SPORTS
HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]:

Thai Legends make their mark at Pattaya rugby 10s

United draw another blank in the capital

Running for charity

City go back on top after goal fest

English Premier League fixtures

Hall on top once more

Champions retain their title at Papa Ray classic

‘Count back Burnie’ earns a medal

Mark Campbell wobbles to first place

Its so Semple for Lindsay

Johnson and Fortune both top 40 at Greenwood

Reg bags an eagle at Phoenix

A ‘chip off the old block’ picks up the baton

Ditz signs out with fine win

Aussie’s rule at Green Valley

Greenaway doubles up on Birthday Cups

Sizzling bats and a hot ball leads to record run score

Three way tie for first place after week eleven

Bridge in Paradise

PATTAPA SPORTS ROUND-UP

Thai Legends make their mark at Pattaya rugby 10s

Raimon Land Chris Kays Memorial Rugby Tournament 2009

The weekend of May 2-3 saw the staging of the tenth edition of the Chris Kays Memorial 10’s Rugby Tournament, and 16 rugby teams from all over Thailand and other parts of the world descended on Horseshoe Point in Pattaya to contest what is now becoming one of the principal 10 a side tournaments in the region.

Horseshoe Point was witness to some spectacular rugby action over the weekend May 2-3 as the venue played host to the 10th Raimon Land Chris Kays Memorial 10s Tournament.
Raimon Land were once again the principal sponsors of the tournament and everything kicked off in great style at the Jamesons Irish Pub with registration and early high jinks from the participants going under names like SCC Growlers, The Buccaneers and Kaysies Crusaders! Our hosts at Horseshoe Point and the local organizers had oiled all the necessary wheels, even introducing draught English Bitter and Cider to ensure that the tournament progressed smoothly from start to finish.
This year the junior section had been expanded and despite some late drop outs the Boys Under 18 tournament was very hotly contested with teams from Bangkok and the Provinces battling the local boys from Regents School. The boys set a very high standard for the men to live up to and everybody who witnessed the ability and courage of these young lads agreed that the standards are improving very quickly. With the introduction of an improved diet the Thai boys are bulking up and are now more than a match for their foreign counterparts.

The Thai Legends 1 team (sans jerseys) accept the Chris Kays Memorial Cup from tournament organizer Jim Howard (center).

The tournament was won by the Surawittayakrn School from Surin and surprisingly the runners up were the Chalermprakiet Team from Roi Et.
This year’s main tournament was to be contested by 16 teams with a very strong local bias and some strong challengers from overseas. The Thai Barbarians, who were the champions in 2006 returned after a two year hiatus and there was strong representation from the expatriate teams in Bangkok. The Southerners were as usual favourites from this group but the Old Bangkok Bangers had found some young Bangers and they impressed with their fitness and energy.

The Bangkok Japanese finally got their hands on a trophy as they beat the Pattaya Panthers in the final of the Shield competition.

The British Club and perennial crowd favourites the Bangkok Japanese together with a new Thai club team, the Thai Legends, and Youngblood and the Bangkok University rounded out the domestic challenge.
We also welcomed back a team from the Berkshire heartland the newly amalgamated Reading and Abbey RFC in the guise of “ Kaysies Crusaders “ led by the mighty Ray Kays, Chris’ father. Another of Chris’ old sides, the Singapore Cricket Club, had entered two teams, “The Nomads” and “The Growlers “. Our old friends from the Australian Navy “The Buccaneers” returned at full strength this year after word got out around Sydney about what a great destination Pattaya was! We also welcomed back many old friends who had previously played with the Panthers who came as the Panthers Exiles or “Black Panthers”.

A sturdy ball carrier breaks the tackles.

The location was in perfect condition, the weather was benign and the quality of the rugby was of the highest level throughout and there were some very special displays during the weekend.
All likely protagonists assembled at Horseshoe Point at 09:30 am on the Saturday morning and the organizers tent was besieged by team captains anxious to know when would be their turn to take to the lush turf of Horseshoe Point.

A Thai Legend in full flow.
Unflappable as ever, tournament organizer Graham Macdonald with his dour assistants Malcolm “The Root of all Evil” Clare and Wayne “Blowfly” Oganoski soon had everything sorted out and play commenced under the control of David Viccars and his merry band of referees. I guess that they did a good job as I actually received a compliment on the quality of the officiating and none of them were drowned in the pool on Sunday night.
The sixteen teams were divided into 4 groups and Saturday’s games were played in a round robin format to determine the ranking for the various tournaments. In the perfect conditions hard and fast running rugby was the order of the day. There were strong performances from all of the Thai teams and The Southerners whilst the host team stunned everybody, including themselves, by playing out of their skins and actually winning their group and consigning the highly fancied British Club to bottom place.

Wonderful head and body – and the girl’s not bad either!
The Thai Legends I and II ,Thai Barbarians and the hosts led the way into the quarter finals with Bangkok University, Southerners, Buccaneers and the Bangkok Bangers threatening to gatecrash the cup party.
Neither of the Singapore teams lived up to their early promise but there were some strong performances from Kaysies Crusaders and the Young Blood to qualify for the plate quarter finals.
After a hard day’s play, cooling off in the pool was obligatory and a strong start was made on some of the mighty hangovers to be seen the following morning.
The final rounds of the Junior Tournament were played early on Sunday morning to allow the old fellas to sleep in but some of the hardier souls were there to support the youngsters. With a slightly later start the order of play was in some doubt, however the Chairman and his organizing team had everything under control and the knockout phase commenced with few complaints.
Partying had definitely taken it’s toll in general but on the home side in particular and several other teams were also short on resources. Tired limbs were anointed and strapped and the quest for Cup, Plate, Bowl and Shield got under way. Many first time losers were surprised to find that they then had to play more games than if they had won as a trickle down was enforced. Again there were some superb performances and some very close encounters with not a few surprises.

The Bangers take on the Bangkok Japanese.

After the youngsters had shown their paces it was on to the main tournament and the men ground their way through a very heavy schedule that finally weeded the weak from the strong. The Cup quarter finals saw some very good and hard games and eventually Thai Barbarians, Thai Legends I and II Club and Southerners progressed to the semi finals, which arguably produced the finest rugby of all with Southerners only going down to the Thai Legends II in a very hard and tense match that went right down to the wire.
The Thai Barbarians fought gallantly against the other Thai Legends team but were finally outclassed by the new boys. So the Cup Final was to be an all Thai affair and a one club affair with the Thai Legends I and II playing against one another. Any thoughts that after a joint warm up that there would be any favours granted were quickly dispelled as both teams were determined to lift the trophy. It was an absolutely cracking final in which the young Thai boys displayed total commitment and great handling. The superior fitness of Thai Legends I eventually triumphed over their second squad and they captured the title in style, winning a hotly contested final 19-7.
In the Plate it seemed obvious that the foreign sides SCC Nomads, Kaysies Crusaders and the Buccaneers would set the pace and it was hoped that the hosts, the Pattaya Panthers, would be able to reproduce their form of the previous day and the fallen stars of the British Club would shine again. However, Bangkok University and Youngblood had other ideas and there were some very closely fought encounters.
The local boys finally prevailed and age, injuries and the heat accounted for most of the protagonists. So we had another all Thai final between Bangkok Unversity and Youngblood and we saw a cracking game which was only decided in the last move of the match when Bangkok University used their secret weapon Ian “The Tank” Brydon to crash over with almost the whole Youngblood team on his back.
The competition for the Bowl was by contrast a bagful of surprises with clubs like The Bangkok Bangers, The British Club and Kaysies Crusaders all vying at this level when everybody would have expected them to be in the Cup. Eventually the final came down to those old rivals The Bangkok Bangers and British Club contesting a very close final, which saw the Bangers squeeze home against the young BC side in a high scoring game, 22-19.
This year we had introduced a Shield competition in the hope that the Panthers might win something but after flattering to deceive on Saturday, the Panthers could just not get up for it on the Sunday, however, the final between the scholars from Shrewsbury School and the Bangkok Japanese produced some very exciting rugby and after toing and froing the final result was arguably the most popular result of the weekend as the Bangkok Japanese had finally won a trophy!

