seat stadium into a 30,000 capacity
athletics venue after the Games, due to a shortage of events that could leave
the stadium largely unused. West Ham and Tottenham are thought to be prime
candidates to move in, with a ground sharing proposal a distinct possibility.
Both clubs are affected by transport problems at their current locations and the
low rent involved might make financial sense for the two sides.
Geoff Parker ‘Golfer
of the month’ - September
PSC golf with The Bunker
Crystal
Bay Country Club
Monday 26 September
Crystal Bay and Mountain Shadow are the courses that will
be played early next month to determine the Bunker’s Annual Champion. To
set a proper stage, these courses were set up for this week to provide some
practice rounds before the two-day competition commences. Geoff Parker
returned the best score of the day with a stablford score of 40 points.
 After
several second place finishes, Geoff Parker took an early lead and won the
Golfer of the Month for September with ease.”
This round also secured his victory for the ‘Golfer of
the Month’ for September. Geoff had come in second place on numerous
occasions and it was nice to see him get the ‘monkey’ off his back. In
second place for the day and as well as second place for the monthly
challenge, was Eddie Martin with 36 points and third place was shared by
Stephen Davies and P.J. Redmond, each with 35 points. Near the pins were won
by Eddie Martin (2) and Paul Smith (2).
Mountain Shadow Country
Club Wednesday 28 September
Wednesday’s event was a medal competition with two
divisions. In division “A”, John King recorded a net 70 while Geoff
Parker shot even par 72 for second place. In third was Tony Scrambler with a
score of 80. In division “B”, Granville Swanton came first with net 81,
Mick Ramshaw in second with net 83 and Sonny Ruthsip third with a score of
84. Near the pins were won by John Carlyle, John King, Tony Scrambler and
Geoff Parker.
Green Valley Country Club
Friday 23 September
Whilst there was no rain in Pattaya, there was an hours
delay at Green Valley because of a heavy downpour. The wet conditions did
not help the scoring for the day. The best scores came from the “B”
division where PJ Redmond and Neil Griffin scored 34 stableford points to
share first prize.
Mick Ramshaw came in third with 33 points. Geoff Parker
won the “A” division with 33 points and John King and John Carlyle
shared second place with 30 points each. Near the pins were won by Bob
Turner, Barry Barnes and P.J. Redmond.
The Bunker Boys are located on Soi Chaiyapoon (near X-zyte disco and
across the street from Tony’s Disco II). Monthly golf schedules are
available or consult the Pattaya Mail every week.
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
Let me ask you a question. Have you ever got out of bed in
the morning and said; “This is the day that I’m going to write the boxing
column that will go down in history”? I’ve been doing it every week for 5
years now and I’m still yet to strike pay dirt but the odds are getting
better.
So I’m ‘O for 260’, how long can this streak last? Now
many times, I have gotten up, read the previous week’s column and said
“Whoops, made a mistake.” In fact, I did that this very morning! I said that
both Jones and Tarver were coming of losing efforts – wrong. ‘Bucko’
Tarver beat Glen Johnson in his last fight although I personally thought Johnson
won. Then again, no one asked me! Regardless, hope springs eternal for the
‘hall of fame.’
One reason is that the ‘Land of Smiles’ is where hope
springs eternal. Well yes, as long as the Baht holds out. That may have been the
problem for top ranked tennis player Leyton Hewitt who was competing at the
recent Thailand Open tennis tournament in Bangkok. Got through the first couple
of rounds but had to forfeit his quarter final match when he couldn’t play
because of a ‘groin injury’. Haven’t we all been there, Leyton? Gives a
little creditability to the hit song performed by Murray Head, (no I’m not
going there) entitled One Night in Bangkok. “One night in Bangkok makes a hard
man ...forfeit the quarter finals?” The song by the way comes from the musical
Chess.
As the late American TV star Ed Sullivan used to say, “It
was a really big show” for the world of boxing last week. No rhyme or reason
but as the wise man once said, “don’t look a gift horse in the a*se.”
