A team from Australia, consisting of over 50’s Sri Lankans who were ‘old boys’ of Colombo University, toured Thailand and were hosted by Pattaya Cricket Club last weekend at the wonderful Thai Polo ground.
A 25 over game was the order of the day on the Saturday as the SL’s batted first having won the toss. Every batsman made a start but appeared to run out of puff having scored 15 runs, possibly due to the heat but maybe due to their age, or may I suggest due to the excesses of the night before and at their age they should know better. Wickets fell regularly but a respectable 125/6 was posted for the home side to chase.
In reply, Basu fell lbw first ball but Chris Waddington, Leon Bouter and Bernie Lamprecht all proceeded to bat and then perish in the same vein as the opposition, with mid teen scores; but on closer inspection they were all of a similar age to the SL’s so it was expected. The only exception was David Scott at 71 years old and the oldest player on the field, who crafted a beautiful 31 not out that belied his tender years.
Peter Gangur, another veteran of many years, no one dare ask this Aussie his age but it must be well over 60, and obviously inspired by his teammate finished with 28 not out to get PCC over the line and win by 6 wickets. The ageless Peter was awarded the man of the match trophy for his batting exploits and bowling figures of 1/12.
Sunday was a 30 over match that began in overcast and humid conditions. PCC were asked to bat and from the very first ball Jes ‘Fes’ Fastest on the Eastern Seaboard (for his age) Lees attempted to run out every partner he batted with. Fes hadn’t quite realised his batting partners were all old and decrepit and with the score at 67/3 Fes had run 45 of them, however only 28 were recorded to his name due to his partners refusing a second run or in extreme cases a life threatening third. Fittingly, and somewhat expectedly, Fes eventually ran himself out to the relief of the current and future non-strikers whereupon calm and sensibility was restored to the innings.
Skipper Simon Philbrook swatted a quick 32 at the death as Mani took 4/24 and PCC finished 148 all out. Mani had the man of the match trophy in his bespectacled sights when he stroked a marvellous 33 runs but Arjun had other ideas. The twelve year old leg spinner, 55 years Mani’s junior, bamboozled the opposition batsmen to finish with 2/15 and was rightly awarded the MoM trophy as PCC eventually bowled out the SL’s for a mightily respectable 121.
It was a marvellous weekend enjoyed by cricketers of all ages, predominantly old, and ability and PCC welcome anyone to come along a join in. Also, the club wish to thank the continued support of the PSC and Shenanigans By The Lake.
The next scheduled fixture is not until April 24 at home in the league versus Chicha CC.