The Thai Barbarians run the ball against Kaysies Crusaders.

After the final whistle everybody crashed into the pool and the presentations were made to all trophy winners by Jim Howard the Chairman of Pattaya Panthers RFC and Henri Young the Marketing Director of Raimon Land. Ray and Lin Kays (Chris’ parents ) were also on hand to assist and Ray presented the prestigious Chris Kays Award, for the person contributing most to the tournament on and off the field, to (and this was not fixed) Chris’s brother Simon. When told of Simon’s achievement Lin Kays comment was “Just like Christopher ... but at least he kept his clothes on. The award for best player of the tournament was presented to Tim Bell from Kaysie Crusaders, so they didn’t leave empty handed.
A vote of thanks is due to all the organizers supporters and sponsors without whom a tournament like this could not happen: Raimon Land the principal sponsor, MBMG International, Omega Logistics Ltd, Hamptons International, G4Ssecuricor, Mackenzie Smith Law, Cranes & Equipment Asia Ltd., Contract Resources Asia, WMS Thailand, Jardine Shipping, The Comcon Group and of course Horseshoe Point for providing a perfect venue and Fluids Asia Pacific who supplied all the beers and ciders and the very attractive beer servers, who definitely brightened up the whole weekend, just ask Russell Jay from Soundzgood Discotheques who provided the music.


United draw another blank in the capital

Pattaya United striker Madengue Moussina (left) challenges a Muang Thong United player for the ball during the match in Bangkok last Sunday.

Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Following on from a pair of disappointing goalless draws in their two previous matches, Pattaya United once again failed to find the back of their opponents net for the third game in a row as they went down 1-0 to Muang Thong United in Bangkok last Sunday.
Valeri Zanu scored the only goal of the match for the home team to hand Pattaya their third loss of the season and send the large crowd at the Thunder Dome Stadium into raptures.
Pattaya now have just 8 points from their first 9 games of the season and are currently lying in thirteenth place in the table with just three clubs below them. The ‘Dolphins’ will need to put all their efforts into breaking their goal drought this coming weekend when they take on PEA F.C. in Pattaya on Saturday May 16 with the kick off at 6 p.m.


Running for charity

Vimolrat Singnikorn
The KFC Charity Run Pattaya will take place on Monday, May 17 at the multipurpose ground in Jomtien to raise money for scholarships for students in rural areas.
A meeting was held at City Hall on May 7 to discuss preparations for 10.6 kilometer mini marathon which is also being held to promote exercise and a healthy lifestyle among Pattaya’s general population.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Mayor Verawat Khakhay, Runners Club of Pattaya chairman Anuphong Udomratanakulchai and the representative of Yum Restaurants International (Thailand) (KFC), Chatarin Phonkitikul.
The starting line will be at the multipurpose ground with several male and female categories starting from ages 15 up. Those interested should be at the appointed venue by 4.30 p.m. on the day of the event. The admission fee is 200 baht which also provides a T-shirt and a souvenir medal for every runner whilst the first five winners of every category will receive trophies.


City go back on top after goal fest

MBMG International League 2008/09

Paul Frain
Pattaya City learnt the bad news before their game that the nearest challengers to their title had won their match 1-0 to go top of the league, one point ahead of City with one game in hand.
City just had to score goals against the bottom club Bangkok United who had conceded 68 goals in their previous 18 matches, but a shock awaited them as the team from the capital fielded their strongest side and went into a shock lead in the 5th minute. With City putting pressure on their opponents goal, a breakaway saw one of the United forwards open the scoring with a rasping shot which cannoned off the inside of the City goal post and into the net to give them a 1-0 lead.
This setback did not upset the run of play and City were level within four minutes when some clever one touch passing by Jake Baker and Ernest Dipita saw the final ball being played through to City’s centre forward Pierre Ndjanna who lashed it into the net to equalize.
The Bangkok defense was split time after time as they played the offside trap but were caught too square and good chances were missed by Pattaya. The pressure had to tell, but it took a good run by Emmanuel Tshuma, who beat four players before giving the ball to Pierre Ndjanna to score his and City’s second goal and make it 2-1.
City were really firing on all cylinders now and it was just one way traffic to the United goal, but Pattaya just could not find the goal as chances went begging.
Eventually a five-man move saw the ball come to City’s midfielder Craig Banks whose shot hit the post and thankfully went into the net to make it 3-1. United’s keeper continued to pull off some good saves to stop City from adding to their score and half time came with City leading 3-1.
After the interval, City wingers Jake Baker and Emmanuel Tshima just tore the United defense apart, but there were no takers in front of goal. City’s Paul Derbyshire bought a great save from the keeper after he beat four players and Earnest Dipita missed two golden chances to put City further ahead.
Soon after, another combination between Jake Baker and Earnest Dipita saw the ball come to Paul Derbyshire who was unmarked and he slotted it home to make it 4-1 to City.
United replied with a snap shot which hit the underside of the bar but the loose ball found it’s way to City’s Earnest Dipita who ran on to slip it past the United keeper and make the score 5-1, which was the full time result.
This result puts City back at the top of the table and still in hope that the teams below them drop points in their remaining games. City’s last game will be on Saturday, May 23 whilst their nearest rivals all play this coming weekend.


English Premier League fixtures

(All kick-off times listed are Thai local times)

Saturday, 16 May 2009
Man Utd v Arsenal, 18:45
Bolton v Hull, 21:00
Everton v West Ham, 21:00
Middlesbrough v Aston Villa, 21:00
Newcastle v Fulham, 21:00
Stoke v Wigan, 21:00
Tottenham v Man City, 21:00
Sunday, 17 May 2009
West Brom v Liverpool, 19:30
Chelsea v Blackburn, 22:00
Monday, 18 May 2009

Portsmouth v Sunderland, 02:00 (Tue)

Scottish Premier League fixtures

Saturday, 16 May 2009
Rangers v Aberdeen, 18:30
Sunday, 17 May 2009
Hibernian v Celtic, 19:00


Hall on top once more

PSC golf with the Three Sisters Bar

Coronation Day kicked off May’s golfing for the Three Sisters Group at the Pattaya Country Club, ergo Holiday Rates for players. The higher rates didn’t seem to keep any of the regulars away however. A good group teed off at 0615 hours, that’s 6:15 AM for you non-military folks and the weather could not have been nicer. The course is in fine condition and the play was fast.