Wednesday would have been Max Schmeling’s 100th birthday. One writer from the
UK, covering the WBO heavyweight title match at the Colorline Arena in Hamburg
between the champ, Lamon Brewster and Luan Kraznigi led with; “The dream of a
German being crowned world heavyweight champion on the 100th birthday of Max
Schmeling, the country’s only previous holder of the title, burnt strongly for
nine rounds last night”. Reports indicate that through 7 rounds, Kraznigi was
in the game behind a left jab and one could imagine Lamon Brewster’s (33-2)
ability to waste time in the ring. In the 8th, Brewster landed a left hook that
sent the hopes of the German, to say nothing of his body, crashing to the
canvas. He survived the round but got TKO’d with 12 seconds left when referee,
Jose Rivera stopped it. The word from ‘The Pest’, a cat that adopted me, is
that Brewster’s win will set up a rematch with Wladimir Klitschko, whom he
defeated to win the vacant title in 2004. Where will the fight be? In Germany -
who didn’t see that one coming? The same day, at the Ngamwongwan Mall in
Bangkok, two time WBC champ Sirimongkol Singwancha, (50-2) had no trouble as he
tossed a near perfect effort, (80-72,80-72,79-73) against Arniel Tinampay,
(3-2-1) over 8 innings.
The latter had no business being in the ring with the
accomplished in-form champ. The main event for the afternoon show had Sataporn
Singwancha, (13-2) successfully retaining his ABCO 140lb crown when he
out-pointed Nonoy Gonsales, (16-13-1), 118-110 on all the judges’ cards. Then
on Wednesday night, in support of a muaythai event at Rachadamnem stadium,
‘Sing’ Carryboy captured the vacant Thai flyweight title as he won a ten
round, unanimous decision over former three-time fly king, Panomdech Or
Yutthanakorn. No, that doesn’t mean that his name is either Panomdech ‘or’
Yutthanakorn, that’s his entire name. Funny that!
Last Friday, WBC#5 super-fly Chatchai Sasakul, (51-2,33 KOs)
impressively retained his ABCO bantam title when he stopped Filipino, Romeo
‘Tata’ Polinar with only 57 ticks gone in round 6. Sasakul had a chance to
win the WBC flyweight title back in 1995 against Ruskie, Yuri Arbachakov. He
came out on the short end of a UD with our amigo boxing judge, Tony Castelano
having it 114-116. So that’s what it must have been! Sasakul’s second title
shot came against Manny Pacquiao three years later. He got clocked in 8. Does
this win at the Sukhumvit market set up a WBC title shot against North Korean
Masamori Tokuyama? No, firstly he only beat Tata whose record is 2-11. Secondly,
there’ll be no title fight until the North Korean’s get rid of their nuclear
program.
Fans seem to forget that Glen Johnson, (43-10-2) beat both
Antonio Tarver and Roy Jones jr. For some reason he had to fight a ‘title
eliminator’ against George Khalid Jones (32-2-1). Johnson had the advantage
going in as he has demonstrable power with 29KO’s from 55 fights. Jones on the
other hand only had 13KO’s from 26 bouts, fighting lesser opponents. In the
end, Johnson got number 30 when he KO’d Jones in the 10th. This should earn
Johnson a title fight against IBF champ, Clinton Woods. They have met twice
before with the first fight ending in a controversial draw. How bad was it? Well
the British demanded a rematch even though their guy, Woods ‘escaped’ with a
draw. Ten months later, Johnson would win an easy UD and the IBF title.
This was to have been a big week for boxing. Think again.
Let’s start in Tampa, Florida where Antonio Tarver, (23-3) was in the ring
with Roy Jones, (49-3). I hope that the dummies around the world that bought the
fight on pay per view, will remember that I wrote, “With these two guys in the
ring, if a fight breaks out, it’s an accident.” No accidents in Tampa.
Tarver won. What did O.R. Cross of Pattaya think of the fight? Glad you asked
‘cause I know he watched the Jones/Tarver get together here in wonderful
Thailand and the price was right - Free! Maybe - (maybe?) I’m getting old, but
my heart still beats faster watching the TQ Rockettes gyrate than looking at
those two fight. Jones should hang it up after this last fight. I’ll say it
again O.R., Jones should hang it up.
