Strasshine in good Nick

IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s

Sunday, April 22, Green Valley -
White Tees, Stableford
A Flight
1st Nick Strasshine (6) 46pts
2nd Mark Wood (6) 42pts
3rd Phil Mitchell (3) 41pts
B Flight
1st Mike Shrosbree (15) 41pts
2nd Bob Lindborg (16) 39pts
3rd Paul Young (12) 38pts
C Flight
1st Barry Chadbourn (20) 43pts
2nd John Lawton (21) 41pts
3rd Alec Haore (20) 39pts
Near Pins: Kris Kritsanajootha, Jack Grindvold, Mark Wood, Joe McArdle, Phil Mitchell
2’s: Nick Strasshine (2), Phil Mitchell, Jim Wickstrom, Mike Shrosbree, Adam Schoefled
Big Nick had quite a day as he pummeled the Sunday shortened Peter Thompson layout with a gross 68, good for an A Flight winning 46 points. That overshadowed two fine efforts by The Pride of Aberdeen and Flipper, who had 42 and 41, respectively.
In a day of great scores, Chad Chadbourn topped C Flight with 43, just two in front of John Lawton. Alec Hoare unchivalrously knocked Lyn Foote off the podium for third.
Mike Shrosbree, Esq., topped in the middle flight with 41 points, two clear of the Guru and yet another in front of newly arrived Paul Young.
Tuesday, April 24, Laem Chabang A& B, Stroke/Medal
Blue Flight
1st Mark Wood (6) net 69
2nd J.J. Wright (13) net 71
3rd Tom Noonan (19) net 72
4th Paul Young (12) net 73
White Flight
1st Larry Watson (8) net 64
2nd Seamus Cotter (14) net 68
3rd Joe McArdle (13) net 69
2’s: Paul Young, Jack Moseley, Eddy Beilby, Dale Shier, Noel Miller, Larry Watson, Joe McArdle (2), Chaba Carney, Jim Munns
The Society made its low season debut at Jack Nicklaus’ Eastern Seaboard gem and a big field responded. The Pride of Aberdeen humbled the long course of the ‘blues’ with a net 69 off his six handicap. J.J. Wright trailed Mark by two with a fine one-under net effort. Irish Tommy Noonan shot level to handicap, while Paul Young made it two paydays in two tries.
Eight-handicapper Larry Watson played the ‘whites’ for foursome unity and he made the course pay as he shot a gross level 72. Larry’s score was followed in by two others from the Old Sod, Seamus Cotter and the Leprechaun himself.
Wednesday, April 25, Crystal Bay A& B, Stableford
A Flight
1st Bob Patterson (6) 42pts
2nd Per Aschan (6) 38pts
B Flight
1st Dave Schelling (20) 37pts
2nd Takeshi Hakosaki (11) 37pts
2’s: Per Ashcan, Chuck Carriere, Colin Davis
The Senator was Man of the Match at Crystal Bay as his 42 points were four clear of Per “always on time” Aschan. Dave Schelling edged Takeshi-San on count back to take B Flight
Friday, April 27,
Greenwood A & B, 2M Better Ball - Stableford
1st Gareth Gill (9) / Per Ashcan (7) 44pts
2nd Dan Maclean (21) / Gordon Kerr (13) 43pts
3rd Adam Schoenfeld (17) / Jim Munns (12) 43pts
4th Chris Fox (10) / John McHugh (8) 43pts
2’s: Chris Fox, John McHugh, Jan Eriksen, J.J. Wright, Make Parfett, Steven Steele, Sugar Ray Handford
Per Aschan followed yesterday’s second with a top step performance with an assist from his partner Gareth Gill. Big Danny Maclean and Gordon “The Galloping Gourmet” Kerr counted back two teams to hold on to the silver. NY Slim and Capt. Fogg came out on in the middle of that count back whilst Commodore Fox and Johnny McHugely grabbed the fourth and final step.