Tuesday winner Richard Hall (left) with runner up Herbie Ishinaga.

Regrouping at Caddy Shack II all the players enjoyed some of Herbie Ishinaga’s spicy or plain hot dogs plus nibbler snacks. As the cards were tallied we found once again Richard Hall on top with 36 points. Me thinks that Richard is due for some handicap adjustments (Golf Chairman note). Right behind Richard was Herbie Inshinaga with a 34. Bill Key and Dale Murphy came in with respectable 32s, Dale playing only his second game following knee surgery, way to go Dale! Some of the regular big hitters found their games a bit off and their scores shall remain in confidence.


Champions retain their title at Papa Ray classic

Papa Ray Rogers Memorial Golf Tournament

The winning team with Papa Ray’s nephew, Gary Rogers, (second left).

Derek Brook
Thursday, May 7, Plutaluang N & S
The legend continues. When Ray went to ‘’the great golf course in the sky’, Gary, his nephew, vowed he would not be forgotten as long as he and Ray’s friends were around. This day was a justification of those comments.
On the day we had a fine turnout with normal groups being well down on numbers, but Ray had many friends here and all like to turn out to remember him. So with a fine turnout and food and presentation back at ‘RR’ Ranch, it was just like old times. Nothing much changes with Dave still running the day, Bjarne and family from the Cafe Kronborg dealing with food and the normal friends helping out.

The runners up.

Plutaluang was in fine condition on the day, and even myself, who is not a favourite of the course, have to admit it was in very fine shape with a competitive rate organised by Dave and PSC. This was as good as I can remember here and the course is back to the North and South, or ‘The Old Course’ configuration and I have to admit it is a venue that now comes into consideration when you are thinking of booking a good course, not just a cheap one.
We also got around pretty quick, and after went into the restaurant to pass a little time until we had to be back at Ray’s House for the presentation. The restaurant has got a little costlier of late, mainly noted by the ‘one for the road’ crew, but I have to say all my group had food and it was of excellent quality and of a good price. I shall definitely eat here next time and there are many courses I cannot say that about.

The third placed team.
Back at ‘The Ranch’ the day was well underway, with food being consumed and Max taking the cards in and passing out a ‘Memorial Cap’ to all the players. As can be guessed, the front had ‘The RR Logo’ on and was in either red or green and was fine quality. One chap even had on his 1996 Papa Ray shirt so the mementos do last as my umbrella would testify, if only it could talk.
Dave as usual was in his element and the presentation was soon underway.
In fourth place came the three-ball of Russell Exley, Mark Campbell and Harry Riley with a net score of 61.2. In third was the team of Daryl White, Nual Russell, Kiwi Bill and Craig Davies with a net score of 61.1, tight was it not! In second was the team of Ray Thornton, Mikael Anderson, Barry Trainor and Ted Morris with a fine 57.6.
But the winners, and retaining the ‘champion’ title they won last year, was the team of Clive Robinson, Trevor Loersch, Bob Rasmusson and Tony Dauth with a fine net 55.1. It was straight after Dave did the presentation that I heard the splash as Clive and Tony decided to go for a swim. Most of us took our shower at the course. Until next year - T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: Jack Levy, Mark Campbell, Trevor Loersch, Al Griffiths
Long Putt: Daryl White, Russell Exley


‘Count back Burnie’ earns a medal

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

Monday, May 4, Plutaluang – Stableford
With reduced numbers now from the low season, there were only 28 players out today in our first visit here for two months. A very gentle breeze was blowing across the course which made it more pleasurable than the hot and humid days we experienced the previous week.
The North and East courses were selected today and an amazing 32 points won Ben Findon the Division 1 prize, closely followed By Russell Benson one point behind after beating Andy Oz on a back six count back of 13/11.
Esa Savola’s 35 points won Division 2 with Bryan Rought in second place with 33 and in third place, two points behind, was Andy Crabb.
Mam Morel was smiling as her birdie on the lighthouse hole was the only ‘2’ of the day to take the rollover kitty in the first division and Russell Benson and Ray Thirtle shared the honours in Division 2.
Near Pins went to Ben Findon (2), Mam Morel, Stan Everingham, Russell Benson, Andy Crabb, Jean Morel and Esa Savola.
Wednesday, May 6, Crystal Bay - Monthly Medal
A true test of golf today on this course for the monthly medal, and some very good scores started to filter back to the clubhouse, even after nine holes.
A gross 41 on the front nine from ‘Count back Burnie’ started the ball rolling and he came in to win Division 2 with a net 69. Jean Morel beat Steve Ironside for second on a back nine count back of 39/41 after they both finished with net 74s.
Dannie Larsen’s net 71 earned him first place in Division 1, with Russell Benson second on 73 and in third place was Douh Ruhen on 77.
There are no 2’s today in either division and with a holiday on Friday and our annual trip to Hua Hin the week after, all is rolled over to Phoenix on May 18.
Near Pins went to Bill Hewitt (2), Dannie Larsen, Doug Ruhen, Tony Duthie, Jean Morel and Bryan Rought.
Friday, May 8, Eastern Star – Stableford
A public holiday today and only 19 players out so there were no nearest the pin awards. Yet again it was another very hot and humid day and also a very dry course.
Thirty five points was good enough in both divisions to win: Terry Cowell came in first in Division 1 with Tom Sathrum second on 33 points and Doug Ruhen third on 30 points. Miss Nom took Division 2 honours playing off the yellows, with Jim Lane second on 32 points and Esa Savola third with 29.


Mark Campbell wobbles to first place

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, May 4, Pattana A & C - Stableford
1st Suichi Kodaka 38pts
2nd Russell Exley 37pts
3rd Tom Atkins 34pts
4th Rick Holmes 33pts
After taking a couple of competitions off celebrating his new found form, Suichi Kodaka returned to the Haven and took up where he left off by winning over the well prepared A and C courses. This comprised a mixture of blue, white and yellow tees that provided a very good test for all levels of players.
Russell Exley was just a single shot back in second having let a few slip away over the closing holes. Tom Atkins, as is now fairly usual, took a place on the podium with a tidy round another three shots back in third.
Rick Holmes, now fully recovered from his exertions carrying the colours at last weeks Anzac Remembrance Day ceremonies up on the River Kwai, rounded out the podium and celebrated with yet another lobster thermidor in the Haven’s restaurant.
There were no 2’s in the second division but Tom Atkins had one in the first.
Wednesday, May 6, Crystal Bay – Stableford
1st Mark Campbell 34pts
2nd Peter Sumner 33pts
3rd Alan Pilkington 29pts
The course is starting to show some serious signs of wear on the greens and they are only a shadow of their former selves, when at one time they were considered to be some of the best and slickest in the area. But on the other hand there are also signs of improvement over the rest of the course in general and hopefully that situation will continue to improve.
Mark Campbell started right out of the gate with a birdie on the first and strode over the front half imperiously to amass 22 points, shattering the morale of his playing partners with prodigious length off the tee and playing extremely tidily to card a one over gross for the first nine. Unfortunately the wheels slipped off the express a bit on the homeward stretch as he just struggled to hold it all together, and keep a nominal number of clubs in the bag, with shots being dropped over the last four holes and him managing to glean just 1 point on the last three. But he had done just enough going out to hold off the challenge of Peter Sumner whose three over handicap was not good enough for anything other than second, but still sufficient to consign Alan Pilkington to third place a further four strokes behind.
There were no 2’s in either division.
Before presenting the prizes, The Doc welcomed back Dale Drader, Matt Millar, Paul Ovens and Peter Sumner.
Friday, May 8, Green Valley - Stableford
1st Brian Libbey 38
2nd Norman Isherwood 37
3rd Trevor Schirmer 36
4th Saranya Riley 35
Green Valley on a holiday can sometimes be a bit trying as it usually fills up rapidly, but on this day the course in front of the competition was reasonably clear and the round progressed without any discernable delays and with the greens now in tip top shape it provided a very relaxing days golf in wonderful surroundings .
Brian Libbey is currently unable to play more than once a week as his day job is taking up more and more of his time and attention, but he must still be practicing somewhere, as his game shows none of the rustiness normally expected with playing so little.
Norman Isherwood is also an irregular performer, but he too managed to do well enough to snatch second place away from Trevor Schirmer by a single shot after just missing out on a chance of a count back with Brian.
Saranya Riley, playing off the tees in front (which were the reds in any event), just failed to get on terms with Trevor over the closing holes and had to be content with fourth.
Once again there were no 2’s in the second division but Norman Isherwood, Rick Holmes, Brian Libbey and Tom Atkins shared the first division pool.
Back at The Haven Ticky Donovan and Geoff Picken were welcomed back, with the former now having given up the job of coaching the Great Britain Karate squad and hoping to spend a little more time on the green mat here in Thailand.