Staying with the ‘let’s plug Woody’s place’ theme,
Chris Byrd (39-2) defended his IBF heavyweight title against Dominick Guinn
(25-2-1). Now why that fight was sent to Reno, Nevada is a mystery. Reno never
did anything bad to boxing. Now I can understand sending the Oakland Raiders
–Arizona Cardinals NFL game last Monday morning to Mexico. That ought to teach
them border jumpers. The prancing lasses at the TQ more closely resemble the New
York City Rockets than did the Byrd - Williams contest resemble a heavyweight
fight. Terrible is too kind a word. Byrd won but was so bad that during the Tony
fight that followed, his picture was booed loud and clear whenever it appeared
on the in venue screen. Meanwhile, in his first fight in almost a year, James
Toney look very good. “My timing was a little off. I’ll fight again in a
month, against who? It doesn’t matter.” - James Toney.
…And so, we have to rely on some ‘adult’ beverages to save the weekend.
Seaboard FC off to flying start
MBMG Bangkok Casuals Football League
Pattaya based Seaboard FC kicked off their
new season in the MBMG Bangkok Casuals Football League with a well-deserved
5-0 victory over the Scandinavian Vikings in Bangkok last Saturday.
Following up on a successful pre-season programme, Seaboard took to the
field full of confidence and very quickly had the Vikings on the back foot
with a 30 yard drive from John Campbell just going wide in the opening
minute. Seaboard continued to pressure and Lee Homer rose well to head just
over from 6 yards out. Pattaya was then dealt an early blow with the
departure through injury of the impressive Keng who was replaced by young
debutant Colin McCubbin.
Cliff
West slides in to score Seaboards 5th goal.
At this point of the match the Vikings were finding it
difficult to get out of their own half and with Campbell, Craig Banks and
Adam Gardner controlling the midfield their was always the chance of an
opening and when the ball fell to Ernest Romario out wide on the left he
glided past three defenders before being thwarted by the oncoming Vikings
keeper. Romario was not to be outdone however and on 20 minutes he took off
again on another twisting run and this time managed to slide the ball past
the keeper to open the scoring.
McCubbin soon stamped his influence on the game at the 22
minute mark with a searching ball down the left hand side which found
Romario whose inch perfect cross was met by Danny Stevens to head home
Seaboards second. Confidence was now high but a succession of further
chances came to nothing.
On 31 minutes, the Vikings created their best chance of
the match when they broke down the right hand side and the move resulted in
the Vikings forward unleashing a tremendous 20 yard drive, which the
Seaboard keeper Mark Coombs managed to hook out of the top corner at the
last moment. This spurred Seaboard on to greater efforts and on 35 mins they
scored the goal of the game when Romario hit a glorious 40 yard cross field
ball which was expertly controlled by Stevens who crossed for Cliff West to
glide in between goalkeeper and defender to hammer home.
Seaboard had still not finished for the half and a tidy
interception by the busy John Campbell resulted in his through ball being
met by Peter Ndjana and driven past the hapless Vikings keeper.
A 4-0 half time score line after an excellent first half
performance from Seaboard promised more goals to come. However the second
half started slowly and both sides failed to get into their stride in the
opening minutes. With Lee Homer and Gary Munro outstanding in defence it
seemed highly unlikely that the Vikings would open their account.
Finally Seaboard burst into life and at the 55 minute
mark when they scored a route one goal when a long ball from Campbell was
met by West who calmly turned it past the Vikings keeper.
Seaboards continued to produce chances and were
frustrated three quarters into the second half when Campbell’s header went
narrowly wide and were denied by the upright on 66mins from a diving header
by Ndjana.
Seaboard debutant Paul Derbyshire had an excellent
afternoon up front and must consider himself unlucky not to have opened his
account for the season on several occasions. As the game drifted towards a
conclusion a league debut was given to young Jake Baker whose impressive
speed and running soon had the Vikings defence under pressure and he was
denied a scoring opportunity by a last ditch tackle.
Late substitute appearances by Song and Utane proved the
strength in depth of the Seaboard squad and will give Seaboard manager Rick
Bryant some difficult choices over the next few weeks.
A great start for Seaboard and a well deserved 3 points.
Seaboard’s next game will be at home against the German
All Stars at Horseshoe Point on Saturday October 8, kick off 4 p.m.
Seaboard FC have been fortunate enough to secure the
sponsorship of AGS Four Winds International Movers for this season and would
like to thank them for their support.
Anybody who could be interested in joining Seaboard FC,
whether their stay in Thailand is for a long or short period is more than
welcome to come down to the football pitch in Naklua every Tuesday evening
at 6:30 p.m., contact us at seaboardfc @ hotmail.com or call Peter on 01 810
1470.
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