The Beautiful Game?: Riz Taylor

Off, out, down and up: Another week in football

You wait all day for a baht bus to come along, and then suddenly fifteen of them pop up from nowhere. It’s much the same with football stories, and this week there are so many that it’s going to be almost impossible to do them all justice.
We’re back to England this week after our little jaunt through the European continent last time around, but only following brief but well deserved congratulations to PSV Eindhoven who clinched Holland’s Eredivisie by a solitary goal on Sunday thanks to a 5-1 win over Vitesse. Challengers Ajax could only manage a 2-0 victory and AZ, who had been in pole position to take the crown before the final round, were defeated by a last-minute goal against Excelsior. Does it get any closer than that?
To the Championship - the English first division, not the Premiership race - which despite its ridiculous name could become my division of choice after I took the chance to watch two matches last weekend. I’d expected the usual mix of workaday footballers hoofing it up the pitch in search of a big centre forward, but Sunderland’s 3-2 win over Burnley was breathtakingly entertaining with good football and fabulous goals from both sides. Derby County’s defeat away at Crystal Palace on Sunday wasn’t so fantastic but still a thriller given its significance.
County’s loss was Birmingham and Sunderland’s gain, with those top two now assured of Premiership football next season via automatic qualification. Derby will have to scrap it out via the promotion playoffs. I can’t say I agree with that, seeing as they’re way ahead of the other playoff candidates on points, but you can’t deny it makes for some great entertainment. Out of interest, does the money on offer mean that the playoff final is the biggest single game in world football in monetary terms?
At the wrong end of the division Leeds United said a virtual goodbye to the top two leagues for the first time in the club’s history after failing to beat Ipswich Town. The 1-1 draw means United now find themselves needing to win by at least eight goals during the last match of the season away at Derby on Sunday, an unlikely result that also depends on Hull City losing. An element of Leeds fans also invaded the pitch during Saturday’s game, causing 30 minutes delay. It’s a sad end to a sad season for a side that were competing in the Champions League semi-finals just six years ago.
Back into the top flight now, and another slip-up for Chelsea, a 2-2 draw with Bolton Wanderers, could spell the end of the London side’s quest for an elusive third successive Premiership trophy. Manchester United’s spirited comeback against Everton means the gap between the two now stands at five points, leaving the Blues with everything to do if they’re to continue their challenge.
United play against Manchester City in tomorrow’s early kick-off and a win for Alex Ferguson’s men will mean that Chelsea must beat Arsenal on Sunday at the Emirates Stadium. If it’s not settled this weekend, and here’s hoping it’s not, we’ll go to Stamford Bridge next week for a monster of a game in which United could seal the title in their rivals own back yard.
Self-respecting football fans will have taken time off from bar-hopping and ‘Bedroom Olympics’ on Saturday to see the continuation of an altogether different kind of thrilling climax, of a relegation kind this time, as West Ham demolished Wigan Athletic to keep their hopes alive.
As much as I admire the pluckiness of Wigan and all their achievements in the last two years, seeing thousands of fans stream out of their already half-empty JJB Stadium with fifteen minutes left made me wonder if the town actually deserves a Premiership football team. They’re still alive though, and with just two games left any pair from Sheffield United, Fulham, Wigan, West Ham and Charlton could still go down.
The Hammers will look to continue their unlikely comeback from the abyss against Bolton tomorrow, who despite sitting pretty for their second European qualification in three years amazingly find themselves without a manager after Sam Allardyce ended his eight-year spell at the club by resigning on Sunday.
The old phrase about ‘taking a club as far as it can go’ is surely no more appropriate than for Allardyce, who on barely any budget whatsoever has taken Bolton to the brink of greatness in recent years. Taking over in the second tier of English football, Allardyce put the disappointment of playoff defeat in his first season to transform Bolton and put them within touching distance of the Champions League places. It’s an amazing achievement, especially when you consider the money spent by less successful clubs during his time. Despite the ugly way in which his teams play at times I admire the guy and hope he makes a quick return.
Whether it’s got anything to do with the BBC’s ‘bung’ enquiry is yet to be seen, but more likely is that Allardyce realises that the only way for Bolton is down. Sat in fifth place and about to qualify for another jaunt into Europe, where else is there to go for Big Sam at an unfashionable club struggling to keep up with it’s counterparts in the money stakes? I wouldn’t fancy being his successor.
But where will he go next? The early runners to secure Allardyce’s services are Manchester City and Newcastle, both of whom look set to dispense with their incumbent managers in the summer. Stuart Pearce has struggled at City this season and won’t look like a safe bet for any potential new owner to hand over a blank chequebook to, whilst Roeder isn’t pulling up any trees on the Tyne.
And that’s that for another hectic week. All this domestic action comes at the expense of the Champions League coverage, which is a good thing because this column is written before the semi final second legs anyway. More on that next week if there’s time, which could be tricky if these stories don’t keep popping up. Tune in for another round of action this weekend starting with that rather important Manchester derby tomorrow, and don’t forget to tune in here again next week.
Baah!
Couldn’t leave this one out. According to a Reuters report, a Croatian third division footballer got ‘the shock of his life’ when he saw a flock of sheep waiting for him at work.
Ivica Supe, a 29-year old playing for part-timers NK Zagor, was given 16 sheep by local shepherd Josko Bralic as a bonus for the 16 goals he’s scored this season.
“I was really shocked and I have no idea what to do with so many sheep because I plan to score more goals,” Supe told Croatian media. The club’s spokesman said: “We are a very small club unable to entice another sponsor so we were delighted when Bralic offered sheep as support.”
Ball bids farewell
One of England’s World Cup winning heroes sadly passed away last week. Alan Ball, the diminutive midfielder who shot to fame as the youngest member of Alf Ramsey’s ‘wingless wonders’ back in 1966 died of a heart attack last Thursday, April 26. He was 61 years old.
Ball played a total 72 times for his country as well as making 975 appearances for amongst others; Blackpool, Everton, Arsenal and Southampton in a 21-year playing career. He also went on to manage at the top level.