Its so Semple for Lindsay

IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s

Sunday, May 3, Green Valley - Stableford
A Flight
1st Lindsay Semple (10) 38pts
2nd Steve Mulberry (10) 36pts
3rd Pat Regan (10) 35pts
B Flight
1st Don Lehmer (14) 39pts
2nd Joe Tynan (28) 38pts
3rd Geoff Doddy (20) 38pts
Near Pins: #2 Garry Blackburne, #9 Garry Blackburne, #12 Steve Smith, #16 Kevin Hamilton
2’s: seven
The Don himself took today’s honours at Green Valley, posting a very respectable 39 points. Pushing the Don all the way was the Co Wicklow Navigator ‘steaming’ Joe Tynan, and the pride of Shropshire, Geoff Doody, both knotted on 38 points: Joe gaining the count back verdict to take second place.

Sunday’s A Flight winner, Lindsay Semple.

Lindsey Semple (who else!) won the senior flight with 38 points; Steve Mulberry claimed second spot with a useful even par round, leaving a great big pile up for third. Pat Reagan the County Dubliner emerged the victor, over Nicky two gloves, Colonel Blink Spencer, Seamus Cotter V C, Mark Happy shoes, Seamless Bob and Steve Smith, all tied on 35 points
Joe’s sorted out the Sat Nav - it is now tuned in to the Irish satellite system. Good luck Joe.
Monday, May 4, Greenwood – Stableford
A Flight
1st Paul Young (12) 41pts
2nd Eddie Beilby (16) 40pts
3rd Peter Hynard (13) 39pts
A warm welcome at Greenwood was the prelude to a relaxed stableford tournament for the Lewiinski’s golf society. The day was hot and humid and the course had recently been cored and sanded, it’s that time of the year, but do they have to work on all the greens at the same time? Despite this the scores were still outstanding.
Paul Young won the day with a splendid 41 points. The Captain pushed Paul all the way coming up a shot short. Peter Hynard filled the podium with a count back victory over screaming Mark Wood, both locked together on 39 points
Paul Young made it a day to remember by slotting the only ‘2’ of the day
Wednesday, May 6, Mountain Shadow – Stableford
A Flight
1st Terry Mangan (9) 35pts
2nd Tore Eliassen (14) 34pts
3rd Bob Newell (6) 33pts
The Lewiinski’s mob traveled to the very challenging Mountain Shadow to play a stableford comp. The course was in excellent condition and the pins were placed so as not to please.
Co. Wicklow man Terry Mangan posted the best card of the day to take the first place with 35 points. Tore, the man in form, pushed Terry all the way to take second a shot adrift and “Seamless” Bob Newell snatched the third spot via a count back over the President
No 2’s were posted so a rollover on Friday.
“Screaming” Joe is all at sea with his Sat Nav - he has made 16 trips to the Elephant village. He keeps pressing the last trip button, Ha.
Friday, May 8, Green Valley - Stableford
A Flight
1st Seamus Cotter (11) 39pts
2nd John Haugen (9) 38pts
B Flight
1st Jum Karagit (27) 46pts
2nd Peter Henshaw (16) 42pts
Someone once said that timing is everything. Who would fire an amazing 46 points two days before the Monthly Medal? The answer is Jum Karagit for what must be the best round of golf in many a month. Peter the President must have thought his great 42 points was the wining score. Then the Captain, with a creditable 41 points. Sorry this was Jum’s day.
A Flight had no such drama as Seamus V C took top spot with 39 points. John Haugen got the verdict on a count back over K O Kerr for second, both a shot back.
Jum added a couple of 2’s to her day to remember, along with Peter Hynard (2), Seamless and Jim Elphick.
I heard it on the Wireless
Brian on entering the club house with his usual sad face looked at ‘One Ball’ and commented another blind caddie.
Note: Lewiinski’s is situated on Pattaya Land Soi 1, Beach Road Soi 13/3 near to Walking Street. Anyone wishing to play with us just pop in and add your name to the list or call Bob on 080 096 8232. Transport is provided.


Johnson and Fortune both top 40 at Greenwood

PSC golf from P J Pool Bar

Neil Duncan
Monday, May 4, Plutaluang N & W (White tees) -Stableford
Fifteen of us tootled out to Navy where most kindly donated a ball to the reservoir at North 3 as usual.

Thursday’s winner and runner up, David Johnson (left) and Jim Fortune.

John Roddis had the best of the day taking top spot with 39 points and a one shot reduction to his handicap. David Clamp was runner up followed in by Allan Cassin, Peter Fitton and Cliff Saveall with 36, 32, 29 and 28 points respectively with no need for any count-backs.
Allan Cassin had two near pin dividends, Cliff Saveall and yours truly the other two. Roddo sunk the longest first putt on the 18th green and the average score for the day was 27.9 points.
Thursday, May 7, Greenwood C & B
- Stableford
Most of the very similar group to that which played on Monday trundled calmly up the 331 to the venue whilst four flew up there very low courtesy of flying officer Mike King. It wasn’t until putting out on the third green that my knuckles reverted from white to their normal color.
Allocated C & B courses we were started early in good order. And what a scorcher it was. Not only did we swelter in the heat but we also put together the highest average score that I can recall – 35.3 stableford points. Granted some of the tees were a little forward but the scoring should have been marred by the healing maintenance scars on the greens.
David Johnson came in first with 42 points with Jim Fortune being runner up with 40 points, both players receiving two shot manual cuts to their handicaps. Rob Gandley made a welcome return to form coming in third with 39 points whilst Peter Fitton took fourth prize with 38 points, knocking the scribe out of the money on count back.
Jim Fortune, yours truly, Alan Freeman and Roddo claimed the near pin dividends whilst Thong Pimblitt nabbed the longest first putt on the 18th green.
Aka O’Reilly has returned to play with us but we now suspect he is a bit of a redneck because he claims that the recent lightning strike to his house combined with the subsequent wind storm and 100mm deluge caused 240,000 baht worth of improvements to it.
Note: Any golfers seeking to play with our group that wish to know about the group’s format please visit P J Pool Bar & Restaurant on Soi Watboonsamphan (Soi Kanoi) or phone Neil on 089 511 0575.


