Pattaya Cricket Club, affiliated with the Pattaya Sports Club, toured Phuket on Oct. 18-19, but despite losing both games all players and supporters enjoyed a thoroughly entertaining weekend.
The Saturday 30-over fixture at the picturesque Alan Cooke Ground against a very strong Phuket Cricket Group XI saw PCC bowl first in extremely humid conditions. The PCG opening batsmen soon settled in against an obviously jetlagged Andy Emery and the PCC sponsored Thai U19 representative Pao. But Pao showed his determination and character when he had the dangerous I Mushtaq (33) caught at mid wicket by the PCC captain Simon Philbrook from a quicker bouncer.
Pattaya Cricket Club on tour in Phuket.
The introduction of spin in the forms of a laid back Paul Hack (2/39) and a very angry Bobby Young (only 117 years between them) soon brought a turnaround of fortune. Ably assisted by some excellent catching, PCC contained the run rate and hauled themselves back into contention. However, a strong finish by the late middle order of S Ullah (34) and M Rehman (33no) meant a challenging total of 180 would be required for victory, despite Bobby’s career best 3/26 from his 6 overs.
Venky and Pao started the run chase and it was Venky who dominated with a fluent 27. Mike Khan (39) continued the innings momentum but wickets kept falling regularly against very accurate PCG bowling until eventually PCC finished on 127 all out. Young Bobby Young was rightly awarded the man of the match trophy which went a small way to appeasing the angry Geordie.
After an early night PCC took to the field on Sunday in a T20 game against Patong Cricket Club. Again bowling first, a refreshed Andy Emery served up an opening over of quality buffet bowling for the Patong openers to feast from. It took Paan (2/28), the second Thai national cricketer sponsored by PCC and Paul Hack (3/26) to bring some normality to the innings but with absolutely no support from the rest of the bowlers, Patong CC set PCC a near impossible target of 180 to win.
Venky (7) and Nathan Williams (8), who had flown in from Dubai for the game, opened and soon departed, quickly followed by Paul Hack (1), Mike Khan (4), Andy Emery (0), Paan (0), Darren ‘heavy roller’ Allcock (0) and Bobby ‘Mr Angry’ Young (0). Cameos from Colin Clark (14) and Bob ‘hamstring’ Newell (16) helped the stranded captain Simon (45no) to a disappointing total of 120 all out. “Thank goodness for extras” (25) was heard coming from the captain’s lips as he trudged off the field only to be buoyed later by the man of the match award.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable long weekend for all concerned where old faces met new faces and cricket was just the conduit that made it all possible.
PCC wish Pao and Paan all the very best for the forthcoming season and will be monitoring and assisting whenever they can.
The season starts at the beginning of November with practice net sessions most weekends at the glorious Thai Polo Ground. All players and supporters are welcome and encouraged to contact the club either through the website www.pattayacricketclub.com or the club Facebook page.
Finally, the club would like thank all its future sponsors for the season ahead.