Alan Griffiths takes his first Medal

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, April 23, Plutaluang, Stableford
1st Bruce Lawrence 36pts
2nd Philippe Berra 33pts
3rd Fred Chadwick 31pts
Bruce Lawrence took full advantage of the jaded tourists and the out of practice returnees to record a solid win with a level par round that was good enough to lead by three shots from Philippe Berra and another two from Fred Chadwick.
There were no 2’s in the first division but both Philippe Berra and Nick Clark had one each in the second division.
It should be mentioned that whilst on tour, Trevor Schirmer drove in his first ever hole-in-one on a course that had never had one previously and became a local hero in the process.
Wednesday, April 25, Greenwood, Stableford
1st Barry Traynor 39pts
2nd Alan Griffiths 37pts
3rd Glynn Nicholas 36pts c/b
4th Peter Emslie 36pts
Barry Traynor hit top form for the always-pleasant visit to Greenwood. He finished two ahead of the in-form Alan Griffiths who was using the day as a last warm up before the even sterner test of the Monthly Medal.
Glynn Nicholas just held off the challenge of Peter Emslie by count back for the final spot on the podium.
There were no 2’s in either division so both pools were carried forward.
Friday, April 27, Phoenix,
Monthly Medal
Division One
1st Barry Traynor net 70
2nd Tony Barritt net 73
3rd John Desmond net 74
Division Two
1st Alan Griffiths net 75
2nd Roar Berger net 79
3rd Russell Exley net 80
Barry Traynor continued his run of fine form as he completed a very solid round of two-under off the blue tees to lead the first division by three shots from Tony Barritt with John Desmond filling out the first podium with a round that matched the day’s CSS.
Alan Griffiths at last fulfilled the promise of the last few weeks as he took his maiden Monthly Medal and got a start in the annual Gold and Silvers to be held at the year’s end. Although three-over the normal par would seem not a particularly good result, the Mountain and Lakes courses off the blue tees are a very strong test of golf, especially for the second division contenders. Roar Berger took the second spot with Russell Exley a further shot back in third.
Once again there were no 2’s in the first division warranting a triple rollover for the first time ever in the division. Brian Kelly had the only one in the second division.
In Memoriam
It is very sad to record the passing of Dave Lee a long time member and stalwart of the club on Saturday 28th April. David had been struggling with an illness for some time and finally succumbed. He will be sadly missed by his many friends together with his witty and pithy sporting comments in respect of West Ham and the England National teams in general. Details of the cremation can be obtained from The Haven on 038 710 988.