Reg bags an eagle at Phoenix

PSC golf from The Bunker Bar

Monday, May 4, Treasure Hill - Stableford
There’s never many stableford points to be had at Treasure Hill and today was no exception. PJ Redmond got the lion’s share to win with 34 points, and Mario beat John Graham on a count back to take the runner up spot. Mashi took fourth place with 31 points.

Reg Smart recorded his second ever eagle last week at Phoenix.

William Melik, playing off a handicap of 6, provided the highlight of the day by making an eagle on the signature 16th hole par 5.
1st PJ Redmond (16) 34pts
2nd Mario Benavidez (25) 32pts
3rd John Graham (13) 32pts
4th Mashi Kaneta (10) 31pts
Near Pins: William Melik, Geoff Parker and Mario (2).
Wednesday, May 6, Phoenix - Medal
PJ Remond showed Monday’s win was no fluke by winning the A Flight with a 3 under par round, with Geoff Parker getting in the frame for a change, taking second place with a 1 under par score and Geoff Cox came third with level par.
The round of the day belonged to Reg Smart who won the B Flight with a 2 under par score, the highlight being a superb eagle on the 5th hole (par 4) on the Mountain course which is only his second eagle ever in 60 years of playing golf. Not bad going for a 73 year old. Reg’s round could have been even better had he not scored a 9 at the last! Geoff Hart finished runner up a shot behind and Mario took third place with a net 73.
A Flight
1st PJ Redmond (16) net 69
2nd Geoff Parker (15) net 71
3rd Geoff Cox (12) net 72
B Flight
1st Reg Smart (24) net 70
2nd Geoff Hart (21) net 71
3rd Mario Benavidez (25) net 73
Near Pins: William Melik, William Macey, Reg Smart and Ken Davidson.
Friday, May 8, Pattana - Stableford
Playing stableford at Pattana Golf and Sports Resort, Geoff Hart found some of last month’s form to go one better than Wednesday by winning the B Flight with a fine round of 36 points; 2 points ahead of Hugh O’Donnell. Mario Benavidez, who’s had a good week’s golf, came third with 31 points.
The cut was handicap 14 and John Graham took advantage of his two extra shots that he got back at the last handicap revision (don’t know how?), John won the A Flight with the best score of the day, 3 points better off than second placed Gerry, and John Beattie came third by beating Mashi on a count back.
Near pin winners were Gerry Cooney, Neil Jones, Rab McDonald and Dave Keats.
A Flight
1st John Graham (13) 38pts
2nd Gerry Cooney (11) 35pts
3rd John Beattie (12) 34pts
B Flight
1st Geoff Hart (19) 36pts
2nd Hugh O’Donnell (23) 34pts
3rd Mario Benavidez (25) 31pts


A ‘chip off the old block’ picks up the baton

PSC Golf from Mulligans Lakeside

Dark, Landlord Ray, Lala, Justin & Ooh on the balcony of Mulligans Lakeside.

Monday, May 4, Green Valley - Stableford
Firstly off to Green Valley on Monday (Tuesday was a Holiday) to play off the white tees. The course was in good condition and busy, with several other groups teeing off in advance of us, so a little bit slow, but acceptable, with so many players about.
The weather looked after us, so with a little patience, all enjoyed their round.
The technical prizes were shared by Dave, Jeff, Graham & Steve, with the prize rundown being topped by Mulligans Lakeside landlord Ray Ryan (22) with 39 points. The minor placings were won by Ken Hole (16) with 37 pts, while Jeff Wylie (8) got third with 36.
Thursday, May 7, Pattana - Stableford
Now to Thursday & off we travelled to Pattana Golf & Sports Club, a truly fine facility, to play the A & C layout off the white tees. The course was in generally good condition and provided a good test on the day. I am sorry to say that the course got the better of nearly all the field today, the greens were very testing with some slopes & undulations that were treacherous if you found yourself on the wrong side of the flag.
Technical prizes were picked up by Doug, Jeff (2) & Justin Hiskett, who also streeted the field off his 11 handicap scoring 38 points, hence the headline. The minor placings were both secured with a meagre 31 points, John Chapman out-pointing Graham Hiskett 19 to 13 on the back 9.
Note: Mulligans Lakeside plays golf generally on Tuesday & Thursday (we sometimes change to accommodate a Thai Holiday). Presentations are made at the course on Tuesday, with Mulligans Lakeside hosting the Thursday presentation.
For more details on scheduling etc, please call Jeff 089 094 1841 or Ray 081 935 8088. Hope to see you there, Cheers & Good Golfing!


Ditz signs out with fine win

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar

The Pattaya Golf Society visited Pattana Golf Club on Coronation Day, Tuesday, May 5, to play a stableford competition. Having played there at the weekend when the yellow tees were well forward, this time they took on the daunting prospect of the A & C combination off the white tees. The course was in excellent condition and was relatively empty and the two flights were cut at the usual eighteen and under.
Starting on the hitherto unplayed “A” nine, golfers were faced with long par fours and a par six and a few found the test too much. The par six A6 posed no real problems except to organiser Mr. Len who managed to damage knee ligaments in a hazard but surprisingly most of the golfers came through the test relatively successfully.
In the second flight Peter Biggs, Ronnie Tan and Kazu Agune all posted scores of 30 points to share second place whilst the winner was Emiel van der Wiele, whose current form helped him to a winning score of 32 points.
In the top flight steady Stuart Thompson and a resurgent Mikael Andersson tied for second with 33 points whilst Austrian golfer Peter Ditz celebrated his final round before returning to Europe with a fine 37 points, his gross of eighty being the best of the day.
Stuart Thompson and Masa Takano shared the top flight 2’s pot for their efforts on A3 whilst Peter Biggs emulated their feat on the same hole to give him the healthy rolled over pot in the second flight.
Jack Shegobin is the first golfer from Mauritius to play in a PGS competition and his welcome was emphasised after his first nine score of twenty points was besmirched by only nine on the back, giving him the largest split of 20 - 9. He had nevertheless enjoyed the experience, as had all the PGS golfers on Coronation Day.
Voller savages Lakeside
The Pattaya Golf Society travelled to the attractive Royal Lakeside course at the mouth of the Bangpakong river on Thursday, May 7, to play a stableford competition on the generally forgiving track. The course was well set up as usual and the only inconvenience were the occasional mosquitoes, a feature of the riverside setting.
The single flight saw some excellent golf with four players sharing third place on 37 points each; Tony Thorne, Tore Eliassen, and the Japanese duo of Kazu Agune and Shuichi Kodaka. Runner-up, and playing his first competitive round with the PGS, was Bob Watson, and his 40 point score gave warning of what may be to come from the Englishman.
The winner was Chris Voller who came up with another amazing round. His 42 points was the second round in three where he trounced the field with a six-under score. Remarkable stuff this from the competent Englishman. His iron play at times can be phenomenal with a full range of shots peppering the pins and his gross 74 was an outstanding return. Amazingly, also, he failed to register a birdie ‘2’, unlike Stan Kure and Masanori Takano who cheekily landed an eagle on the par four eleventh for a share of the 2’s pot.
Earlier in the day the sharp-eyed organiser Mr. Chris had spotted a blot on the navigational record of Tony Thorne and he was duly rewarded with the Booby Bevy for his error. And next, no doubt, Mr. Chris will be targeting Green Valley at the weekend for another sub par performance.
Oriental Special
The Pattaya Golf Society returned to Green Valley on Saturday, May 9, for a stableford event over the well prepared course, under skies brooding with intent. An earlier than normal start saw no hold-ups behind touring groups and a good day was in prospect as scores were to show.
For the first time in its history the group saw an all-Asian leaderboard as Hong Kong Aussie Sammy Chang took third place with 39 points in his first IPGC competition. He was one point behind the steady Japanese golfer Masa Takano whose round of 40 points was his best performance in the Kingdom. It deserved more but he was thwarted by the excellence of Thai golfer Wichai Tananusorn who returned a score of 42 points for his second successive win at Green Valley.
Mauritanian Jack Shegobin shared the 2’s pot with Wichai and Sammy, the latter also sharing the day’s best gross of 78 with Masa Takano. The only European name mentioned at the presentation was that of Richard Hurley, another of the PGS newest members, who looks more than the part on the range but stutters on the course and his first competition round brought him the Booby Bevy for his low points total.
The day had been marshalled well by Chris Voller and thoroughly enjoyed by all at Green Valley.


