Last weekend saw 2 days of sixes cricket at the Southerners Sixes Tournament in Bangkok for Pattaya CC who had a weakened squad of players due to late cry-offs but who were determined to do the club proud.
The group games on Saturday against Southerners Gold, The Black Swan, Lanna CC and Siam CC exposed the frailties of the team as they lost all four fixtures despite the captain Simon Philbrook scoring a maximum 30 runs in each game, and PCC were rooted at the bottom the table.
Pattaya skipper Simon Philbrook was voted Man of the Tournament for his combined total of 168 runs.
Sunday meant both of the remaining group fixtures had to be won to have any chance of qualifying for a final. Dave Scott changed his daily dose of tostesterone to testosterone and the arrival of the youthful Andy Emery and PCC debutant Alex McInnes transformed the squad. After Saturday’s valiant on field efforts, the exhausted Bobby Young and broken Mike Silcock sat on the sidelines and PCC were physically and mentally ready for the fight.
Phuket were the first opponents and a disciplined bowling and fielding performance ensured a 40 run victory target was easily achieved, which included a vital bonus point. In the final group game and batting first, PCC set a challenging 65 runs against Southerners Black. Once again the PCC bowling was strong enough to secure the victory by 14 runs and a place in the Bowl final against The Black Swans.
Momentum was now with PCC as the openers Simon and Lanky strode to the crease. Immediately Simon continued his rich vein of form with another retirement, 32 not out, from only 11 balls. Lanky maintained the run rate throughout with a perfectly timed 29no and PCC amassed a challenging 75/2.
With the added pressure of a final, the PCC bowlers did not show their earlier confidence and control as the Black Swans batsmen found the boundary regularly. 16 runs were required from the final over to be bowled by Lanky with the result in the balance. Bowling very full and straight and with the invasive wicket keeper Shaun Jones standing up meant only five runs from the first four deliveries were scored. PCC finally had their hands on the cup with a well deserved five run victory.
It was a marvelous turnaround for PCC and another trophy for the ever expanding trophy cabinet. To complete the day, Simon Philbrook was awarded the Man of the Tournament trophy for his 168 tournament runs with only one dismissal.
PCC would like to thank the Pattaya Sports Club for its support and anyone wishing to be involved in any capacity are urged to contact the club via the website www.pattayacricket.club or visit the club Facebook page.
PCC’s next fixture is at home on Sunday, Feb. 1, verses Champions CC in the Bangkok Cricket League from 11pm.