Horrocks gets his groove back

PSC golf from The Oohsa Bar

Tuesday, April 24, Treasure Hill, Stableford
1st Ed Horrocks (29) 40 pts
2nd Barry Quirk (14) 38 pts
3rd Jeff Wylie (7) 37 pts c/b
4th Martin Hayes (15) 37 pts
Near Pins: David Gardner, Jeff Wylie (2), Keith Hodges
Long Putt: David Gardner
A field of 17 players assembled at Oohsa Bar for breakfast before setting off for Treasure Hill. This venue is a favourite with most of the regulars despite its difficulty and the 50-minute drive up the 331.
Unusually we started at the 10th, even though the course looked empty. We found out why at the turn when we ran into the hollow tyning team giving the greens some serious treatment. Any thoughts of holing putts vanished instantly, it was a case of damage limitation. No complaints, maintenance is necessary and this is the season for it. In all other respects, including the back nine greens, the course played very well.
Our winner, Ed Horrocks didn’t seem to have any problem with the conditions coming in with 40 points. Ed has been struggling to make 30 points in recent times and spent most of last week retrieving balls from palm trees. Quite a turn in fortunes - well played Ed!
Barry Quirk was second, two points back on 38, returning to his winning form of a few weeks ago. Remember these scores are very good, putting and chipping was a nightmare on the treated greens.
Thursday, April 26, Plutaluang N&W, Stableford
1st Frank Kelly (18) 34 pts c/b
2nd Mick Moore (21) 34 pts
3rd Mick Heatley (27) 33 pts
Near Pins: Jeff Wylie, Frank Kelly, Barry Quirk
Long Putt: Jeff Wylie
Only 11 players for Plutaluang on this occasion: Perhaps the heat of recent days had put a few off. Indeed this was truly one of the hottest days any had experienced on a golf course.
Despite the conditions the scores were very reasonable. There was a tie for first place on 34 points between two players new to our regular Thursday outings: Frank Kelly came out on top, beating Mick Moore on count back over the last three holes, 5 points to 2. Mick Heatley was one point back in third on 33 points, which is still a good score on this demanding course.
The golf over, it was back to the Oohsa Bar for the presentation. The rains came too late to cool us down on the golf course but it did keep us penned up in the bar for longer than expected, what a shame!

Derek finally cracks Plutaluang

PSC golf from the Café Kronborg

Monday, April 23, Crystal Bay, Stableford
It was a very hot, humid and windy day, with Crystal Bay’s B & C layouts host for a Stableford competition. The course was in its usual fine condition and the club is now offering reduced green fees for the ‘Low Season’.
There was only a small group, so only one flight, which was taken by Bill Plath with 37 points ahead of Takeshi Hakozaki second with 33 points and Dave Richardson third with 32 points.
Thursday, April 26, Plutaluang, Stableford
Arriving at Plutaluang it was a quick book-in and then off we went on to the S & E layouts. The course was dry as expected and the weather was hot and humid with only a slight breeze. On the fairways it was not too bad, but once off it was that hard gravelly type of lie that tends to mark the bottom of the club. The object was to keep it on the fairway as much as possible and hope for good lies off it.
After posting a score in the 90’s the previous week on the same course, Derek Brook returned to shoot his first ever score in the 70’s at this venue and take first place with 42 points. Coming home four points back in second spot was Ebrahim on 38 points followed by Rick Bavington with 36 points in third and Graham Mitchell with 35 points in fourth.
T.T.F.N.