Aussie’s rule at Green Valley

Golf from the Travellers Rest

Barry Hooper
I mentioned last week that we are currently having a lot of new faces join us at TRGG. This week was no different with a large contingent of players from Australia joining us at the end of the week. Many for the first time and some returning back after visiting with us last year.

Saturday winners: Ian Sceats, Paul Roscoe, Kevin Tomkins and Ted Senior.
 (Inset Picture - Monday winners: Gunnar Vangsnes and Jon Dean).

The result was that in our outing to Green Valley on May 9 we saw both divisions and the second and third places in division two all won by Australians.
Monday, May 4, Pattana A & C – Stableford
1st Gunnar Vangsnes (20) 40pts
2nd Jon Dean (10) 35pts
3rd Ito Akitoshi (9) 35pts
4th Mike Sanders (9) 32pts
A trip to Pattana GC was the order if the day and a course that the TRGG have not visited in some time, but the price deal on offer was one not to be turned down.
I personally had never previously played at this venue but found the course to be in good condition and the service excellent. I was also advised that it was not so easy to find but had no difficulties, seeing as it was well signposted off the 331.
The weather held good with a light breeze at times taking away the heat of the day. In general the scores were high twenties to mid thirties but one stood out and that was the winning score of forty points from Gunnar Vangnes, one of our regulars who only started playing a little over a year ago.
I spoke with him after the day’s play and he admitted to me that he really wanted to get his handicap down below twenty before returning back home. Well he got his wish as this result took him down to eighteen. Congratulations Gunnar!
Tuesday, May 5, Green Valley - Stableford
1st Trevor Downing (0) 37pts
2nd Gunnar Vangsnes (18) 32pts
3rd Eddie Townsend (15) 32pts
4th Martin Richards (23) 32pts
Tuesday saw a weekday visit to Green Valley and just the one division with the player participation being quite low.
Trevor Downing (note his handicap in the results) was the clear winner by five points with a thirty seven pointer and Gunnar Vangsnes, the winner from the previous day, was pegged back to second place at thirty two, this time albeit after a count back over a returning Eddie Townsend and Martin Richards, who also recorded the only ‘2’ of the day.
Thursday, May 7, Phoenix Mountain & Ocean - Stableford
1st Mike Sanders (9) 38pts
2nd Ito Akitoshi (9) 38pts
3rd Eddie Townsend (15) 38pts
4th Ted Senior (16) 36pts
Yet another of our regular outings to Phoenix Mountain and Ocean and as always the course was in excellent condition. It was a fairly low turnout so just one division.
The top three positions were all decided on count back all at thirty-eight: Mike Sanders topped the list, Ito Akitoshi was second and Eddie Townsend came in third.
There were two 2’s on the day from Ted Senior at the eighth and Mike Sanders at the sixteenth
Saturday, May 9, Green Valley - Stableford
Division 1
1st Ted Senior (16) 38pts
2nd Fergus Brennan (11) 37pts
3rd Mike Sanders (9) 37pts
4th Jim Sykes (10) 36pts
Division 2
1st Ian Sceats (20) 36pts
2nd Paul Roscoe (27) 33pts
3rd Kevin Tomkins (23) 33pts
4th Lars Strom (19) 33pts
Saturday was our second May outing to our now regular weekend venue at Green Valley, and at a cost that cannot to bettered. We had a good turnout bolstered as I mentioned in my opening paragraph by a large Australian contingency. I spoke with a lot of them on their return and the consensus was that they had all had a great day at a quality club. This showed in the scores.
Ian Sceats won the second division with thirty-six points followed by Paul Roscoe at the top of a count back over Kevin Tomkins and Lars Strom. Division 1 went to one of our regular players, Ted Senior with thirty-eight points, three places better than his outing on Thursday. Fergus Brennan and Mike Sanders fought out a count back on thirty-seven for second and third places.
There were just the two 2’s, going to Ted Senior and Ian Sceats.


Greenaway doubles up on Birthday Cups

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Joey’s column
Monday, May 4, Burapha - Stableford
Sponsoring a ‘Birthday Cup’ has become a popular way of celebrating an Outbacker’s Birthday, with six so far this year and two more scheduled in the near future; Geoff Doody’s on Thurs May 14 at Green Valley and Bob Lindborg’s (better ball pairs) on May 18 at Burapha.

Paul, the Outbacker B’day cup winner (left) poses with Jack (center) & Div B winner, Kathy.

