Pattaya Cricket Club hosted league leaders BFF at the magnificent Thai Polo Ground last weekend in the latest round of league matches in the Bangkok Cricket League.
Having lost the toss and asked to bowl first on a viscously hot day, Peter Bass again led the way for Pattaya with a superb opening spell of 5 overs for only 18 runs, but crucially 4 vital wickets.
With the young Hamza and the aged David Scott back in the first XI, PCC maintained the pressure through to the much needed drinks break after 15 overs and the score was a meagre 59/5.
Revitalised after the break, the BFF batsmen changed the tempo of their innings and runs began to flow. The charge was initiated by Sheryansh who when given three lives capitalised on PCC’s generosity and bludgeoned 71 not out to rescue his side and post a competitive but slightly under par score of 133/9.
PCC needed a composed start but failed to do so as Andy Emery (0) chipped one back to the bowler and Venky (12) top edged a ball onto his head and was caught behind. Manik (22) and PCC captain Simon Philbrook (24) set about repairing the early damage and at drinks Pattaya were comfortably placed at 68/2, but the break this time revitalised the BFF bowlers.
The final 8 Pattaya wickets fell for just 18 runs due to a combination of some excellent bowling (Veer Singh 4/12) and inept batting (three golden ducks) as PCC lost by 47 runs.
It was a collapse of immense proportions that undermines PCC’s chances of finishing in the top four and qualifying for the play-offs. However, PCC’s destiny is their own hands as they face the third placed Chicha CC on April 22 in their final league game. A win would guarantee fourth place.
PCC would like to thank the PSC and Shenanigans By The Lake for their support and welcome anyone to join the club via the website www.pattayacricketclub.com or Facebook page.