Trante keeps the winning formula

IPGC golf from The Caddy Shack

Tuesday, April 24, Phoenix, Medal
Phoenix was the choice of venue for a Medal comp over the Mountain and Ocean ‘Nines’ on a very hot day. Now that ‘Sports Days’ have arrived, the course was very full and a 5-hour round was anticipated.
There was a close battle for top spot with three players tied on net 73. Damian Trante lost out on count back to finish in third place behind Steve Nowell in second and Bill Cameron in first.
There were no 2’s recorded so there was a rollover to Friday at Treasure Hill.
Friday, April 27, Treasure Hill, Stableford
Friday saw a visit to what is probably the toughest layout on the local circuit. The greenkeeper had obviously had a good night as all the tees were well forward and this made for a very pleasurable day out.
Sam Fitzsimmons and Steve Nowell tied in third place, both on 36 points but with Steve getting the nod on count back, but alone up front was Damian Trante who fired a fine 38 points.
There were three 2’s recorded by Don Francis, Clive Bruce and Glen Elsworth.

Glavina heads the field at Burapha

PSC golf from Peacock Place

Wednesday, April 18, Burapha, Stableford
Only one game played this week due to Songkran. Another hot day and 31 ‘chums’ signed up at Bob’s Peacock Place Sheep Station, then on to Burapha GC for a wee game on A & B courses; some went the straight forward way, others went the scenic route.
The course was in good condition, and as it was a ‘Sports Day’, reasonable value. After a short lightening/rain delay on the back 9, play was resumed and the storm did not seem to affect the performances.
In division one, Jack (always there) Moseley (8) rolled into first place with a fine 38pts. In second place came Bob Van Dam Mol (8) with 37pts and third was Gary Blackburne (7) on 35pts.
Division two saw Neil Hughes (15) take first place with 38pts, second was Bernie Seagrave (12) on 37pts and third came Vincent Smyth (12) with 36pts.
The third division witnessed the best score of the day when Chiano Glavina (17) returned to the clubhouse with 43pts points to his name. He was followed in by Dave Boran (16) and Ian Covill (19) who shared second place on 38pts each.
There were two 2’s recorded on the day by Capt Bob and Neil Hughes; both bought there ‘chums’ a wee dram back at the Sheep Station.
Come and join us for a game of golf with a friendly bunch of players. We meet at The Peacock Place on Siam Country Club Road every Monday & Wednesday. For sheep shearing lessons & golf contact Capt Bob on 087 941 2474.

Keats still eyeing monthly title

PSC golf from The Bunker

Monday, April 23, Crystal Bay, Medal
Monday saw the Bunker Boy’s play a Medal comp at Crystal Bay and was a chance for Dave Keats to keep up the pressure on Gerry Cooney for the golfer of the month award.
Dave won the B Flight with the best score of the day, a four-under par net 68 whilst John Hughes came second with a net 71 and Unto Kilvonen was third with net 72.
John King won the A Flight with a two-under par net 70 ahead of Charlie Gooch in second with net 72 and third placed John Graham on net 73.
Near pin prizes went to Dave Keats, John McDonald Eddie Martin and JJ Harney.
Wednesday, April 25, Green Valley, Stableford
Playing the Stableford format on Wednesday, Jack Robertson returned to winning form to take the B Flight with 34 points. Gordon Everingham and John Hughes both shared runner-up spot with 32 points apiece.
Meanwhile in the A Flight, John McDonald and William Macey shared first place with 33 points and Roger Privett came third with 31 points.
Near pins went to Geoff Hart, John King, John McDonald and a very unusual event occurred on the last par three where John McDonald and Gordon Everingham shared the prize as they couldn’t be separated.
Friday, April 27, Eastern Star, Medal
A brief storm in the middle of the round didn’t spoil the day in a Medal competition at Eastern Star on Friday, but it did affect the scores. Eddie Martin came out on top in the single flight with a net 73, Geoff Parker was second on net 75 and William Macey and Mashi Kaneta shared third place both with a net 77.
Only two par three greens were hit so the prizes were shared between Eddie Martin and Mam Morel.