But today was Jack’s Day – falling on a Monday where Outbackers have a regular slot – and a good rate at Burapha – no extra to pay for the additional prizes or food, as all is provided by the day’s sponsor.
The day started early as many gathered at The Outback for breakfast with Jack before setting off to Burapha, where a total of 44 had signed up to play in Jack’s Day.
On arrival we found once again a deserted course and were allocated the unusual combination of Belfry and Dunes playing off the blue tees, rated at 73.9 with a slope of 140; but with the customary two tee start, everybody was quickly away. The weather was perfect and the course once again was in excellent condition.
As the results came in it was obvious that no one had beaten the course with just two players beating their handicap – that being the overall winner Paul Greenaway (11) with 38 points and by doing so, becoming the first Outbacker to win a Birthday Cup for the second time. Well done Paul!
The other player to beat their handicap was ‘Our Kathy’, Kathy Doody (18) with a fine 37 points to win B Flight by one point from Alan Bishop (17).
In ‘C’ Flight it was ‘keep it in the family’ with Annie Law (28) – Kathy’s sister here on holiday - with 35 points beating the ‘bookies friend’ Charles Sheppard by two.
‘A’ Flight was that steady B1, aka Bruce Milner (11) with 36 points with the ever ready, Ray Dell (13) runner-up on 33.
Later on at the Outback bar it was time for the food - as usual it was the Outback’s cottage pie but today supplemented with onion bhajis, samosas and some Thai dishes. After which, Capt’ Bob announced the results and of course to wish Jack, Happy Birthday. This was followed by fireworks and by Jack ringing the bell! Thanks Jack for a great day.
The Near Pins were won by Graham Holmes (B2), Stuart McKenzie(B8), Jack Moseley (D2), however, the prize was put back into a draw and won by Suzi Lawton and D8 was Kathy Doody.
There were five ‘2’s from Graham Holmes, Stuart McKenzie, Pottsy, Chris Davisson and Capt’ Bob.
Overall
1st Paul Greenaway (11) 38pts
Div A (0-14)
1st Bruce Milner (11) 36pts
2nd Ray Dell (13) 33pts
3rd Bob Philp (6) 33pts
4th Graham Holmes (6) 33pts
Div B (15-19)
1st Kathy Doody (18) 37pts
2nd Alan Bishop (17) 36pts
3rd Ivan Plunkett (18) 35pts
4th Chris Dopp (19) 35pts
Div C (20+)
1st Annie Law (28) 35
2nd Charles Sheppard (20) 33
3rd Barry Lewis (31) 31pts
4th Peter Gibson (23) 30pts
Tuesday, May 5, Pattaya C.C., Stableford
Following Labour Day on Friday, May 1; eleven Outbackers played today on Coronation Day, the second of four holidays this month.
Bob Pearce celebrated with an excellent 38 points to win on count back from Geoff Moodie, who should look at his handicap from time to time! Third was John Cogan, after a short lay off, with 37 and fourth was young Nigel on 36.
There were no ‘2’s, so, as is customary, the pot was added to the prize fund.
1st Bob Pearce (14) 38pts
2nd Geoff Moodie (26) 38pts
3rd John Cogan (20) 37pts
4th Nigel Cannon (22) 36pts
Wednesday, May 6, Phoenix - Stableford
An empty course, Mountain & Ocean, enabling an excellent pace of under four hours, played host to 19 Outbackers on a very hot and humid day. Even though the greens on Mountain were disappointingly bobbly, Phoenix is a well presented mature parkland track that deservedly remains high in popularity with many a farang and locals alike.
Amongst jovial jibes from Capt’ Bob, accusing General Jack of dropping his hands over the last two holes, scoring only three points, the 38 points he returned were just enough to win Div A with the top score of the day. Mark Allen was second with 37 from Barry McIntosh in third with 35.
Jum (37pts), now off a h’cap of 23, continued her improving golf to win Div B, signalling that she’s not too far away from that next milestone of breaking into the teens. Second was Phoenix member, Alan Bishop with 36.
There were only two ‘2’s from Dave Arrowsmith and Bruce McAdam.
Div A (0-16)
1st Jack Moseley (12) 38pts
2nd Mark Allen (14) 37pts
3rd Barry McIntosh (15) 35pts
Div B (17+)
1st Jum Karagit (23) 37pts
2nd Alan Bishop (17) 36pts
3rd Henry O’Brien (20) 35pts
Thursday, May 7, Green Valley - Stableford
After breaking 90 for the first time a couple of weeks ago, John (stunning) Lawton has done it again, winning Div A on count back with the joint top score of the day of 37 points; the Sugarman handing him the victory after three-putting the last.
Twenty Outbackers played and the course was reported to be in good condition but Div B could have done better, as unbelievably the 31 points from Henry O’Brien was enough to win and the 29 from Geoff Doody still earned him a place on the podium.
A heart warming little tale came to light as Andrew & Kovak, who have joined the Outback all week, teed off on the fifth. Andrew, who plays one handed, as a result of accident when he was a teenager, removed his golf glove as he was having trouble gripping the club due to the sweat. He takes his swing and hits the ball clear over the lake but unfortunately was still unable to hang onto the club, which also went hurtling, to the middle of the lake. His ever present attentive caddie spied a couple of young Thai boys not far away and whistled them up, explaining to them what had happened. They stripped down to the waste, jumped in and proceeded to dive, in an effort to retrieve Andrew’s sunken club. After a few attempts and directions from the caddie as to where it exactly entered the water, one of them emerged triumphant, beaming from ear to ear and returning the offending club to the safety of Andrew’s golf bag. Only in Thailand!
There were two ‘2’s coming from John Lawton and Geoff Doody.
Div A (0-19)
1st John Lawton (17) 37pts
2nd Sugar Ray Handford (18) 37pts
3rd Barry Chadbourn (19) 33pts
Div B (20+)
1st Henry O’Brien (20) 31pts
2nd Suzi Lawton (20) 30pts
3rd Geoff Doody (20) 29pts
Friday, May 8,
Emerald - Stableford
It is a sure sign of the downturn in tourism and maybe even the local economy, when a golf course like the Emerald is virtually empty on a Public Holiday. Teeing off ahead of schedule with only a two-ball in front and the Beaver Bar on their back nine way ahead, the 11 Outbackers enjoyed a seemingly slow round of under four hours in the oppressive humidity, yet avoided the onslaught of a storm that was rumbling around in the distance. The course appeared tired and in need of a little TLC and the greens were particularly furry on the front nine, making it easy to leave a putt short of the hole.
The scores were generally disappointing with the big hitting Tom Clark scoring 20 on the way out but managing only 12 on the back, whilst another big hitter, Ron Dickie, rallied on the back nine after a wobble at the turn, to muster 34 points to win the day. Second was Pete Gibson with 33 and Jack scrambled into third on count back after his ball disappeared after clouting a tree on the eighteenth.
There was just one ‘2’ coming from Rick Evans.
1st Ron Dickie (18) 34pts
2nd Peter Gibson (23) 33pts
3rd Jack Moseley (12) 32pts
NOTE: If you played this course, the Outback would like you to comment on our forum, outbackchat – topic, “course reviews”, which can be found on our website, www.outbackgolfbar.com. This would help others as to the current condition of the courses in the area. For example - value for money (green fee & cart etc), pace of play, condition of the fairways, condition of the greens, caddies, and drink stops & restaurant. Even if you played a different course, please send in your review for all to read. The more the merrier.
The Outback Golf Bar is situated about 6km from Sukhumvit Road along Soi Siam Country. All are welcome to come and join us for a beer and a hit. Just call in and put your name down on the list or give Bob a call on 087 941 2474.


Sizzling bats and a hot ball leads to record run score

PSC Sunday Softball

Spot about to smack the ball to left field.

Diego Wells
It was a wild and windy, action packed performance at Pattaya softball this Sunday. The bats were sizzling, while the wind howled out toward left field.
Commissioner John Chicken F. decided it was time to use the new 47 core, softball, which took off like a rocket from the bats all afternoon. The wind, the ball, the bats and the boys, combined to break the record for most runs scored in a day of softball, as an amazing 89 runs were scored in just 13 innings.

MVP of the day, Steve at first base.
Three games were played on the day, but the final two were shortened due to the ten run mercy rule being put into effect (if a team is down by 10 or more runs, they get another at bat, and if they are still down by 10 or more, automatically lose the game).
Many a softballer padded his batting average statistics on this day, and it was a fun to watch so many homeruns and hits in such a short time.
Game 1
The first game was a hitter’s paradise, as the brand new ball bounced mightily off of the bats, and the out blowing wind also added distance to everyone’s hits.
Rocky’s team scored four in the first off hard hits by Nick, John CF, Peter, Diego and John Stockton, but that was topped by Shawn’s team’s six runs in the bottom of the inning. Rocky’s team then struggled defensively and offensively, as new player Dave couldn’t find his hitting stroke (his swing seems better suited for the driving range at the moment) and our captain of the seas Odvar was doing his best impression of a statue for most of his time in right field. Credit team Shawn for exploiting the defensive weaknesses, and blasting the balls to both fields.
Mark Reynolds had yet another strong hitting performance, after coming off of MVP honors last week. Rick was also smacking the ball through holes, as was his infield compatriot John E. Beck, in his last week of action (see, some of us have jobs) put the softball through considerable pain, with several long pokes to left field. But, it was our French Canadian (Frog) friend Steve, who seemed to have either eaten his wheeties or had torn into a can of spinach just before the match. Swinging from the left side, Steve continually crushed the ball, and hit back to back, to back homeruns. He hit 5 homeruns on the day, and earned the MVP honors, that I am sure he will treasure as he returns to Pakistan for a short hiatus (he too has a job).
Rocky’s team did put it all together in the fourth inning, scoring 11 runs and batting through the order twice. But those runs weren’t enough, as Shawn’s team continued to pound the ball, winning by the final score of 24-15.
Game 2
In game 2 Rocky’s team added a late arriving Spot to their lineup in the hopes that it would change their luck with their bats. They managed to score two runs in the first, with Spot leading the way with a double, but Shawn’s team struck back for two of their own in the bottom of the inning.
Rocky’s team couldn’t manage a run in the second, with Dave, Rocky and Odvar, all grounding or striking out, and it proved their undoing. Shawn’s team continued their hitting parade, with homers from Steve and Rick, triples and doubles from Jason, Mark, Beck, and John E. and the whole team batting through the order twice. When the third out was finally recorded, the damage done was severe enough for Shawn’s team to earn the 13-2 mercy rule victory.
Game 3
Game 3 saw a previously rattled Rocky’s team finally fight back. They traded newcomer Dave, who was struggling with his bat and foot speed, for the swift, southern American Jason, to try and even out the teams. Jason, who struggled to hit the ball solidly, but always found a way to get on base, was the catalyst for Rocky’s team.
Both teams continued to bash the ball, scoring four in the first, but Rocky’s team scored 9 in the second and 10 in the third to put the game out of reach. Final score was Rocky’s team 23, Shawn’s team 12.
Overall, it was a fun day to be wielding a bat in Pattaya softball. The 89 runs in 13 innings is a record that will probably stand until a tornado comes to town. The boys stayed to quaff some ale after the game, and relaxed in the late afternoon sun.
Again, all able bodied Pattaya people with even an ounce of athletic ability are invited to join us. We play every Sunday, at 1 p.m., on the field in Jomtien (for more information, contact John CF or Perry McNeely at the Pattaya Sports Club). So why not get off your barstool, and give Pattaya Softball a try this Sunday?


Three way tie for first place after week eleven

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

200 Bowlers: Dung, Samrit, Mai and Nok.

Dung Downs bowled a 206 game and 549 series to lead Green Chilli to a four point sweep of Bavaria and Green Chilli moved into a tie for first. Sala Thai Restaurant won four points from Swethai behind Jan Johansson’s 512 series and Aht Johansson had a 518 series for Swethai.
Brother D won three points from VFW Post 9876 in lanes 11 and 12 which are always hard to score well on. Kran Nielsen bowled a 552 series to lead her Café Kronborg team to a four point win over Canada and Kronborg jumped up from tenth place to a tie for fifth. Ooy Pluemkamon had a 518 series for Canada.
Sabai Sabai Friday is starting to make a move up the ladder as they took all four points from Jack Tar. Nok Kennedy led Sabai with games of 215, 190, 202 for a 607 series and Samrit had a 535 series. Mai Munsitha bowled a 205 game, 537 series for Jack Tar.
Café Ole took three points from Indiana with no good scores recorded in the difficult lanes 13 and 14.


Bridge in Paradise: by Neil Robinson

An ugly bid in a beautiful place

Hello and welcome to the new bridge column.  Each week I plan to present a hand which is both interesting and, I hope, informative.  I would love to hear from readers about their favourite hands - please do contact me at: [email protected].

Chiang Dao, about 80 km north of Chiang Mai, is a land of beautiful, narrow valleys between steep, forest covered mountains.  It is well worth visiting if you are in northern Thailand.  Periodically, I get together with a group of bridge-playing friends from Chiang Mai, to stay at the Chiang Dao Nest Resort for a weekend of bridge.  This hand was dealt on such a trip.  Our bridge table was in a charming valley, shaded by tall trees and with a mountain rising up so sharply that it almost looked within touching distance.  Lulled by the surrounding beauty, I made a bid I was to regret.

Once upon a time, in a simpler age, when a player bidding Standard American opened 3N, they meant it.  It showed a powerful balanced hand with 25-27 high card points.  Those days of honest bidding are long gone, to be replaced by gambling 3N openers.  My Acol bidding friends tell me it is the same in Acol.

The gambling 3N shows a long (7 or more cards) running minor suit.  Depending on agreements, the bidder may or may not have an outside entry.  The bidder hopes that partner has a couple of tricks, can stop the suit led, and has at least one card in the long minor to lead to declarer’s hand.  Then, presto, nine tricks and game made.

The biggest advantages of the gambling 3N are its preemptive value - it can be very difficult for the opponents to find their best contract - and that 3N sometimes makes.  Probably its greatest disadvantage is that it gives the opposition a roadmap to the hands.  I was sitting East when this deal came up, with neither side vulnerable and North dealing:

                          S: AK862

                          H: K852

                          D: 7

                          C: 865        

S: Q4                                     S: -

H: Q104                                H: 763

D: KJ1098                            D: Q63

C: 1097                                 C: AKQJ432

                          S: J109753

                          H: AJ9

                          D: A542

                          C: -             

 This was the bidding:

North       East           South      West

P               3N              4S             5C

5S             6C              P               P

6S             All pass

I opened 3N after North’s pass.  South made an aggressive 4S overcall.  My partner raised my presumed suit to the five level (if my suit were in fact diamonds, I could always correct).  North was happy to raise his partner, in view of his very adequate support for the bid suit.  I bid 6C, to raise the ante and North, with the reasonable hope that his partner was void in clubs, made the wise decision to raise to slam.

South ruffed the club lead, pulled trumps in two rounds, played the ace of diamonds and eventually trumped three diamonds on board.  He led towards the jack of hearts, to try and make an overtrick, hoping that I held the heart queen.  When the finesse failed, he made twelve tricks (6 spades, 2 hearts, the ace of diamonds and three diamond ruffs), and had nearly taken all thirteen.

I was left regretting my ill-judged decision to bid 6C, thereby pushing the opponents into a cold small slam made with only 20 high card points between the two hands.  Such is bridge in paradise!