The Square Ring: by Howie Reed

Two title fights last Sunday in different parts of the world. In Oberhausen Germany, Felix Sturm (28-2) became a three-time world champion with a unanimous decision over WBA titlist Javier Castillejo (61-8). When the two fought in June of last year, Castillejo stopped Sturm in 10. This time Sturm countered Castillejo’s aggressive style, landed some good clean punches and withstood a late Castillejo surge for the win.
At Foxwood’s Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut, Juan “The Baby Bull” Diaz extended his win streak to 32 when former champion Acelino Freitas (38-2) quit on his stool after the 8th round.
Freitas may be a hero in Brazil but in boxing circles he’s a quitter when the going get tough. He quit against Diego Corrales in 2004 and now against the aggressive Diaz. By all accounts Freitas won the first three rounds, might have lost the fourth but lost all momentum in the 5th when Diaz mounted a successful assault but couldn’t close the deal. Good win for Diaz and good-bye for Freitas.
There is no doubt that on Sunday the biggest prize fight in the last 10 years will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada. Many anticipating the event would be hard pressed to answer a basic question, “What title, if any, are De La Hoya-Mayweather jr. fighting for?” The answer would probably be, “Who cares?” Probably no one but the WBC who will take in a nice chunk of change.
This is a fight between two boxers of completely different personal styles that reflect the two faces of the world’s population. Oscar De La Hoya, up from the barrio of East Los Angeles, California, through talent and hard work becomes the face of boxing and success. He’s a world champion, a family man, an articulate spokesman for the sport, a promoter, a Grammy winning recording artist and a millionaire many times over. The late Archie Moore formed a group for youths called “Every Boy Does Good.” In terms of Oscar his father could say, “This boy did good.”
Then there’s Floyd Mayweather jr. - the only thing that he and Oscar have in common is that they’re boxers and world champions. Mayweaher jr. beats up women, tossed his father out of the house he bought for him, wants to be “in the hood” with the dregs of society, is a foul mouthed, low level, speak in the third person hood with brittle hands.
His fan base is found either in the gutter or working its’ way there. A pre-fight survey found that most of the support for Mayweather jr. came from urban areas although the black community will have little to do with him.
For the record De La Hoya (38-4) and Mayweather jr. (37-0) are fighting for the WBC jr. middleweight title. The weekend is called ‘Cinco de Mayo’ and is a Mexican holiday that consists mainly of drinking cerveza, whacking the heck out of Pinata and this year cheering on Oscar De La Hoya. It’s the Mexican’s celebrating their defeat of the French army on May 5, 1862. Of course beating the French isn’t that big a deal today but then hindsight is always 20-20.
The weekend in Las Vegas will also be a showcase for other boxers trying to make a name for themselves. Not only those on the big Sunday undercard but also those fighting the night before at the upscale and very hip “Palms Casino” where Paris Hilton sometimes plies her trade.
Francisco Santana is a “prospect” at 5-0 who has come under the tutelage of “The Pocket Rocket” Wayne McCullough and his wife Cheryl. Like many young fighters, Santana started boxing from an early age, had a great amateur record of 78-8 and will be boxing for the second time under McCullough.
“He’s quick to learn and works hard,” said McCullough, which is a good description of the way that McCullough was in the ring. Big night for the young man.
A fight is ‘big’ when not only fight fans but also sports fans have opinions. Teddy Atlas, the boxing commentator, thinks that Oscar will win by “fighting tall” to take away Floyd’s speed. “This could be a big fight for boxing”, he said. “If Mayweather goes out there and runs and jabs and Oscar doesn’t press the issue, the fans will have been cheated again on a big fight. I don’t think that will happen. Oscar isn’t fighting for money or championships. He has plenty of both. He’s fighting for pride and legacy.”
California real estate magnet Roger Anthony doesn’t beat around the bush. “It’s clear that De La Hoya is the man and will stay the man. He owns the boxing world right now.”
A long time contributor to this weakly effort is boxing trainer/manager Billy Major. “I’m picking Oscar. The reasons are simple: he has fought the best out there and beat them. That includes Trinidad who he really kicked the crap out of for 9 rounds.
“Oscar’s bigger and stronger and I believe has just as good hand speed and timing. He’ll negate Floyd’s hand speed with a stiff jab. Oscar is going for the legacy man and that to me makes him very dangerous to Floyd. All the ‘smack’ from Mayweather will just ignite De La Hoya like Mayorga did. Oscar’s focused and boiling underneath.
“I’ve never been blown away by Mayweather so I’m not one of those fans who think him invincible. I’ve seen too many fighters go by the wayside that were thought to be invincible. I believe Floyd will give a good account of himself and then get TKO’d in the 10th or 11th round. How’s them apples pal?”
I think even Jeeves would agree.
Those involved in the “legal” gaming business are a skeptical lot at best. Art Howard, a big time casino executive at the Lakeside Inn at beautiful Lake Tahoe is a big boxing fan.
“I would love to see De La Hoya win which means Mayweather probably will. I will bet a draw if the odds are long.”
Boxing gets new talent from the amateur sport. That’s also true with officials. One of the best ever is referee/judge Elmo Adolph who has returned to working with amateurs and may play a major role in the upcoming World Championships that were moved from Russia to the USA. He knows both De La Hoya and Mayweasther jr very well having refereed some of their amateur fights.
“Oscar has fought the better competition in his career and although there is concern that Floyd is fast and crafty, it is not nearly as important as style, perfect technique and power. Floyd will find a different level of fighter and Oscar will prevail. It may not be easy as the only thing that may be to Floyd’s advantage is that the better, tougher competition faced by Oscar may have taken a toll on him somewhat, but not enough to name Floyd a winner. And there you have it!!”
What no ‘lady opinion’ on this fight? Last week it was the ‘Lady Mongoose’, J’Marie Moore, this week the d’Eva Futch adds her 2 cents, which is worth more coming from her. Oscar’s trainer for this fight is Freddie Roach. Roach learned the training trade at the knee of the legendary Eddie Futch. Lady d’Eva Futch cast her vote for her late husband’s student.
“With Freddie Roach as De La Hoya’s new trainer and Shane Mosley as main “sparring” partner (no disrespect), I think De La Hoya has a very good chance of winning. Oscar has consistently faced tougher opposition, too. Only ‘Father Time’ can keep Oscar from winning ... time will tell. I think Oscar will take ‘F’ out to the woodshed!”
Dapper Dave Stewart, The King of Second Road, is not only a very good professional boxer but also a student of the game. “I definitely pick De La Hoya. Apart from Mayweather’s speed, De La Hoya has the advantages; height, natural weight, power, intelligence and especially ‘big fight’ experience. De La Hoya on points but I wouldn’t be that surprised if he stopped him.”
“Your Lordship you’ve included what other people think but what’s your opinion?”
Actually Jeeves I’d like Oscar to give Mayweather jr. a good old time ‘ass whipping’. Mayweather jr. had all he could handle early in his fight with Zab “No Heart” Judah. Oscar would go through Judah like a release of air at a church social. One boxing “expert” says 3 or 4 pounds doesn’t make a difference. It’s makes a big difference when you “put it on, to put it on” as Floyd has done. Oscar’s natural fighting weight is 155 to 157lbs. Floyd’s probably best at 147. Oscar has more heart. He’ll KO Mayweather jr. late in the 9th round.
Say Jeeves, did you receive anything from Chicago Cubs baseball executive Gary Hughes?
“Yes I did Your Lordship. He’s a big boxing fan but has bigger fish to fry as he’s trying to figure out how to right the Cub’s ship. At press time the Cubs were first in our hearts but last in the league.”
Well Jeeves it seems we have something to drink to. As you’ve supplied the lager, I suggest we drink to Oscar’s victory and the Chicago Cubs. May they both reign in triumph!
“Here, here Your Lordship.”

‘Wing’s Wonders’ soaring high on St’ Georges Day

The 2nd Tropical Bert’s St. George’s Day Charity Golf Tournament

Monday, April 23,
Burapha, Scramble
This being the second St Georges Day from Bert’s, and with last year being such a resounding success with over 50,000 Baht raised for charity, this year would have a lot to live up to.

Steve Carleton (left) presents the winner’s trophy to ‘Wings Wonders’.

With the same organizing team in place, it was hoped we could be at least as good as we were last year, and hopefully exceed it. With this in mind, the ‘A Team’ went out and got Alan Bolton Property Consultants as the Major Sponsor and then Diamond Dave of The Diamond Shop was also leaned on to give of his largess, but Dave is always up for a good cause. The P.I.G.S., Omni Insurance, The Whitehouse, Reg and Dot, Middy and Bob, Apple Honey Cider and John Smiths were also all persuaded to come on board, but once again they did not need much persuading. With the surety of the finances settled we could then set out to have a great day’s golf.
The test for the day was the A & B ‘Nines’ at Burapha, and the game was to be 4-Ball Scramble; always good for a discussion afterwards, and of course everyone plays it in the right spirit.
Burapha was nice and quiet when we got there and it was a gentle start to the day as we booked in, sorted out caddies and carts and moved down to the 1st Tee. Then it was crack; bit left, bit right, 100 feet straight up and a big slice to the right - the normal start for a Scramble. After that it was all fun, apart from the terrific heat and humidity. You never quite get used to it.
The course was in fine condition, if a little dry, and as we progressed the wind got up to help with the heat; still 18 holes in this heat proved difficult for everyone and most groups were drained when they finished.
Back at Bert’s the Staff were working full tilt, and soon a fine buffet was ready and all tucked in. Food nearly over, Bert said a few words, thanking all the sponsors and the people who had helped to put the day on, before passing the microphone on to the Emcee, Derek Brook, who called out the winners.
In fourth place came ‘Brenton’s Bangers’, with Mark Brenton, Joel Flor, Ted Morris and Brian Downing, they scored a net of 59.9. In third was the team of ‘The Brookmeisters’, with Derek Brook, Chris Youngman, Bob Benda and Kevin Dunne and a score of net 59.7. In second spot came ‘Fred’s Heartthrobs’, with Fred and Toy Theobald, John Emerson and John Hughes and a score of net 57.6.
And so to the day’s winners, and ‘Wings Wonders’ stormed through with a fine score of net 57.1 to come out on top. The team consisted of Mike Wing, Vince Smyth, Tony Oakes and Dave Arrowsmith. The four were presented with their prizes and the winner’s trophy by Steve Carleton of Alan Bolton Property Consultants.
There was still much to see as Diamond Dave held an auction for charity, and there was a lucky draw for all the non-winners. The night then finished with Bert informing all that the tournament had once again been a great success and had raised at least 65,000 Baht for worthy causes.
Of course the party continued until late, even for those playing golf the next day. And that, as they say, is another story.
T.T.F.N.
Technical Awards: Chant Schwulera (3), Barry Traynor, Brian Downey, Roy Thornton
Near The Keg: Mark Brenton.